St Andrew’s Prep is delighted to have been recognised for the fourth consecutive year in Talk Education’s Top 250 Prep Schools in the UK.
The list celebrates schools that excel in academic outcomes, facilities and pupil destinations, as well as those harder to measure, including reputation, word of mouth and the everyday pupil experience. The list is compiled by Talk Education’s network of research experts, informers and education specialists who track school quality across the country.
This national recognition adds to the school’s growing list of accolades and follows the 2024 Independent Schools Inspectorate report, which saw St Andrew’s meet ISI’s exacting standards* and identified a Significant Strength in physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Together, these achievements reinforce the school’s position as a leading independent education provider in Eastbourne.
Headmaster Tom Gregory commented: “We’re delighted with the news. It reflects the hard work of our staff, the energy and talent of our pupils, and the consistent support of our families. As we approach our 150-year anniversary, it’s wonderful to see our offering continue to go from strength to strength. Small class sizes, an excellent pupil-to-teacher ratio and our nursery to Year 8 provision all on one site provide a formidable option for families considering independent education in Eastbourne. It’s rewarding to see both the ISI and Talk Education recognise the overall strength of our School where pastoral care runs right through daily life.”
In further developments across the Eastbourne College Incorporated, St Andrew’s Prep and Eastbourne College have jointly awarded a new ten-year catering contract to Lodestone House. Their distinctive Garden to Kitchen to Classroom approach helps pupils meaningfully connect with concepts of food, nutrition and sustainability, reflecting the Charity’s emphasis on holistic education.
Noelle Jones, Managing Director at Lodestone House said: “We’re really looking forward to becoming part of life at St Andrew’s Prep and Eastbourne College. For us, great school catering isn’t just about what’s served on the plate; it’s about creating spaces and moments that connect the garden, the kitchen and the classroom. Whether that’s using seasonal produce to spark curiosity about food, supporting busy school days with nourishing meals, or giving pupils a place to pause and enjoy time together, our aim is to be a positive, everyday presence in the College community. We’re proud to be starting this partnership and excited to build something special alongside the team at Eastbourne.”
This new partnership further strengthens alignment between the schools which already includes the Bridge Curriculum that provides a smooth academic transition from St Andrew’s Prep to Eastbourne College and its shared inspiring staff and premier facilities. Collectively, these initiatives reinforce the Charity’s unique through school pathway, offering a continuous education provision from nine months to 18 years – all within a single town setting.
*Since the introduction of ISI’s new inspection framework in September 2023, their reports no longer use qualitative descriptors in relation to their findings. Instead, the report confirms whether or not ISI’s exacting standards are met and provides commentary on their findings. St Andrew’s Prep met all standards in this inspection.
