Over the past decade, Brighton College has experienced a transformative journey, evolving from a relatively understated institution to one of the UK’s most distinguished co-educational schools. Historically overshadowed by renowned establishments like Harrow, Wellington and Eton, Brighton College has emerged as the record-breaking school for top exam results. In 2024, its pupils achieved a remarkable 99.3% A*-B rate at A-level, with 87% securing A*-A grades and nearly half attaining A*. This exceptional performance led to the school being named ‘Top School of the Year for A-levels’ in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2025. Furthermore, The Sunday Times honoured Brighton College as the ‘United Kingdom School of the Decade‘, praising its progressive outlook and emphasis on kindness and respect among pupils. This accolade reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, underpinning its academic excellence. In the following sections, we delve deeper into the key aspects that define Brighton College’s success.
As always, Think Tutors is here to guide you through the admissions journey for Brighton College and other top independent schools in the UK.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1845 by William Aldwin Soames
- Location: Kemptown, Brighton (a coastal campus near the Sussex Downs)
- Students: ~1,200 (co-educational, ages 11–18, with a prep and pre-prep attached)
- Boarding: Day and boarding; about 60% boarders, 40% day (across 7 boarding houses)
- Headmaster: Richard Cairns
- Fees (per term): ~£10,000 (day) / ~£18,000 (boarding)
History & Ethos
Brighton College was the first independent school established in Sussex, opening in 1845. Its Gothic Revival chapel and original buildings (designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott) give a traditional feel, yet the school is known as one of Britain’s most progressive and forward-thinking schools. In recent decades, under the leadership of Richard Cairns, Brighton has been celebrated for its inclusive and innovative ethos – encapsulated by being named “School of the Decade” by The Sunday Times. The college emphasizes values of kindness, curiosity, and confidence. Though once a boys’ school, it has been fully co-educational for many years. Brighton College has also been a pioneer in areas like mental health (appointing some of the first in-house counsellors) and global outreach (founding international campuses in the UAE and Asia). The atmosphere is often described as warm, with a lack of stuffiness – pupils and staff are on first-name terms in some contexts. Yet, the academic drive is strong. The school motto, “Discere, Servire” (to learn, to serve), reflects a balance of scholarly ambition with service and community engagement.
Academic Performance
Brighton College’s academic rise has been meteoric. It now consistently ranks among the top 5 schools nationally for exam results. In 2024, 87% of A-Level grades were A or A*, an outstanding outcome. The GCSE results were equally impressive: 95% of grades were 9–7 (A*/A). A hallmark of Brighton is combining academic excellence with breadth – nearly all Sixth Formers take three A-levels and an Extended Project (EPQ), and many pursue unusual combinations (the school encourages arts and sciences together). There is a strong record of university placements: each year, Brighton College sends students to Oxbridge (22 offers in 2023) and Ivy League universities, alongside elite medical schools and creative arts colleges. The college prides itself on identifying each pupil’s talents – be it mathematical research or writing and journalism – and nourishing them with dedicated societies and mentoring. Its STEM reputation is noteworthy: Brighton has high-achieving math and science teams (with international Olympiad medalists), supported by the School of Science and Sport facility. Equally, humanities and languages flourish, and the college has one of the highest proportions of students studying modern languages at A-level. Overall, the academic culture is enthusiastic and “all-rounded”, rather than narrowly competitive; pupils celebrate each other’s successes.
Recent Developments
Brighton College is renowned for its modernisation. A major recent development was the opening of the School of Science and Sport in January 2020 – a striking, award-winning building that combines university-level science labs with a professional-standard sports complex. This innovative space, designed by architects OMA, symbolizes Brighton’s commitment to cutting-edge education: classrooms have glass walls onto sports areas to illustrate the interconnection of physical and intellectual development. The campus has also seen a new Music School and Sarah Abraham Recital Hall added, and boarding houses updated with contemporary amenities. In terms of program, Brighton has invested in wellbeing and inclusion – it was one of the first UK schools to abolish the old prefect system in favour of a pupil parliament, and to introduce diversity training in the curriculum. The school has also expanded its global footprint with sister schools in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bangkok and Singapore, sharing best practices across its network. Recognized by awards for teaching and for being England’s most forward-thinking school, Brighton continues to evolve. Notably, it has championed gender equality (it was among the first co-ed British public schools to have a female head of school) and has a strong anti-bullying culture.
Facilities & Boarding Life
Brighton College’s campus blends Victorian architecture with ultra-modern structures. Set a short walk from Brighton’s seafront, the school enjoys both an urban setting and views of the sea. Facilities are exceptional: aside from the flagship Science/Sports building (with a 25m pool, strength & conditioning suite, and indoor sprint track), there is a dedicated Creative Arts Centre, a 400-seat theatre, and superb art and design studios. Boarding is arranged in comfortable houses mostly located on campus or in the surrounding elegant streets. Each house has its own character – boarders live in a family-style environment with houseparents, and even day pupils are attached to houses for community and competitions. Weekends for boarders might include beach barbecues, trips to London (one hour by train), or use of the sports facilities. The college has spacious playing fields a short drive away at the Falmer sports ground and uses local facilities for activities like tennis and golf. Co-curricular life is rich: Brighton is known for its strong performing arts (its dance and drama productions often win national accolades), as well as a broad sports programme – teams in football, rugby, cricket, netball, and girls’ football have all won regional titles. Unusually, the school timetable allows for a “no prep (homework) night” midweek to permit participation in over 100 clubs and societies. Boarders and day students mingle in these activities, creating an inclusive community.
Admissions
Entry to Brighton College is competitive, with main entry points at 11+, 13+, and 16+. The admissions process evaluates not only academic achievements but also all-round potential and personality.
11+ Entry (Year 7)
Entrance Exams: Applicants sit the College’s entrance exams in English and Mathematics.
Interviews: Candidates undergo interviews to assess their suitability.
13+ Entry (Year 9)
ISEB Common Pre-Test: The typical admissions process for Year 9 begins in Year 6 with the ISEB Common Pre-Test assessments. We recommend using White Dot Education to practice ISEB Pre-Test questions.
Orientation Day: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an Orientation Day, which includes assessments, interviews, and collaborative tasks to understand the child’s personality and potential.
Common Entrance Examination: For those at preparatory schools, the Common Entrance Examination is also part of the assessment.
Brighton College offers scholarships in areas such as academic excellence, sport, music, art, and drama. While these scholarships provide additional enrichment opportunities, they are primarily honorary. Financial assistance is available through means-tested bursaries.
The College has grown in popularity, with certain entry points, like 13+, experiencing high demand. Despite this, Brighton College remains committed to a holistic admissions process, ensuring that it does not become an “exam factory.” The process often involves collaborative tasks and opportunities to get to know the child beyond their academic capabilities.
Notable Alumni
Brighton College’s alumni network is increasingly distinguished. A notable former pupil is Stanley Baldwin, who served three times as Prime Minister of the UK in the 1920s–30s. In the arts, the college counts actors such as Simon Russell Beale and comedian Romesh Ranganathan among its Old Brightonians. Other alumni include military leaders, Olympic athletes, and business innovators. As a testament to its rising status, Brighton’s more recent leavers have gone on to prominence in fields from tech entrepreneurship to the creative industries – the school often celebrates young alumni who embody its motto by achieving and giving back to society.