Thoroughly progressive, academic, inclusive and, above all, focused on the importance of kindness, Brighton College has become a powerhouse in independent education. Founded in 1845 in the heart of Brighton’s Kemptown area, its historic quad and listed buildings speak of a rich educational heritage. Its dynamic Principal Richard Cairns, however, is far more interested in the future and has become known nationally for his ground-breaking approach, both educationally and pastorally.
Mr Cairns has overseen an ambitious capital project during his tenure which includes the new 20-classroom Yeoh Building, including a Creative Learning Centre, and the School of Science and Sport, including 18 university-standard laboratories, 25-metre swimming pool and sports hall. The latest addition is stunning centre for the performing arts (400-seat theatre, dance studio, drama studio and music practice rooms) and for the Sixth Form (The Club, The Study and a Global Futures Centre) plus English and computing classrooms, and a cool café for pupils to get together.
The College regularly achieves the best GCSE and A Level results in Sussex and some of the highest in the country. In the most recent exam results, the school’s Sixth Formers achieved 99.3% A*–B in their A Level, while the most common grade at GCSE was the top grade of 9, with 99% of exam grades being 9–7/A*–A. The top destination for Brighton College pupils is Oxford and Cambridge, with 293 attending Oxbridge from 2014–2024.
The school has been the recipient of many awards: most recently named UK Boarding School of the Year 2025 and UK School of the Year for A-levels 2025 by the Sunday Times, who also named them ‘United Kingdom Independent School of the Decade’ in 2020 and ‘United Kingdom Independent School of the Year' in 2019 and 2013. The school was also the top educational school in the UK for its 2024 GCSE and A-level results. Mr Cairns was named ‘UK Head of the Year 2023’ by Tatler magazine. The Week called Brighton College ‘Top School in Britain for STEM’ in 2023 and the ‘Most Forward-thinking School in Britain’ for two years running in 2018 and 2019.
There is a wealth of extracurricular activities on offer, in particular sport, music and the performing arts. There are now 1,250 pupils, of whom a third are boarders. In its most recent inspection in 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate gave Brighton College and its Prep School a perfect score in every category.
Buildings. An extensive programme of development has taken place which has seen many of the new builds win architectural awards. In 2020, The School of Science and Sport opened, containing 18 university-standard labs, plus a 25-metre pool and rooftop running track; in 2015, the Music School opened, home to state-of-the-art recording facilities and a 150-seat recital hall. In September 2017, the tenth new building in ten years opened, the Hopkins-designed Yeoh Building, with its innovative top-floor double-height Creative Learning Centre.
Admission. Pupils are admitted to the Lower Third (Year 7) at the age of 11 via assessments held at the College in January; to the Fourth Form between the ages of 13 and 14 via the Common Entrance examination, the Academic Scholarship examination or by special assessment and interview; and into the Sixth Form for A Levels between the ages of 16 and 17. The College prospectus and registration form can be obtained from the Director of Admissions.
Houses. An extensive refurbishment programme is nearing completion across the day and boarding houses. A third of the pupils are boarders in the school and weekly boarding is very popular, giving pupils the opportunity to go home on Friday afternoon and return either on Sunday evening or Monday morning.
Health. There is a Central Health Centre with a team of qualified nurses on duty 24/7.
Catering. There are two stunning dining rooms, managed by a qualified Catering Manager.
Holidays. School holidays are around three weeks each at Christmas and Easter, and eight weeks in the Summer. There is a half-term holiday of one week in all three terms.
Religion. A short morning service is held in Chapel on two days a week, with one service aimed to embrace all faiths.
Curriculum. The School is divided into seven forms: Lower Third, Upper Third, Fourth, Lower Fifth, Upper Fifth, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth. In the Sixth Form, 28 subjects are available at A Level. For GCSE, pupils select their subjects – usually 10 – at the end of the Fourth Form. 99% of pupils proceed to university. Preparation for the UCAS process begins in the second term of the Lower Sixth, and pupils are guided towards appropriate choices by the Head of Sixth Form in conjunction with the individual pupil’s tutor.
Sport. The College enjoys a strong record of excellence at sports. The main playing field (the Home Ground) is part of the College campus and the large Jubilee Ground is a mile away at East Brighton Park. All pupils take part in the College’s extensive games programme. The main sports for boys are rugby, football and cricket and for girls, netball, hockey and cricket. In addition, a host of other options are available including basketball, squash, tennis, golf, beach volleyball, athletics and cross country.
Service. All pupils from the Lower Fifth onwards are expected to participate in a service activity on one afternoon a week. Pupils may participate in charity work or, in the Sixth Form, Community Service; alternatively they may join The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme or enter one of the three sections of the CCF.
Music. There is a strong musical tradition and pupils reach a very high level of performance. The award-winning Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and Swing Band perform regularly both inside and outside the College. There are several Chamber groups, and the Choral Society and Orchestra usually perform major works at the annual Brighton Festival.
Drama. The College has a strong tradition of excellence in drama, and there are opportunities for anyone to be involved. In addition to the regular calendar of a musical, Sixth Form studio production, Sixth Form play, Fourth Form play, Lower School play and House Drama festival, there are also many productions mounted entirely by pupils.
Activities. Creative activities are encouraged both in and out of school time, and the College has its own Art School and Gallery. Dance is a very popular activity, with many boys and girls performing in regional and national productions.
Careers. The dedicated Global Futures team advise pupils on careers. The College is a member of the Independent Schools Careers Organisation.
Scholarships. The following Scholarships are available:
11+ Entry: Academic, All-Rounder (Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Sport), Chess and Choral.
13+ Entry: Academic, All-Rounder, Art & Photography, Chess, Choral, Dance, Drama, DT, Music and Sport.
Sixth Form Entry: Academic, Sport and Expressive Arts (Art, Dance, Drama, Music) and Opening Doors.
For further details about scholarships, please contact the Admissions Office.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Boarding (Fourth Form to Upper 6th): Weekly £14,770–£15,220; UK Full Boarding £17,510–£18,490; International Full Boarding £21,670–£22,840. Day (Lower Third to Upper 6th): £7,720–£10,590.
Old Brightonians, the College’s alumni network, has annual dinners and a number of flourishing sports clubs.
Preparatory School. The College has its own co-educational Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep School. (For details see entry in IAPS section.) Charitable status. Brighton College is a Registered Charity, number 307061.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors: The Rt. Hon. Lord Maude of Horsham
Senior Management Team:
Principal: Mr R J Cairns, MA, FRSA
Vice Principal Miss L Hamblett, MA
Head Master Mr S Marshall-Taylor, BA
Second Master Mrs J A Riley, MA
Group Chief Operating Officer: Mr P Westbrook, BA, FCA
Second Master: Mr S Marshall-Taylor, BA
Executive Head of Prep Schools: Mr J Weeks, BA
Bursar: Ms E Dobson, MA, CIMA
Assistant Head (Sixth Form): Ms O Upchurch, MEd
Assistant Head (Middle School): Ms P Alisse, MA
Assistant Head (Co-Curriculum): Mr J Cornish, MSci
Assistant Head (Outreach and Partnerships): Miss D Parkes, MEd
Assistant Head (Director of Boarding): Mrs J Hamblett-Jahn, LLB
Assistant Head (Director of Studies): Mr G Brocklesby, BA
Director of Admissions/Registrar: Mr A Merrett, BSc
Chaplain: Canon D Stone, MA, BM, BCh