06 Feb 2026

St Andrew’s Prep in Top 250 schools as ECi Charity Welcomes New Catering Partner

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.

Ends

Notes to Editors

St Andrew’s Prep is a leading independent day, flexi and boarding school for boys and girls aged nine months to 13 years in Eastbourne. Known for its strong foundations, broad co-curricular programme and pastoral care that has been singled out by ISI inspectors as a Significant Strength, the School sits between the sea and the South Downs. Its ethos encourages pupils to be curious, kind and confident, ready for the challenges of senior school and beyond. Facilities include a state-of-the-art sports hall and dance studio, a music suite, Woodland and Beach schools and a beautifully refurbished boarding house. As part of the Eastbourne College Charity, St Andrew’s also makes use of the standout facilities at Eastbourne College including astroturfs, swimming pool and the superb performing arts centre, the Birley Centre.

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09 Sep 2025

St Andrew’s Prep Named Finalist in Prestigious Education Innovation Awards

The school's nomination shines a light on its commitment to sustainability, which has grown in exciting ways this year through the creation of its Community and Sensory Garden. Once a disused area, the space has been transformed into a vibrant hub for learning, play and togetherness, thanks to the enthusiasm of our pupils, the wider community and the passion of the school’s head gardener, Hannah Gorman.

The garden has quickly become a place everyone is proud of. Children have helped at every step - planting, pruning and even building bug hotels that have brought new wildlife into the area. Hannah’s much-loved ‘Little Sprouts’ club now runs five weekly gardening groups, including a Pre-Prep club so popular it has its own waiting list.

This is just one part of the school’s wider aim to weave sustainability into every part of school life. The school’s flourishing Woodland Classroom continues to grow in importance, and its pupil-led Eco-Squad even proposed an upgraded cycle route to local MP Josh Babarinde. Added to this are the school’s Eco-Day celebrations, beach cleans, junk modelling and recycling projects. Step by step, St Andrew’s pupils are learning by doing, and becoming young environmental leaders along the way.

This news comes on the back of another major achievement: the school’s Eco-Committee was recently awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction. This nationally recognised award is given to schools whose pupil-led Eco-Committee goes above and beyond in embedding sustainability across the curriculum and the wider community.

Headmaster, Tom Gregory said, “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in the Talk Education Awards. Sustainability is such an important part of who we are, and our pupils are at the heart of it - taking the lead in transforming the garden, exploring and learning in the Woodland Classroom, shaping initiatives like the upgraded cycle route and bringing our Eco-Day and community projects to life. Watching them take responsibility, solve problems and connect with nature and their community has been truly inspiring.”

Josh Babarinde added: “"I was delighted to be invited to visit St Andrew’s Prep earlier this year. The school is a fantastic example of how education can nurture a love for the environment while also bringing communities together. From their Community and Sensory Garden to their Eco-Squad’s proposal for an upgraded cycle route, the school is helping children make a real difference locally. I have no doubt their initiatives will inspire the children, and the wider town, for years to come.”

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12 Jun 2025

St Andrew's Prep named Finalist in the 2025 Education Choices Awards

The arts are central to school life at St Andrew's Prep. From music and drama to art and design, creativity is woven into the daily experience of every pupil. With over 20 specialist staff – many of them practising artists and performers – pupils benefit from expert guidance in music, drama, dance and art. Weekly curriculum lessons, vibrant clubs, and scholarship pathways ensure that all children, from Nursery to Year 8, are supported and inspired to develop their talents.

Major productions, like Moana and our High School Musical Jr sit alongside trips to Paris and Venice, while partnerships with Eastbourne College, Glyndebourne and the local community provide exciting collaborative and community-based opportunities. Pupils also regularly achieve success in competitions and scholarships to top senior schools.

Headmaster Tom Gregory said, "We believe every child deserves the chance to discover and express their creative voice. This recognition is a consequence of the passion and dedication of our staff, and the wonderfully inclusive culture of the arts at St Andrew’s Prep.

“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to our staff, parents and pupils for championing the values of curiosity, confidence and kindness through the arts every day.”

The nomination affirms St Andrew’s Prep’s position as a leading school for creative opportunity, and underlines the vital role of the arts in shaping confident, expressive, and well-rounded young people.

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