St. Andrew's, situated at the foot of the South Downs, was founded in 1877 and has grown from a small all boys' boarding school to its present status as a leading co-educational day/boarding school with approximately 400 children between the ages of 3-13. The Pre-Preparatory school of 96 children (age range 3-7) is housed in a separate building constructed in 1986.
Many day children start at the school at the age of 3, others start at 7 in the Preparatory department but most boarders enter at the age of 8 or 9. The school has two, modern, comfortable boarding houses for the boys and girls. Resident house parents and matrons look after the children and there exists a warm family atmosphere in each. Activities and outings are arranged for every weekend for those who stay in and, others spend the weekend at home or with friends. Boarding has become very popular with day children and the majority of them have stayed in the houses for varying lengths of time. These flexible arrangements are particularly helpful for parents who need to go away on business during the term or who want to take a holiday. Often those who come in to 'try it out' become weekly boarders because they enjoy it so much.
The school has extensive grounds where the usual range of boys' and girls' sports are played. Facilities offered by the school include modern Science Laboratories, a Domestic Science room, a Computer centre, extensive library and a gymnasium complex with a large stage and an indoor heated swimming pool.
St. Andrew's has a strong musical tradition and over 200 children currently play instruments. There are several Choirs, an Orchestra and various musical ensembles. A wide range of general activities and interests is encouraged both within the timetable and on evenings devoted to hobby activities, the list including Art, Carpentry, CDT, Chess, Pottery, Printing, Music, Drama, Model making, Shooting, Dancing, Cookery, Needlework and Photography. There are also Scout, Cub, Brownie and Guide groups. Although St. Andrew's prepares children for a large number of Independent Secondary schools it enjoys a special relationship with Eastbourne College and the term dates and half terms of the schools usually coincide. Over fifty Scholarship awards have been won in the last five years.
