Eastbourne College

The music department were delighted to welcome mezzo-soprano, Louise Winter to deliver a vocal masterclass to six of our singing pupils. Louise has performed on some of the world's great opera stages including singing the title role of Carmen for English National Opera. Louise set up the Ashburnham English Song Awards in 2023 to encourage the study and performance of English Song. Louise offered some vital technical advice to all the singers and helped them to find new vocal sounds and colours.

🏊‍♂️✨ Huge congrats to the Eastbourne College swimming team for completing their 24-hour swimathon! 🌊👏 Your dedication and teamwork were incredible, with some impressive swims throughout the event. Special shoutout to Mrs Simmonds for swimming for two and a half hours straight—without any sleep! 🤩💪

In that time, you all swam across the Channel and back. Thank you to everyone who supported. It’s not too late to donate! https://www.justgiving.com/page/jessica-simmonds-1729540435896?utm_medium=fundraising

Last week, we held our annual inter-house steeplechase! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

The Sunshine Coast once again provided the perfect setting. Beginning in the stunning South Downs National Park, pupils challenged themselves with distances ranging from 3–7 km, navigating the hills, and finishing along the seafront at Western lawns. ☀️

A big shoutout to Mr Harrison and his amazing team, along with .triathlon, for organising such a fantastic event! 🙌

🌍✨ Thank you to The Guide to Independent Schools for publishing our article on Eastbourne College’s unique trips programme which highlighted the school’s recent excursion to South Africa which was led by Mr Fellows. Our lucky pupils engaged in giraffe conservation, enjoyed white-water kayaking and big-game safaris and connected with local communities through sports and charitable efforts. They were also fascinated by their visits to Anglo-Zulu battlefield sites.

Mr Fellows' article also highlighted the school’s unique Leadership Awards and Personal Development (LAPD) programme. LAPD is a bespoke four-term initiative designed to develop leadership skills and confidence while providing a portfolio of qualifications that enhance future projects and cultivate transferable skills sought by universities and employers.

Thanks too to Independent School Parent and the 2024 ISOTY Awards for naming the South Africa expedition one of the five finalists in their Best Trip Award category. 🙌

Independent School Parent

We’re thrilled to see House Revues back in action at Eastbourne College. The year kicked off with fantastic performances from Wargrave and School House, showcasing an abundance of talent and plenty of laughs. A big thank you to our talented photography pupils for capturing the magic of the evenings. 🌟

Year 10 swimmer Stanley Y had an incredible 1-2-1 session with ex-England swimmer Elliott Clogg, now coaching at the Loughborough National Centre, and Ian Hulme, former Loughborough Head Coach and Team Coach at the 2023 World & European Champs and 2022 Commonwealth Games. A fantastic opportunity to learn from two top experts 🏊‍♂️

A spectacular display of the Northern Lights over Eastbourne College last night 💫

🎶 Last week, Eastbourne College enjoyed a wonderful evening at St John's College Chapel for Evensong, beautifully sung by the College Choir under the direction of Mr Jordan. Afterwards, members of the ES family—current parents, alumni, and friends—gathered for drinks and dinner at Gonville and Caius College. It was a pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces, including Cambridge alumni and some of our current undergraduates. Special thanks to Dr. Andrew Spencer for hosting us in the Fellows' Dining Room!

Great to see our local MP, Josh Babarinde OBE, speaking to the House about the College and its work within the Coastal Schools Partnership in today's Opposition Day Debate on VAT on independent schools. He understands very well the impact of the changes across our community.

. 🎭 Exciting news for Old Eastbournian Fin Tomlinson 🌟

We’re thrilled to share that Fin has been cast in the chorus of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the London Palladium on 24 November. 🎶✨ After a highly competitive casting process, he was one of just ten performers selected to appear alongside renowned stars and West End and Broadway royalty Ramin Karimloo (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables) and Hadley Fraser (Les Misérables, Frankenstein, Chess).

Congratulations, Fin. We can’t wait to see you on stage. 🎉

We're pleased to invite you to the second informal concert of the year tonight at Eastbourne College. Please join us at 6.45 in the JWA, Birley Centre. 🎶🎵

With over 30 different languages spoken among College pupils, yesterday the MFL department celebrated the annual European Day of Languages, an initiative promoted by the Council of Europe to encourage and recognise linguistic diversity. Pupils took part in language quizzes and enjoyed a European themed menu at lunchtime.

There were also some wonderfully creative and delicious entries for the Languages cake bake challenge from some very talented star bakers, including a paella themed cake, an Italian pizza (complete with pizza box) and traditional Valencian and Breton cakes.

Year 11 Cadets, of A company of the CCF, have weathered the best of a British summer to undertake advanced field craft training at nearby Pippingford Park. This has been the culminating activity towards achieving their coveted One Star award and we are proud to see how they all flourished under some challenging conditions. 🍃

What an incredible day at Eastbourne College for the Watt House Colour Run on Sunday! 🎨🏃‍♀️ Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support, take part in the tug of war, enjoy the bake sale, and, of course, get covered in colour.🌈

All money raised is going to the amazing JPK Project, a local charity, supporting young people with learning disabilities and their families. With a percentage of the funds also going to the Blue Sky Bursaries.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise. Let's hope we can make this an annual event!🌟

Here’s a glimpse of this weekend’s adventure at Bewl Water. A great example of exciting activities we have available at the weekend for our boarders. 🌟

We’re excited to announce that Eastbourne College is a finalist in the school trips category of the 2024 Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

Our innovative, life-enhancing trips—ranging from subject-specific visits to sports experiences and leadership, award, and personal development expeditions—have been recognised for their outstanding educational and societal impact. Good luck to everyone at the awards ceremony in London next month and thank you Independent School Parent.

Independent School Parent

Yesterday, pupils braved the elements to compete in our inter-house aquathlon. It was a tremendous effort from everyone involved. Huge thanks to Mr. Harrison, Mr. Allchorn, and all involved staff members for making this event possible.

It was amazing to see such support and team spirit from all the houses. We're looking forward to the next inter-house competition! 🏃‍♂️🏊‍♂️

Join us in celebrating the 125th anniversary of rugby at the College. Throughout the week, the College will be hosting various games to commemorate this special occasion. We cordially invite you to come and witness the College 1st XV take on City of London Freemen's School on Friday evening. The match is set to kick off on Friday 20 September at 6:15 pm on College Field.

After the game, we welcome you to join us for a drink as we toast to this milestone. Your presence as a spectator on College Field would mean the world to us. We look forward to seeing you there.

The next day Saturday 21 September we extend a special invitation for you to join us in watching the thrilling match between a team of Old Eastbournians and The Wooden Spoon charity.

Mark your calendars for Saturday 21 September, as the kick-off is scheduled for 2 pm. Following the match, a delicious curry will be served in the dining hall for all attendees to enjoy. Please register your attendance via the Eastbournian Society website.

Our opening weekend of term saw our boarding community come together for a delicious BBQ on Saturday evening following by a fun-filled House Olympics event on Sunday morning. Pupils across the year groups united for a perfect blend of teamwork, laughter, and friendship. Huge thanks to our organisers and congratulations to all those who took part.

Welcome back to Eastbourne College. We hope you had a restful break and are ready for the new term ahead. Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, we’re looking forward to a productive and rewarding year. 🌟