East Sussex County Council

 

School Organisation Plan

 

2025 to 2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreword

Welcome to East Sussex County Council’s School Organisation Plan. The plan is a 4-year rolling plan.  It sets out how East Sussex County Council (the local authority) will meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient school places in the right locations to meet demand. It is updated every year.

Our Excellence for All vision sets out our shared commitment to an education system where all children belong and there is a culture of inclusion embedded across the county. In addition our East Sussex Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Strategy sets out the shared ambitions we aim to achieve across education, health, and social care over the next three years for children and young people with SEND.

 

We are anticipating significant changes to the government’s approach to SEND and Inclusion, aligned to national changes in accountability, curriculum, assessment and inspection.  A government White Paper is due to be published in early 2026.  Through our work with the SEND & AP (Alternative Provision) Change programme, a government plan to improve support for children with SEND, it is clear that there will be a strong focus on inclusion in schools.  Specifically a focus on more children with SEND and additional needs in mainstream schools.  

 

Over the plan period the biggest challenge for the local authority will continue to be the growing demand for special educational needs provision linked to the rising number of children and young people with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).  In recent years, the local authority has delivered 359 new special school and specialist facility places, to help address the increasing demand for special educational needs provision and to manage the high cost of placements in non-maintained and independent special schools.  Our SEND place planning strategy will continue to deliver more special educational needs provision during the lifetime of the plan.

 

At the same time there will be areas of the county where demand for mainstream school places is low as a result of the continuing decline in the birth rate.  This creates its own challenges for schools in terms of their medium to long term viability.  Our Small Schools Policy is part of the local authority’s strategy to help small schools remain sustainable and at the heart of their local communities.

 

For September 2025, we are pleased to confirm that we were able to offer a place at a preferred school to:

·         Primary Reception year: 98.1% of applicants

·         Junior Year 3: 100% of applicants

·         Secondary Year 7: 96.5% of applicants

 

The local authority continues to face challenges related to the capital cost of providing school places.  There is an imbalance between the significant cost of providing new places and the funding that we receive.  To help to address this and reduce the local authority’s reliance on borrowing, we will continue to work closely with the District and Borough Councils to ensure that housing developments in the county contribute where necessary towards the cost of building education infrastructure to serve those developments.

 

In East Sussex we have a history of strong partnership working; something we are rightly proud of.  Collaboration with all our schools and settings is essential to ensure that we continue to play a strong and consistent role in shaping the local education offer for our children and young people.  We are grateful to school leaders, academy trusts, diocesan colleagues and other key partners for their continued support in helping to shape our strategic planning for education provision in East Sussex.

 

We hope that you will find this document of interest and we welcome any comments you might have on the plan.

 

 

Bob Standley Lead Member for Education, Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability

Carolyn Fair Director of Children’s Services

 

 

 

 

CONTENTS

Foreword. 2

Introduction. 6

Policies and strategies 7

Excellence for All 7

Admission arrangements 7

Small Schools Policy. 7

Childcare Sufficiency Duty. 8

East Sussex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy. 8

National framework. 8

The local perspective. 9

Population. 9

Pupil numbers 10

Schools in East Sussex. 15

State funded schools by type. 16

Local Authority maintained schools 16

Federations 16

Rural Primary Schools 16

Academies 17

School organisation in East Sussex. 18

Introduction. 18

School planning areas 18

Pupil forecasting. 18

Creating new places 19

Capital funding. 20

Surplus places 21

Reviews of provision. 21

Eastbourne. 23

Hastings 29

Lewes and surrounding area. 35

The Havens 41

Seaford. 49

Rural Lewes 55

Bexhill and surrounding area. 64

Battle. 70

Rye and surrounding area. 76

Rural Rother 82

Crowborough and surrounding area. 88

Hailsham and surrounding area. 94

Heathfield. 100

Polegate and Willingdon. 106

Stone Cross, Hankham, Pevensey and Westham.. 112

Uckfield and surrounding area. 116

Rural Wealden. 122

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) 129

Alternative Provision. 138

Post-16 Provision. 139

Appendix 1:  Individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll 142

 

Introduction

Local authorities have a statutory responsibility to ensure there are enough school places available in their area to meet demand, as set out in section 14 of the Education Act 1996.  In line with these duties, East Sussex County Council (the local authority) publishes a School Organisation Plan each year which sets out how we will provide enough primary, secondary and special educational needs places in the right locations to meet demand.  This School Organisation Plan covers the period 2025 to 2029.

The document contains information on:

·         the current pattern of school provision across the county

·         forecasts for future school numbers

·         our plans to meet the need for more places in areas of growth

·         our plans to address the over-supply of places in areas with falling rolls

The need for school places fluctuates in response to population changes, new housing developments and government policy.  It can lead to rising as well as declining pupil numbers.  Increases in demand can lead to the establishment of new schools or the expansion of existing schools.  Decreases in demand can lead to a reduction in places through changes to admission arrangements or the rationalisation of provision.

The purpose of the School Organisation Plan is to share the projected demand for school places in the future.  It sets out where we should commission extra places or re-organise existing provision.  It is a contextual document, providing the framework within which proposals for change may be brought forward.  Any reviews of education provision we undertake and any recommendations for school re-organisation will, in part, be based on information contained in the plan.  For example, opening, closing, amalgamating, expanding or reducing the size of schools.

Over the plan period there will continue to be growing demand for special educational needs provision linked to the rising number of children and young people with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).  At the same time there will be areas with a declining demand for mainstream school places as a result of the falling birth rate in the county.  Some schools will face challenges associated with falling rolls.  This can create budget pressures and impact on decisions of school leadership and organisation.

The local authority seeks to ensure there are the right number of school places in the right locations, with the aim of providing a high quality and inclusive education for all children and young people in East Sussex.  Alongside our statutory duty to ensure there are enough school places to meet demand, we are responsible for promoting a good supply of places at strong schools through planning, organising, and commissioning places in a way that raises attainment, increases diversity, encourages collaboration between schools and promotes community cohesion.  

To achieve this, the local authority works closely with:

·         school leaders, including headteachers and governing boards

·         academy trusts

·         the Diocese of Chichester and the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton

·         local communities

·         local planning authorities and developers

Policies and strategies

The School Organisation Plan is one of several policies and strategies that link to wider education provision in East Sussex.  Others include:

Excellence for All

Excellence for All sets out our collective vision with partners for the education system in East Sussex:

‘…that by 2030 all children and young people in East Sussex will be a part of an excellent, inclusive, and equitable education system. This system will foster a meaningful sense of belonging from early years all the way to post-16 provision.
 
Our inclusive system will be driven by outstanding leadership and scaffolded by good governance. Young people and their families will feel confident, cared for and ready to reach their full potential.

The principles set out in this vision will inform the strategic plans across our partnerships, the local authority, and our education providers.  Our strong governance structures will oversee the delivery of our plans and our vision.’

Admission arrangements

All schools must have admission arrangements that explain how children will be admitted.  This includes the criteria that will be applied if there are more applications than places at the school.  Admission arrangements are determined by admissions authorities.  East Sussex County Council is the admissions authority for community schools and voluntary controlled schools.  The governing boards of voluntary aided schools, foundation trust schools, academies and free schools set the admissions criteria for their individual school(s).

Parents and carers have the right to express a preference for a school.  This is not the same as choosing the school where their child will attend.  Parents and carers in East Sussex can select up to three preferences when applying for a school place for their child.

For September 2025, the local authority was able to offer a place at a preferred school to:

·         98.1% of primary reception (Year R) applicants

• all junior Year 3 applicants
• 96.5% of secondary Year 7 applicants

There is more information about applying for a school place on the local authority website.

Small Schools Policy

East Sussex has a variety of schools which differ in size and location. Small primary schools, particularly in rural areas, are a key feature of the East Sussex education landscape. In 2024/25, 48 primary schools had fewer than 150 pupils on roll and were considered small schools.  28 (56%) of these are currently working as part of a federation of schools.

Small schools offer many strengths in serving their local community.  Relationships are strong, and pupils are well-known by staff and their peers. However, their small size and capacity means that it can be more difficult to overcome challenges, for example, staffing changes, falling pupil numbers and limited resources.

The Small Schools Policy is part of the local authority’s strategy to help small schools remain sustainable and at the heart of their communities.

Childcare Sufficiency Duty

The Childcare Sufficiency Duty is a statutory annual report published by the local authority.  It reports on the sufficiency of childcare and the state of the childcare market across East Sussex. We have a statutory duty to secure sufficient childcare for eligible families of children aged 0-14, and up to 18 for disabled children.

A new Childcare Sufficiency Duty report for 2026/27 will be published in early 2026.  It will take account of the expansion of the Early Years Education entitlement for working families.  This expansion was fully implemented from September 2025.

East Sussex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy

In November 2022 a new, ambitious East Sussex SEND Strategy was launched covering the period 2022 to 2026.  This sets out the shared ambitions we aim to achieve across education, health, and social care over the next three years for children and young people with SEND.

The Strategy outlines a joint approach to service provision and commissioning by putting children and young people, and their families at the centre of decision-making.

The SEND Strategy was developed by representatives from across the local authority, health services and education providers, informed by the voices of young people, parents and carers.

National framework

For more information about the national framework within which local authorities must work in relation to education provision and school planning, please refer to the Department for Education website.

 

The local perspective

Population

The overall population in East Sussex has grown steadily, rising from 492,000 in 2001 to 555,000 in 2023 (Source: 2001 Census and ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates, 2023).

Around three quarters of the population live in urban areas (Source: 2011 Census). The main centres of population and employment are concentrated in the southern coastal strip of the county in Eastbourne, Hastings and St Leonard’s, Bexhill, Newhaven, Seaford, and Lewes.

The picture for East Sussex as a whole is of an ageing county. The proportion of the population aged 65 and over is forecast to rise from 26% in 2021 to 30% in 2029 and 34% by 2037 (Source: 2021 Census and ESCC Dwelling-Led Population Projections May 2025).

Births in East Sussex peaked at 5,500 in academic year 2010/11.  Since then, countywide births have fallen to below 4,300 in 2022/23.  Based on historic patterns of 11-13 year cycles of peaks and troughs, birth numbers may begin an upward cycle soon.  However, the declining fertility rates currently being witnessed not only in East Sussex, but in most of the UK and in many parts of the world, may mean that previous cyclical patterns are not repeated.  Births in East Sussex for 2023/24 are around 80 up on the previous year, but it is not clear whether this is just a blip or marks the start of a prolonged recovery.

East Sussex births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Pupil numbers

Primary

The fall in countywide births is reflected in falling primary reception (Year R) intake numbers, at least until 2027/28.  The local authority’s latest pupil forecasts are showing numbers beginning to recover beyond this point.  However, intake forecasts beyond 2028/29 are based on demographic projections of future births rather than actual live birth or GP registration data and are less certain.  Even if births do continue to follow their normal cyclical patterns, we may not see high Year R numbers across the county generally until the 2030s.

However, in some areas of the county where high volumes of new housing are planned, numbers in Year R may rise sooner than in other parts of East Sussex. 

East Sussex primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecsts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Total numbers on roll in primary schools peaked in 2018/19 and are now in decline, currently leaving around 11% surplus places overall, although this margin varies from area to area.  By 2028/29, surplus places are forecast to rise to 15%.

East Sussex total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

                                                Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan25) 23.06.25 Final

 

 

Secondary

Earlier high numbers in primary schools have been reflected in rising Year 7 secondary school intakes.  Year 7 numbers peaked in 2022/23 with total numbers on roll in secondary schools peaking in 2023/24.

East Sussex secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

With secondary school numbers now in decline, surplus places, currently at 13% countywide, are predicted to rise to 15% by the end of the plan period.

East Sussex total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Special Educational Needs

In 2024/25, the number of school aged children (aged 4-18) in East Sussex with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) was 4,481.  There were also 412 young people aged 19-25 with an EHCP who need continued support to transition to adulthood.

Over the next four years, the local authority forecasts that overall numbers of school aged children with EHCPs will grow, by around 22%, to nearly 5,500.

School age children with an Education, Health and Care Plan from 2019/20 to 2028/29

Source:  ESCC SEND Forecasting Model (July 2025)

 

 

 

 

School age children with an Education, Health and Care Plan from 2019/20 to 2028/29

 

Cross-border movement

At primary school level, across all year groups, around 400 children from the neighbouring authorities of:

·    Kent

·    West Sussex

·    Brighton and Hove

attend schools in East Sussex. Approximately 900 children from East Sussex attend schools in these same authorities.

At secondary school level, across all year groups, approximately 900 children from these neighbouring authorities attend schools in East Sussex. Around 1,400 children from East Sussex attend schools in these same authorities.  Kent Grammar schools represent a particular ‘pull factor’ for East Sussex children.

Schools in East Sussex

On 1 October 2025, there were 170 state funded mainstream schools, 13 special schools and two alternative provisions in East Sussex.  These range from local authority-maintained schools to academies and free schools. The following table provides a breakdown of the different types of school in East Sussex.

State funded schools by type

Note:

Some primary and all-through schools include nursery provision and therefore have age ranges starting at 0, 2 or 3. 

Some all-through and secondary schools include sixth form provision and therefore have age ranges to 18.

Local Authority maintained schools

There are 94 local authority-maintained schools in East Sussex (51% of all schools).  Of these, 38 are community schools, 38 are voluntary controlled church schools, 16 are voluntary aided church schools and two are foundation schools.  Of the 55 church schools, 49 are Church of England, 4 are Catholic and one is Methodist.

In the 2024/25 academic year, 39% (25,574) of pupils in East Sussex were on roll in a local authority-maintained school.

Federations

A federation is a formal structure between two or more local authority-maintained schools. A federation has one governing board that is accountable for all schools in the federation. The schools retain their separate legal status. They have their own budget allocations, individual admissions, performance tables and Ofsted inspections.  Federation brings the opportunity to secure strong strategic leadership across schools.

There are currently 12 formal school federations in East Sussex made up of 34 primary schools.  In the 2024/25 academic year, 22% (3,714) of pupils in East Sussex maintained primary schools were on roll in a school that is in a federation.

Rural Primary Schools

According to the Designation of Rural Primary Schools (England) Order 2024, 67% (59) of the local authority-maintained primary schools (including infant and junior schools) in East Sussex are classified as rural, reflecting the largely rural nature of the county.  A small number of academies are also in rural locations.

Academies

Under the Academies Act 2010 it is possible for all maintained schools to become academies.  All new schools that have opened in East Sussex since 2010 have been established as academies (free schools) in line with government policy. The local authority has a duty to facilitate academy conversions, as set out in the Academies Act 2010, 5b: ‘Where an Academy order under section 4(A1) or (1)(b) has effect in respect of a school, the governing body of the school and the local authority must take all reasonable steps to facilitate the conversion of the school into an Academy.’

There are currently 91 academies in East Sussex (49% of all schools).  89 academies are part of a multi-academy trust (MAT) and two are single academy trusts (SATs).

In the 2024/25 academic year, 61% (39,592) of pupils in East Sussex were on roll in an academy.

For more information on individual schools in the county please refer to about schools in East Sussex on the local authority website.

 

School organisation in East Sussex

Introduction

This chapter sets out the local authority’s approach to school organisation, to ensure there are sufficient school places to meet demand.

The guiding principles underlying our approach are:

·      To ensure that schools are of the right size and in the right location to meet local demand for places.

·      To ensure that school provision is sustainable and is well placed to deliver a high-quality education that meets the needs of their local communities and makes best use of public funding.

·      To support the amalgamation of linked infant and junior schools that delivers the benefit of continuous provision from early years to the end of Key Stage 2.

·      To ensure any change to school organisation impacts positively on school performance and on the life chances of children and young people.

·      To ensure any review of school organisation enables stakeholders to engage fully and effectively in the process. 

School planning areas

For school planning purposes, East Sussex is split into:

·      17 primary school planning areas which closely reflect school admissions areas.  For the purposes of the plan, rural primary schools, which tend to be single school admission areas, have been grouped together under the headings of ‘Rural Lewes’, ‘Rural Rother’ and ‘Rural Wealden’ or have been linked with a nearby town.

·      17 secondary school planning areas which closely reflect school admissions areas.  Many secondary school admissions areas relate to a single school.  In Eastbourne, where the single school boundaries are complex and overlapping, six secondary schools (including two all-through schools) have been grouped together for school planning purposes.  Three secondary schools make up the Hastings planning area.  There are two secondary schools in the Havens planning area.  The Bexhill planning area contains two schools, one of which (a Catholic school) has a much wider catchment area than the town.

The local authority works closely with local planning authorities in East Sussex on the production of their Local Plan documents.  This planning process identifies the requirement for additional school places arising from new housing development.  It is anticipated that, through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 agreements, new housing developments will contribute to the cost of providing additional school places to serve the development and, where necessary, provide land on which to build new schools.

Pupil forecasting

In producing forecasts of future demand for primary and secondary places, we consider factors such as:

·         current numbers on roll in each academic year group

·         births

·         trend data (e.g., on how year group numbers change as cohorts move through schools)

·         parental preference

·         school admissions policies

·         housing growth

·         existing and planned capacity

·         patterns of inward and outward migration

The forecasts within this document provide a comprehensive account of predicted future trends in numbers and the areas of the county where pressures on places are most likely to occur.  However, pupil forecasting is complex and, as a result, is not an exact science.  For example, it is not always possible to predict changes in local demand for school places owing to swings in parental preference, changing migration patterns, revisions to planned local housing targets or school and sixth-form closures. Pupil forecasts are updated annually, and exceptions identified to manage the risk of under/over-supply of school places.

Taking account of the most recent three years of pupil forecasts, East Sussex County Council’s countywide forecasts have achieved the following average levels of accuracy:

·         Primary number on roll one year ahead forecast: 0.4%

·         Primary number on roll three year ahead forecast: -1.6%

·         Secondary number on roll one year ahead forecast: 1.7%

·         Secondary number on roll three year ahead forecast: 4.4%

It is important to note that while the local authority seeks to meet parental preference for school admissions, our projections are primarily concerned with ensuring we have sufficient places in each area.  Where some schools in an area are consistently oversubscribed, this may give the impression that there is a shortage of places. This may not be the case overall, if other schools in that area have capacity.  The principal factor for school planning is the number of places in an area compared to the number of children requiring a place and it is this that the local authority seeks to predict and respond to.

The local authority’s SEND forecasting model predicts future numbers of children with EHCPs and numbers in maintained, non-maintained and independent special schools.  The forecasts take account of the following factors:

·         demographic trends

• the prevalence of different types of SEND (as defined by primary need)
• current cohorts of children in each academic year group moving through the system
• recent trends in the numbers of new plans created and existing plans ceased
• professional judgement from SEND practitioners as to whether these trends are likely to continue in the future

Creating new places

When the local authority identifies a shortfall of capacity it will consider providing additional school places, either through the temporary or permanent expansion of existing schools or through commissioning new schools.

The local authority will consult with key stakeholders when developing proposals to provide new places.  When considering proposals to add new places to meet demand the local authority will take account of the following principles:

·         Prioritise the expansion of good and outstanding schools.

·         Consider the pattern of parental preference and local demand for places

·         Consider the diversity of provision.

·         Consider transport patterns to reduce travel times to schools wherever possible

·         Consider safe routes to schools.

·         Where there is demand for both school and early years places, the local authority will consider providing additional accommodation designed to ensure a seamless transition between nursery and reception (Year R).

·         Where possible, only enlarge schools where it creates or sustains round forms of entry as the preferred model of organisation.

·         Ensure value for money.

Whilst it would be desirable for every child to be educated in permanent school buildings, the local authority must be certain that there is a long-term need before we provide additional permanent school places.  This is to ensure we do not add surplus capacity to the system which may then create viability issues in times of low pupil numbers.  If the need is considered short term, the local authority will generally use temporary classrooms which provide a valuable and flexible resource and are an appropriate way of providing school places for a short period of time.  Similarly, the local authority is cautious about removing permanent capacity when pupil numbers are low.  By leaving physical capacity in place and using it for alternative purposes when numbers are low, it can be brought back into use again as pupil numbers begin to grow.

Capital funding

The local authority receives Basic Need capital funding from the government to support the creation of primary and secondary school places.  This funding is provided on a formulaic basis using information provided by the local authority to the Department for Education in the annual School Capacity return.  The local authority also receives High Needs Provision Capital Allocation funding to support the delivery of new provision for children and young people with SEND.

The capital funding that the local authority receives from the government is insufficient to cover the entire capital costs of new build and expansion projects and the local authority must supplement the funding provided from other sources, including its own capital programme.

In areas where pressure on school places comes from new housing developments, the local authority will work closely with local planning authorities to secure financial contributions towards the cost of providing additional school places through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).  The CIL is a charge which can be levied by local planning authorities on new development in their area. It is an important tool for local authorities to use to help them deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in their area. 

In some instances, the local authority can also secure development contributions through the negotiation of Section 106 agreements.  Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between local authorities and developers; these are linked to planning permissions and can also be known as planning obligations.

Surplus places

Schools operate most efficiently and effectively when full or nearly full.  To this end the local authority seeks to keep the number of surplus places (the number of places in schools that are unfilled) to a minimum.  However, it is generally accepted that not all unfilled places in a school are surplus places, but that a small margin of capacity is often allowed to facilitate parental preference, to take account of the fact that schools with available places may not always be in the part of a school planning area where the demand is, and to allow for a degree of error in the forecasts. 

A school is generally considered to be full when it has less than 5% of its places unfilled.  This is in line with the National Audit Office report on Capital Funding for new school places published in 2013, where it states:

“It is considered that on average 5 per cent was the bare minimum needed for authorities to meet their statutory duty with operational flexibility, while enabling parents to have some choice of schools”.

This figure is deemed to give the appropriate amount of flexibility in an area and is set against the need to ensure the efficient use of resources.  In practice, the number of surplus places planned for in an area will also take account of local circumstances.

In 2024/25 26 primary schools in East Sussex had 25% or more surplus places.  This reflects the falling primary reception (Year R) intake numbers being seen across the county.  Conversely, with secondary Year 7 intake numbers having recently peaked, only three secondary schools and one all-through school had 25% or more surplus places.

Reviews of provision

Low pupil numbers can lead to a school facing financial challenges.  The impact of these financial challenges is often more acute in small rural schools due to the characteristics of rural communities; low birth rates and in-area demand for places which can vary noticeably from one year to another.  Fluctuating pupil numbers are difficult to manage and can lead to irregular class sizes and inefficient staff to pupil ratios.  Smaller schools tend to have a higher proportion of their budget allocated to fixed costs than larger schools and, as such, have less flexibility to respond to cost pressures, unexpected events, and deficit recovery.

In undertaking its statutory duty, the local authority has a responsibility to consider the organisation of school places to create a sustainable network of schools across the county.  In certain circumstances, rationalisation of provision can benefit schools by reducing surplus places in an area so that the remaining schools can operate more efficiently with more certainty over their pupil numbers.

To support this, the local authority regularly monitors pupil numbers in each of its school planning areas to ensure the current arrangement for the organisation of schools is appropriate. 

In addition to the ongoing monitoring process, there may be times when the local authority wishes to conduct a more detailed review of a specific school(s) and/or a specific geographical area.  This review could be conducted where there is significant change in circumstances that could impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of a school(s).  Examples of significant change in circumstances might include:

·         A recent Ofsted inspection which raises significant concern

·         A school is judged to require special measures or to have serious weaknesses

·         A school becomes eligible for intervention by the local authority

·         A school faces significant financial challenges and is unable to create a viable recovery plan.

Any reviews of education provision the local authority undertakes and any recommendations for school re-organisation will, in part, be based on information contained in this document and in the local authority’s Small Schools Policy where appropriate.  Many schools in East Sussex are church schools, being voluntary controlled or voluntary aided, and therefore, the Diocese of Chichester and the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton would be key partners in any review alongside a school’s governing board.

Academy trusts may wish to consider the information in this document when considering the organisation of school places within their trust.  If any trust is contemplating a change to their current organisation (expansion or reduction in provision) we would encourage them to contact the local authority at the outset to discuss their proposals.  This will ensure that any plans align with the local authority’s wider statutory duty around school places.

The following sections describe the current situation in each school planning area.  They set out how we expect pupil numbers to change during the plan period and what action the local authority is planning to take to address any under or over provision of places, or any organisational change.  The information is subject to revision and review as new data (for example, on live births) becomes available or local planning authorities’ housing targets and trajectories are amended.  We endeavour to communicate clearly with schools and local communities about current and predicted place planning pressures in their area.  In general, we will only name a particular school(s) in the plan when there is certainty that a proposal will be implemented or where this is already underway.

The capacity information provided in the charts in each school planning area is based on either the local authority’s net capacity assessment of each maintained school or, for academies, the capacity figure stated in each academy’s funding agreement. Further information about an individual school’s capacity and pupil numbers can be found in Appendix 1.

 

Eastbourne

Schools

There are 18 primary schools in the area, five of which are infant schools and four are junior schools.  There are two all-through schools (primary and secondary) and four secondary schools.  Six schools have nursery provision.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Births in Eastbourne have been falling since their peak in 2011/12.  Births in 2023/24 are slightly up on 2022/23 figures, but it is not clear yet whether this signifies the start of a prolonged recovery or may be an anomaly.

Eastbourne births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

 

Housing plans

Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  500 new homes are projected to be built in the area during the remainder of the existing Local Plan period from 2025/26 to 2026/27.  EBC is currently preparing a new Local Plan.  As a result, future pupil projections in Eastbourne may change, particularly in the period beyond that covered by this plan.

Primary places

In line with the falling births in Eastbourne, the local authority anticipates reception (Year R) intakes in the area to be low at least for the remainder of the decade if not beyond.  

Many Eastbourne children attend schools in the surrounding area including Polegate School, Willingdon Primary School, Stone Cross School, Hankham Primary School and Pevensey and Westham CE Primary School.  The majority of these schools are full or close to full.  High levels of recent and planned new housing will put additional pressure on places at these schools and may result in some demand from Eastbourne children being redirected by the school admissions system back into the area.

Eastbourne primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Low intakes will have a knock-on effect on total numbers on roll.  By 2028/29, surplus places for the area could have risen to 15%.

Currently, there are three schools in Eastbourne with surplus places of 25% or more.

Eastbourne total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1.

Two of the three schools with significant surplus places are academies.  Although decisions on managing surplus capacity in an academy rests with the relevant academy trust, the local authority will work with the trust to explore potential solutions where appropriate.

The Published Admission Number (PAN) at Motcombe Infants School will reduce from 90 to 60 with effect from the 2026/27 academic year to help manage surplus places in the school.  Accommodation will not be removed and can be brought back into use if pupil numbers start to rise again.

On 1 May 2025, West Rise Community Infant School and West Rise Junior School amalgamated to create West Rise Primary School.

The local authority is working with Ocklynge Junior School to establish a specialist facility with a designation of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for up to 12 pupils with autism.  The new facility is due to open on 1 January 2026.

Pashley Down Infant School aims to lower its age range from September 2026 to establish school-run nursery provision on site.

Secondary places

Based on the numbers coming through primary schools, intakes into Year 7 are forecast to remain high until 2026/27.  Beyond that, intake numbers are predicted to fall away.

The Eastbourne area sees outflows of Catholic children to St Richard’s Catholic College in Bexhill and some inflows from the Hailsham area.  There are also significant inflows from and outflows to Willingdon Community School.

Eastbourne secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

 

Overall secondary numbers are expected to peak in 2026/27 before starting to fall away.  Surplus places for the area, which stood at 8% in 2024/25, are forecast to rise to 9% by 2028/29.

Eastbourne total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1.

In May 2025, the Department for Education’s Regional Director for the South East approved the transfer of The Eastbourne Academy from Swale Academies Trust to the Diocese of Chichester Academy Trust.  The date of transfer will be confirmed in due course.

 

 

Hastings

Schools

There are 18 primary schools in the area and three secondary schools.  Of the 18 primary schools, one is an infant school, and one is a junior school.  Nine of the primary schools have nursery provision.  One secondary school has sixth form provision.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

 

Births

Since their peak in 2010/11, births in Hastings have continued to fall.

Hastingsbirths from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Hastings Borough Council (HBC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  HBC has published a draft new Local Plan.  This projects an estimated 2,300 new dwellings being built in the period 2025/26 to 2040/41. 

Primary places

In line with falling births, reception (Year R) intake numbers in the area are forecast to remain well below the current Published Admission Number (PAN) until late in the decade and probably beyond.

Many Hastings children attend surrounding primary schools including Battle and Langton CE Primary School, Crowhurst CE Primary School, Guestling Bradshaw CE Primary School, Icklesham CE Primary School, Sedlescombe CE Primary School, and Westfield School.  Most of these have historically been full or close to full.  However, going forward, lower levels of demand from Hastings may see numbers in some of these surrounding schools falling.

Hastings primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Lower intakes are predicted to result in higher numbers of surplus places in the area.  By 2028/29, surplus places for the area could have risen to 16%.

Hastings total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1.

Currently, there are three schools in the town with 25% or more surplus places, all of which are academies.  Hollington Primary Academy reduced its PAN from 60 to 30 in 2024/25 and The Baird Primary Academy’s PAN reduces from 60 to 45 with effect from 2025/26.  Accommodation has not been removed from either school and can be brought back into use if pupil numbers begin to rise again.

Secondary places

Year 7 intakes in the area peaked in 2022/23 and the subsequent trend is forecast to be generally downward.

Significant numbers of Hastings children seek places in surrounding schools such as Bexhill High Academy, St Richard’s Catholic College, Claverham Community College, Rye College, and Robertsbridge Community College.

Hastings secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

Surplus places in Hastings stood at 21% in 2024/25 and are forecast to rise to 23% by 2028/29.

 

Hastings total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1.

One school in the area currently has 25% or more surplus places.  Although decisions on managing surplus capacity in an academy rests with the relevant academy trust, the local authority will work with trust to explore potential solutions where appropriate.

Following a decision in early 2025 by trustees at the University of Brighton Academies Trust (UBAT) to close the trust, the six primary and two secondary UBAT schools in Hastings will transfer to new trusts during the 2025/26 academic year.  The date of transfer will be confirmed in due course.

Lewes and surrounding area

Schools

There are five primary schools in the area and one secondary school.  Two primary schools have nursery provision.

* School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Following a period of falling births, numbers in 2023/24 are up on 2022/23 figures.  However, it is not clear yet whether this signifies the start of a prolonged recovery or may be an anomaly.

Lewes births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  An estimated 900 new homes are projected to be built in the area during the remainder of the existing Local Plan period 2025/26 to 2032/33.  The SDNPA is currently preparing a new Local Plan.  As a result, future pupil projections in the area may change, particularly in the period beyond that covered by this plan.

Primary places

In 2025/26, the Published Admission Number (PAN) for the area is insufficient to meet demand for reception (Year R) places.  For the remainder of the plan period, shortfalls are not currently forecast.

Some children from Lewes take up places in surrounding rural schools, notably Hamsey Community Primary School.  Iford and Kingston CE Primary School experiences significant inflows of children from Newhaven.

 

Lewes and surrounding area primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

To meet the shortfall of Year R places in 2025/26, Wallands Community Primary School admitted numbers above its PAN of 30, utilising spare accommodation from its previous reduction in PAN.

Lower intakes have led to higher numbers of surplus places in the area. By 2028/29, surplus places could have risen to 30%.

 

Lewes and surrounding area total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

If the 600 new homes planned in the area for the period to 2029/30 are built according to schedule, and this is coupled with a general upswing in births, the reduced number of Year R places may not be sufficient to meet demand in the medium to longer term. If this is the case, the accommodation which remains at Southover CE Primary School and Wallands Community Primary School following their PAN reductions, can be brought back into use to increase the number of places.

Secondary places

Part of Priory School’s admissions area is a joint admissions area with that of King’s Academy Ringmer.  

There is routinely significant pupil movement in and out between the Priory School area and notably Kings Academy Ringmer, Chailey School, the Havens area and neighbouring Brighton and Hove. 

Although the village of Ditchling is in a joint admissions area served by Priory School and Chailey School, it is also in the admissions area of Downlands Community School in Hassocks, West Sussex.  Traditionally, children from the village have attended Downlands Community School, which is their nearest school.

Priory School slightly exceeded its PAN of 232 in 2024/25 and is likely to do so again in 2025/26.  This was as a result of the school allocating extra places to cater for demand from out of area.  Future Year 7 numbers at the school will continue to depend heavily on demand from out of area, particularly from Brighton and Hove and The Havens area, bridging the gap between the demand from local children and its PAN.  Recent preference patterns indicate that in the coming years this out of area demand will largely be able to fill this gap.

Lewes and surrounding area secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Priory school is currently slightly over capacity and is expected to remain so for the plan period.

Lewes and surrounding area total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No secondary school organisation changes are currently planned in the area.

The Havens

The Havens area covers both Newhaven and Peacehaven.

Schools

There are four primary schools in Newhaven, three of which have nursery provision.  In Peacehaven, there are three primary schools, all with nursery provision.  There are two secondary schools in the Havens area, one in each town.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Overall, births in the Havens area continue to be low when compared to the period up to 2017/18.

Newhaven and Peacehaven births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Lewes District Council (LDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  An estimated 1,200 new homes are projected to be built in the Havens area during the remainder of the existing Local Plan period 2025/26 to 2029/30.  LDC is currently preparing a new Local Plan.  As a result, future pupil projections in the area may change, particularly in the period beyond that covered by this plan.

Primary places in Newhaven

Owing to fewer children coming into primary schools and higher than usual outflows to Iford and Kingston CE Primary School, we are currently witnessing lower reception (Year R) intake numbers than previously.  Based on birth and GP registration data, and assuming current preference patterns continue, intake numbers are forecast to stay below PAN in the period to 2028/29.

A number of Newhaven pupils attend Iford and Kingston CE Primary School and schools in Seaford.

 

Newhavenprimary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Surplus places for the area stood at 10% in 2024/25 and are forecast to be relatively static over the plan period.

 

Newhaventotal primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1.

The majority of surplus places in the area are within the two academies.  The two maintained schools are largely full.  Although decisions on managing surplus capacity in an academy rests with the relevant academy trust, the local authority will work with the trust to explore potential solutions where appropriate.

With more new homes planned in the area by 2029/30, Year R pressures could resurface in the medium to longer term.

Primary places in Peacehaven

Live birth and GP data indicate that reception (Year R) numbers in Peacehaven are likely to be well below the Published Admission Number (PAN) of 210 for the foreseeable future.

Saltdean Primary School in neighbouring Brighton and Hove is traditionally the school of preference for children who live in East Saltdean which is on the East Sussex side of the border.  Traditionally around 20 to 30 East Saltdean children per year group obtain a place at Saltdean Primary School.  Saltdean Primary School’s PAN reduces from 90 to 60 from 2025/26, however, owing to their proximity to the school, East Saltdean children are still likely to obtain Year R places there.  Additionally, a few Peacehaven area children normally attend St Margaret’s CE Primary School and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in nearby Rottingdean, both in Brighton and Hove.

Peacehaven primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

By 2028/29, surplus places in the area, at 11% in 2024/25, could have risen to 22%.

Peacehaven total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

The majority of surplus places in the area are within the two academies.  The one maintained school is largely full.  Although decisions on managing surplus capacity in an academy rests with the relevant academy trust, the local authority will work with the trust to explore potential solutions where appropriate.

Secondary places

Seahaven Academy’s school admissions area covers both Newhaven and Peacehaven and includes the priority admissions area of Peacehaven Community School.

There is a net outflow from the area to Seaford Head School and Priory School, in Lewes.  There are also inflows from and outflows to schools in Brighton and Hove.

Both Peacehaven Community School and Seahaven Academy have experienced pressures on Year 7 places in recent years. These are now abating.  Based on current preference patterns, most of the spare Year 7 places are likely to be at Seahaven Academy.

The Havenssecondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

In line with falling Year 7 intakes, increasing numbers of surplus places are forecast, rising from 8% in 2024/25 to 18% by 2028/29.

 

The Havens total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No secondary school organisation changes are currently planned in the area.

Seaford

Schools

There are four primary schools in the area and one secondary school with a sixth form.  One primary school has nursery provision.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Following a period of falling births, numbers in 2023/24 are up on 2022/23 figures.  It is not clear yet whether this signifies the start of a prolonged recovery or may be an anomaly. 

Seaford births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

 

Housing plans

Lewes District Council (LDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  An estimated 300 new homes are projected to be built in the area during the remainder of the existing Local Plan period 2025/26 to 2029/30.  LDC is currently preparing a new Local Plan.  As a result, future pupil projections in the area may change, particularly in the period beyond that covered by this plan.

Primary places

Based on birth and GP data, reception (Year R) intake numbers in Seaford are predicted to be very low over the plan period.

There are inflows of pupils to Seaford primary schools from Newhaven and outflows to Alfriston School.

Seaford primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

By 2028/29, surplus places in the area, at 7% in 2024/25, could have risen to 20%.

Seaford total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1.

The majority of surplus places in the area are within the two academies.  The two maintained schools are largely full.  The Seaford Learning Trust has taken the decision to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Chyngton School from 60 to 30 with effect from 2026/27.

Chyngton School was successful with its School Based Nursery Programme bid earlier this year and will establish school-run nursery provision on site from January 2026.

Secondary places

Seaford Head School lowered its PAN from 240 to 232 from 2024/25.

Although the school continues to be oversubscribed, it is currently forecast to be able to keep to its PAN. This will entail the school admissions system redirecting non-priority out of area applicants to nearby Seahaven Academy and Peacehaven Community School.

Part of Seaford Head School’s admissions area overlaps with that of King’s Academy Ringmer.  The school experiences significant levels of demand from The Havens area.

 

Seaford Head secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  ESCC Pupil Forecasts (January 2024) 03.07.24

Seaford Head School had 8% surplus places in 2024/25.  This is forecast to grow to 10% by the end of the plan period. Surplus places are mainly in the sixth form.

 

Seaford Head School total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No secondary school organisation changes are currently planned in the area.

Rural Lewes

Schools

There are nine primary schools and two secondary schools in the area.  Three primary schools have nursery provision.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Births in the area have remained largely consistent in recent years.

Rural Lewes births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Lewes District Council (LDC) and South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) provide the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  An estimated 1000 new homes are projected to be built in the area during the remainder of the existing Lewes District Local Plan period 2025/26 to 2029/30, of which approximately 400 are in Ringmer Parish and 200 are in Wivelsfield Parish.  LDC and the SDNPA are currently preparing new Local Plans.  As a result, future pupil projections in the area may change, particularly in the period beyond that covered by this plan.

Primary places

The 219 reception (Year R) places in primary schools across the area are forecast to be sufficient to meet demand for the foreseeable future.

However, the picture will vary between individual rural areas. Intake numbers in rural schools can fluctuate significantly from year to year, owing to the fact that the size of the cohorts of children living in small geographical areas sometimes differs markedly from one age group to the next. Normally schools can organise to accommodate these fluctuations.

 

Rural Lewes primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Total pupil numbers in the area are likely to remain consistent in the period to 2028/29.  Surplus places for the area stood at 9% in 2024/25 and are forecast to be relatively static over the plan period.  Two schools have 25% or more surplus places.

 

Rural Lewes total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 11.

Linked to pressures arising from children coming out of recent and planned housing developments, the Year R position at Wivelsfield Primary School is likely to continue to be tight.  The school experiences significant inflows of children from the towns of Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath, both in West Sussex. Large scale housing development in and around both these towns is likely to lead to additional demand for places at Wivelsfield.  However, owing to in-area pressures, few West Sussex children are likely to gain admission.

West Sussex County Council reports that the opening of the new Hurst Farm Primary School, on the edge of Haywards Heath, originally scheduled for September 2020, has been significantly delayed and is unlikely to happen until 2027/28 at the earliest.

Ditchling St Margarets CE Primary School takes around half of its Year R intake from West Sussex.  The school will voluntarily exceed its PAN in 2025/26 to accommodate West Sussex children.  This may be repeated in future years.

Based on birth and GP registration data, Ringmer Primary School is forecast to have sufficient Year R places to meet demand in the coming years.  However, new housing developments planned for the village in the period to 2029/30, coming on top of recently completed new developments, could potentially significantly increase the numbers of in-area children coming through into Year R.

The local authority is working with all small schools with large surpluses as part of our Small Schools Strategy and we will discuss with individual schools any action required if appropriate.

The local authority is working with Chailey St Peter’s CE Primary School to establish a specialist facility with a designation of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for up to 12 pupils with autism.  The new facility is due to open on 1 January 2026.

Secondary places at Chailey School

There is some movement of children between the Chailey School area, and the areas served by Uckfield College and Priory School, in Lewes.

There is also significant movement of children to and from neighbouring West Sussex. Demand from across the border, particularly with the housing developments being built in Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath, should allow Chailey School to generally fill to its PAN in most years. The school’s PAN increased from 174 to 180 in 2025/26.

Although the village of Ditchling is in a joint admissions area between Chailey School and Priory School, it is also in the admissions area of Downlands Community School in Hassocks, West Sussex.  Traditionally children from the village have attended Downlands, which is their nearest school.  The village of Forest Row, in Wealden, is in a joint school admissions area with Chailey School and Beacon Academy, in Crowborough.

Chailey School secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Overall pupil numbers are likely to rise during the plan period because of the increase to the schools PAN.  Surplus places stood at 2% and are forecast to remain low or even fall to 0% by the end of the plan period.

Chailey School total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

Secondary places at King’s Academy Ringmer

Part of King’s Academy Ringmer’s admissions area overlaps with that of Priory School in Lewes. There are also partial overlaps with the admissions areas of Seaford Head School, Hailsham Academy and Uckfield College.

The school admits large numbers of children from the Hailsham area. There are also significant inflows and outflows to and from the Lewes and Uckfield areas.

King’s Academy Ringmer nearly filled to its PAN in 2024/25 and, depending on parental preference patterns in relation to surrounding schools, could continue to have high intake numbers in the short term.  However, whether the forecast numbers are achieved will partly depend on the school continuing to experience large inflows from the Hailsham area.

King’s Academy Ringmer secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

Overall pupil numbers at the school are forecast to rise by the end of the plan period, although they will remain below the school’s capacity.  This is largely due to accommodation remaining on site following a previous PAN reduction from 180 to 150 and the school’s sixth form closing.

King’s Academy Ringmer total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No secondary school organisation changes are currently planned in the area.

Bexhill and surrounding area

Schools

There are ten primary schools in the area and two secondary schools.  Three primary schools have nursery provision.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Births in Bexhill have remained relatively steady in recent years.

Bexhill and surrounding area births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Rother District Council (RDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  An estimated 1,100 new homes are projected to be built in the area during the remainder of the existing Local Plan period 2025/26 to 2027/28.  RDC is currently preparing a new Local Plan.  As a result, future pupil projections in the area may change, particularly in the period beyond that covered by this plan.

Primary places

Births and GP registration data indicate that the Published Admission Number (PAN) of 425 for the area should not be exceeded in the immediate future.

However, a high volume of new housing is likely to come forward over the next few years, including the remainder of the large development on land north of Pebsham.  This, coupled with a general upswing in future births, could result in a shortfall of reception (Year R) places emerging towards the end of the decade.

Some primary schools in the area experience inflows of children from Hastings.  There are also outflows to surrounding schools including Battle and Langton CE Primary School.

 

Bexhill and surrounding area primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Surplus places in the area stood at 8% in 2024/25 and are forecast to be relatively static over the plan period.  One school in the area has surplus places of 25% or more.

 

Bexhill and surrounding area total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  ESCC Pupil Forecasts (January 2024) 03.07.24

 

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1.

The local authority has an option agreement on land for a new school within the development site north of Pebsham and will bring forward proposals to establish provision to serve the development at the appropriate time. The timing of this will be dependent upon when the school site is transferred by the developer to the local authority and the demand for places in the area at that time.

Little Common School lowered its age range from September 2025 to establish school-run nursery provision on site.

Secondary places

Bexhill High Academy has a PAN of 300.  St Richard’s Catholic College has a PAN of 200, giving a combined PAN of 500 for the town.  Both schools are forecast to be full or close to full to their PANs in the coming years.  A shortfall of around 15 places is predicted in 2027/28.

St Richard’s Catholic College takes significant numbers of children from Hastings, Eastbourne, and Willingdon.  Bexhill High Academy takes significant numbers of children from Hastings.  There are also outflows of children from Bexhill to Claverham Community College and Hastings.

Bexhill and surrounding area secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Total pupil numbers in the area are forecast to be relatively static over the plan period, with surplus places between 6% and 8%.

 

Bexhill and surrounding total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1.

Should the predicted Year 7 shortfall emerge in 2027/28, the local authority will agree with Bexhill High Academy and St Richard’s Catholic College how this can be accommodated.

Longer term should there be a requirement for additional permanent school places to serve the large volume of new housing planned in the area, the local authority will work with both schools and their respective academy trusts to address this.

 

 

Battle

Schools

There is one primary school in the area and one secondary school.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

In recent years births in the area have been particularly low, with numbers in the low 40s.

Battle births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Rother District Council (RDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  An estimated 300 new homes are projected to be built in the area during the remainder of the existing Local Plan period 2025/26 to 2027/28.  RDC is currently preparing a new Local Plan.  As a result, future pupil projections in the area may change, particularly in the period beyond that covered by this plan.

Primary places

Despite the number of new homes being built in the area, Battle and Langton CE Primary School is forecast to remain within its Published Admission Number (PAN) of 60 for the foreseeable future.  

The school takes significant numbers of children from Hastings. There are also inflows from Bexhill and the surrounding area. Any future increases in local demand should be able to be offset by the school admission system restricting inflows of children from other areas where necessary.

 

Battle primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Although Battle and Langton CE Primary School should be able to keep to its PAN, marginal shortfalls in other year groups might be possible as a result of new housing developments.  This could impact on overall numbers at the school and push it over capacity in the coming years.

 

Battle total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

The local authority will monitor the situation and, where possible, keep any shortfalls to a minimum.

Secondary places

Claverham Community College has sufficient Year 7 places to meet in-area demand and so is likely to fill to its PAN each year with out-of-area children, particularly from Hastings and Bexhill.  There are outflows of children from Battle to Robertsbridge Community College.

Claverham Community College secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Overall pupil numbers at the school should remain constant during the plan period and may marginally exceed capacity.    

 

Claverham Community College total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No secondary school organisation changes are currently planned in the area.

Rye and surrounding area

Schools

There are four primary schools in the area and one secondary school.  One primary school has nursery provision.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Births in the area have tended to fluctuate from year to year.  However, 2022/23 was a particularly low birth year.

Rye and surrounding area births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

 

Housing plans

Rother District Council (RDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  An estimated 100 new homes are projected to be built in the area during the remainder of the existing Local Plan period 2025/26 to 2027/28.  RDC is currently preparing a new Local Plan.  As a result, future pupil projections in the area may change, particularly in the period beyond that covered by this plan.

Primary places

Lower births coupled with a movement of pupils away from Rye Community Primary School to the surrounding schools have resulted in intakes well below the combined Published Admission Number (PAN) of 80 for the area.  Forecasts suggest that this trend is likely to continue in the coming years.

Rye and surrounding area primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

In 2024/25, surplus places in the area stood at 36% and could reach 42% by the end of the plan period. Two schools have surplus places of 25% or more.

Rye and surrounding area total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

Reflecting the lower demand for places at Rye Community Primary School, the Aquinas Church of England Education Trust has, in recent years, reduced the PAN at the school initially from 60 to 45 and subsequently from 45 to 30.  Accommodation has not been removed and can be brought back into use if pupil numbers start to rise again.

The local authority is working with all small schools with large surpluses as part of our Small Schools Strategy and will take action where appropriate to address any challenges.

Secondary places

Rye College traditionally has in-area numbers well below its PAN and has relied on attracting children from Hastings and across the border in Kent.  The school has filled to its PAN in 2025/26, and intakes are expected to remain high in 2026/27 and 2027/28.  From 2028/29 intakes are forecast to fall away owing to lower in-area numbers and lower demand from surrounding areas.

Rye Collegesecondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Total pupil numbers at Rye College are forecast to increase as a result of the higher intakes but will still be below the school’s capacity of 750.

Rye College total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No secondary school organisation changes are currently planned for the area.

 

Rural Rother

Schools

There are 18 primary schools in the area and one secondary school.  Four primary schools have nursery provision.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

 

Births

Births in the area have fallen in recent years, however, figures for 2023/24 are slightly up on 2022/23.  Whether this is the start of an upturn or simply a blip is uncertain at this time.

Rural Rother births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Rother District Council (RDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  An estimated 300 new homes are projected to be built in the area during the remainder of the existing Local Plan period 2025/26 to 2027/28.  RDC is currently preparing a new Local Plan.  As a result, future pupil projections in the area may change, particularly in the period beyond that covered by this plan.

Primary places

The 375 reception (Year R) places in primary schools across the area are forecast to be sufficient to meet demand for the foreseeable future.

However, the picture will vary between individual rural areas. Intake numbers in rural schools can fluctuate significantly from year to year, owing to the fact that the size of the cohorts of children living in small geographical areas sometimes differs markedly from one age group to the next. Normally schools can organise to accommodate any temporary bulges.

The following primary schools all take significant numbers of children from Hastings: Crowhurst CE Primary School, Guestling-Bradshaw CE Primary School, Icklesham CE Primary School, Netherfield CE Primary School, Sedlescombe CE Primary School, and Westfield School.  Falling pupil outflows from Hastings, because of lower numbers there, may result in some of these schools not filling as they normally do.

Rural Rotherprimary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Surplus places for the area stood at 16% in 2024/25.  By 2028/29 they are forecast to rise to 21%.  Four schools had 25% or more surplus places in 2024/25.

Rural Rothertotal primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  ESCC Pupil Forecasts (January 2024) 03.07.24

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

Of the four schools with 25% or more surplus places in 2024/25, three were local authority maintained, and one was an academy. The local authority is working with all small schools with large surpluses as part of our Small Schools Strategy.  We will monitor the situation at the three maintained schools and take action where appropriate to address any challenges.  Although decisions on managing surplus capacity in an academy rests with the relevant academy trust, the local authority will work with the trust to explore potential solutions where appropriate.

Secondary places

Robertsbridge Community College received an Inadequate Ofsted Rating in April 2024 which has affected its popularity for the 2025/26 academic year, with Year 7 numbers significantly below its Published Admission Number (PAN).  The school converted to an academy in March 2025 under the Aquinas Trust.  It remains to be seen how long it will take for the school to regain its previous popularity.  The school has enough places to meet in-area demand.

Robertsbridge Community College secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Having been largely full in recent years, surplus places at the school stood at 8% in 2024/25.  Largely based on the speculative Year 7 forecasts set, they are predicted to rise to 27% by 2028/29.

 

Robertsbridge Community College total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No secondary school organisation changes are currently planned.

Crowborough and surrounding area

Schools

There are six primary schools in the area and one secondary school.  One primary school has nursery provision.  The secondary school has a sixth form.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Births in the area have been largely consistent in recent years.

Crowborough and surrounding area births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

 

Housing plans

Wealden District Council (WDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  WDC has published a draft new Local Plan.  This projects an estimated 800 new dwellings being built in the area in the period 2025/26 to 2039/40. 

Primary places

Based on birth and GP registration data, for the foreseeable future, reception (Year R) numbers in the area are likely to fall well below the Published Admission Number (PAN) of 240. 

A number of children from the area currently attend surrounding schools, most notably High Hurstwood CE Primary School.

Crowborough and surrounding area primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

Overall pupil numbers in the area are forecast to fall away gradually during the plan period, with surplus places growing from 10% in 2024/25 to 12% by 2028/29.  One school has surplus places of 25% or more.

Crowborough and surrounding area total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

The maintained schools in the area are largely full.  The school with high surplus places is an academy.  Although decisions on managing surplus capacity in an academy rests with the relevant academy trust, the local authority will work with the trust to explore potential solutions where appropriate.

Secondary places

There are outflows of pupils from the local area to schools in Kent, including the Grammar schools.  The village of Forest Row is in a joint school admissions area with Beacon Academy and Chailey School.  Beacon Academy is the closer school to Forest Row.  Many Forest Row children traditionally receive offers of places at Sackville School and Imberhorne School in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

Since 2019/20, Year 7 intakes to Beacon Academy have significantly exceeded the school’s PAN of 250.  From 2023/24, the school’s admissions policy changed so priority is only given to siblings of children at the school who live ‘in-area’ rather than all siblings.  This is helping to limit the number of out of area applicants the school has to accommodate.  

Numbers of pupils coming through primary schools in the area over the next few years are likely to be generally lower than in recent years.  As a result, future Year 7 numbers are forecast not to be as high as they have been recently.  However, in the short term it may still be difficult for the school to keep to its PAN of 250.

 

Beacon Academy secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Overall pupil numbers at the school look to have peaked in 2024/25 and are predicted to gradually fall away during the plan period.  As a result, surplus places, which stood at 19% in 2024/25 could increase to 24% by 2028/29.

 

Beacon Academy total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No secondary school organisation changes are currently planned.

 

Hailsham and surrounding area

Schools

There are six primary schools in the area and one all through school (primary, secondary and sixth form).  Three schools have nursery provision.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Births in the area have risen in recent years reflecting the significant number of new homes that have been built in Hailsham.

Hailsham and surrounding area births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

 

 

Housing plans

Wealden District Council (WDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  WDC has published a draft new Local Plan.  This projects an estimated 3,400 new dwellings being built in the area in the period 2025/26 to 2039/40. 

Primary places

On 1 September 2025, Phoenix Academy and Burfield Academy merged to form a new primary school - Thornton Grove Academy - operating from the Phoenix site.  This reduced the Published Admission Number (PAN) in the area from 345 places to 315.

The lower PAN is forecast to be sufficient to meet demand up until the end of the decade.  However, with the number of new homes planned for the area over this period, it is possible that the PAN could be exceeded in any of these years or beyond.

Hailsham and surrounding area primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

In 2024/25, surplus places in the town stood at 16%.  With the loss of capacity resulting from Phoenix Academy and Burfield Academy merging, Hailsham Academy having cohorts in each of its primary year groups from 2025/26, and pupils arising from new housing, surplus places in the area are forecast to fall to 1% by 2028/29.

Hailsham and surrounding area total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

 

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No further primary school organisation changes are currently planned.

Secondary places

As a result of rising numbers coming through primary schools and additional pupils generated by the volume of new housing being built in the town, there are higher numbers of in-area children than previously.  However, a substantial number of children from the area take up places at surrounding schools, notably Heathfield Community College, Kings Academy Ringmer, Willingdon Community School and schools in Eastbourne and this has had an impact on Year 7 intakes to Hailsham Academy.

In response to these lower levels of demand, the academy trust has taken the decision to lower the school’s PAN from 300 to 240 from 2026/27.  It remains to be seen whether 240 Year 7 places will be adequate to meet demand.  The forecasts currently show the lowered PAN being exceeded in some of the coming years, but what happens in reality will depend heavily on future patterns of parental preference.

The number of new homes being built in the area will also have a significant bearing on future numbers at the school.

 

Hailsham Academy secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Overall pupil numbers at the school are forecast to fall in the plan period, with surplus places growing from 33% in 2024/25 to 40% by 2028/29.

 

Hailsham Academy total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

Accommodation will not be removed at the school following its PAN reduction in 2026/27 and can be brought back into use if pupil numbers begin to rise again in the future.

On 1 September 2025, Hailsham Academy joined Mark Academy Trust, having previously been a single academy trust.

Hailsham Academy’s sixth form is undergoing a phased closure.  There is no Year 12 intake for 2025/26, and the sixth form will close completely on 31 August 2026.

 

Heathfield

Schools

There are three primary schools in the area and one secondary school.  One primary school has nursery provision.  The secondary school has a sixth form.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Births in the area have averaged 89 per annum over the last 12 years.

Heathfield births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Wealden District Council (WDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  WDC has published a draft new Local Plan.  This projects an estimated 300 new dwellings being built in the area in the period 2025/26 to 2039/40. 

Primary places

There is movement of children between Heathfield and the following schools: Maynard’s Green Community Primary School, Punnetts Town Community Primary School, and from schools in Hailsham.

Reception (Year R) numbers in the area are forecast to remain within the reduced Published Admission Number (PAN) of 105 for the foreseeable future.

Heathfieldprimary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Overall pupil numbers should remain steady until 2027/28 when they are likely to fall away slightly.  Surplus places, which stood at 12% in 2024/25, are forecast to grow to 16% by the end of the plan period.  One school in the area has 25% or more surplus places.

Heathfieldtotal primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

The governing board of All Saints and St Richards CE Primary School took the decision to reduce its PAN from 20 to 15 with effect from 2025/26.  Accommodation has not been removed and can be brought back into use if pupil numbers begin to rise again.

Secondary places

Parts of Heathfield Community College’s admissions community area overlaps with those of Hailsham Academy, Uplands Academy and Robertsbridge Community College.  The school takes significant numbers of pupils from Hailsham and the surrounding area.  With inflows of pupils from these areas, it is forecast that the school will continue to fill to its PAN for the foreseeable future.

Heathfield Community College secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Heathfield Community College has sufficient places to meet in-area demand.  The potential for the school admissions system to redirect out of area applicants back to Hailsham and other areas means that the school is unlikely to have to exceed capacity in future years.  As a result, overall numbers at the school are expected to remain consistent until 2028/29, with surplus places of around 8%-10%.  Spare places are mainly in the sixth form. 

Heathfield Community College total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

 

The local authority has recently agreed to expand Heathfield Community College’s specialist facility for students with autism, subject to detailed design and planning.  The facility’s capacity will increase from 12 places to 20.  It is intended to deliver the expansion in 2026/27.

 

 

 

Polegate and Willingdon

Schools

There are two primary schools in the area and one secondary school.  One primary school has nursery provision.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Following a low birth year in 2022/23, numbers rose again in 2023/24.

Polegate and Willingdonbirths from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Wealden District Council (WDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  WDC has published a draft new Local Plan.  This projects an estimated 1,700 new dwellings being built in the area in the period 2025/26 to 2039/40. 

Primary places

There are significant flows of children to and from Polegate Primary School and Willingdon Primary School and schools in Eastbourne.

In the short term, birth and GP registration data points to reception (Year R) numbers remaining at or within the combined PAN of 150. However, the housing planned for the area, could lead to medium to long term pressures on places.

Polegate and Willingdon primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Total pupil numbers in the area should remain relatively consistent in the period to 2028/29, with surplus places of no more than 2%.

Polegate and Willingdon total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No primary school organisation changes are currently planned.

Secondary places

Linked to numbers coming through primary schools and the volume of recent and planned housing development in the Polegate, Willingdon and Stone Cross areas, Willingdon Community School is likely to find it increasingly difficult to meet demand from all children within its admissions community area who wish to go there.  The school exceeded its PAN of 210 by approximately 15 places in 2025/26 as a result of successful appeals.

Willingdon Community School has shared admissions areas with two Eastbourne schools, The Turing School and The Eastbourne Academy.  In some years, if Willingdon Community School is to keep to its PAN of 210, the school admissions system may have to direct a number of local applicants from the school’s community area to these schools.

 

Willingdon Community School secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

The school is likely to remain at, or close to, capacity during the plan period, with very few, if any, surplus places.

 

Willingdon Community School total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No secondary school organisation changes are currently planned but the local authority will monitor the local demand for places at the school and take action if necessary.

 

Stone Cross, Hankham, Pevensey and Westham

Schools

There are three primary schools in the area.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Births have generally been higher in recent years because of the volume of new homes to have been built in the area.

Stonecross, Hankham, Pevensey and Westham births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Wealden District Council (WDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  WDC has published a draft new Local Plan.  This projects an estimated 1,300 new dwellings being built in the area in the period 2025/26 to 2039/40.

Primary places

Recent house building in the area has resulted in larger numbers of in-area children coming through into reception (Year R).  The three schools take significant numbers of children from the Eastbourne area.  The school admissions system should be able to redirect some of this demand back to Eastbourne, where future intake numbers are predicted to decline as a result of falling births, thereby ensuring sufficient places for local children.  However, the volume of new housing, coupled with any future general upturn in births, could put pressure on school places in the local area. 

Stonecross, Hankham, Pevensey and Westham primary Year R numbers

from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Overall pupil numbers in the three schools are expected to remain consistent until 2028/29, with surplus places averaging around 4%.

Stonecross, Hankham, Pevensey and Westham total primary numbers

from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

 

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

Pevensey and Westham CE Primary School lowered its age range from September 2025 to establish school-run nursery provision on site.

Uckfield and surrounding area

Schools

There are six primary schools in the area and one secondary school.  Three primary schools have nursery provision, and the secondary school has a sixth form.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

Births

Births in the area have been largely consistent in recent years.

Uckfield and surrounding area births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

 

Housing plans

Wealden District Council (WDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  WDC has published a draft new Local Plan.  This projects an estimated 1,600 new dwellings being built in the area in the period 2025/26 to 2039/40. 

Primary places

Live birth and GP registration data are currently suggesting that reception (Year R) numbers should remain under the Published Admission Number (PAN) for the area during the plan period.

A number of children from the area currently attend surrounding schools, notably Bonners CE Primary School and Buxted CE Primary School.

Uckfield and surrounding area primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

Total primary numbers in the area are expected to decline gradually in the coming years, with surplus places growing from 3% in 2024/25 to 7% in 2028/29.

However, 1000 new homes are being built in the town on a housing development at Ridgewood Farm.  If accompanied by a general upswing in births, this volume of development is likely to put pressure on school places in the area at some point in the future.

Uckfield and surrounding area total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

The local authority has an option agreement on land for a new school to serve the Ridgewood development site and will bring forward proposals to establish provision at the appropriate time.  The timing of this will be largely dependent upon when the school site is transferred by the developer to the local authority and the demand for places in the area at that time.

Secondary places

The popularity of Uckfield College has seen a recent rise, likely linked to the Outstanding Ofsted Grading in 2024.  Based on recent parental preference patterns it is currently forecast that the school will fill to its PAN of 270 in most of the years to 2028/29.

Parts of Uckfield College’s admissions area overlap with those of King’s Academy, Ringmer.  There are inflows and outflows to and from the areas of Ringmer, Chailey and Crowborough.  Pupils from the local area also access places at St Paul’s Catholic College in West Sussex.

 

Uckfield College secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25

 

Overall pupil numbers at the school are forecast to grow gradually during the plan period.  Surplus places, which stood at 8% in 2024/25, are expected to reduce to 3% by 2028/29.

 

Uckfield College total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

The local authority is working with Uckfield College on a project to expand its specialist facility for students with autism, thereby increasing its capacity from 6 places to 12.  The project is due to complete in autumn 2025.

Rural Wealden

Schools

There are 24 primary schools in the area and one secondary school.  Four primary schools have nursery provision, and the secondary school has a sixth form.

*School type correct on 1 October 2025

 

Births

Births across the area have been relatively steady in the last seven years with an average of 299 per annum.

Rural Wealden births from 2012/13 to 2023/24

Source:  ONS live birth data and NHS Digital

Housing plans

Wealden District Council (WDC) provides the local authority with housing growth data on an annual basis which feeds into our pupil forecasts and means we can make assumptions about the likely pupil yield from new and planned housing developments.  WDC has published a draft new Local Plan.  This projects an estimated 4,200 new dwellings being built in the area in the period 2025/26 to 2039/40.  1,000 of these dwellings are proposed for Horam, 600 for Frant, 600 for East Hoathly with Halland, 400 for Buxted, 300 for Maresfield, and 200 for Herstmonceux.

Primary places

The number of reception (Year R) places in primary schools across the area are forecast to be sufficient to meet demand for the foreseeable future. However, the picture will vary between individual rural areas. Intake numbers in rural schools can fluctuate significantly from year to year, owing to the fact that the size of the cohorts of children living in small geographical areas sometimes differs markedly from one age group to the next. Normally schools can organise to accommodate any temporary bulges.

Linked to recent and planned new housing, in-area numbers requiring a school place in the Maynards Green Community Primary School admissions area are forecast to be high, particularly in 2026/27 and 2027/28.  If the school is to keep to its PAN of 30, it is likely that the school admissions system will have to direct some in-area applicants to surrounding schools, notably in Heathfield.  Further new housing is envisaged in the 2030s, and this could lead to shortfalls of places in the longer term.

Based on birth and GP registration data, Frant CE Primary School is forecast to be able to keep to its PAN of 15 over the Plan period.  Much of the new housing planned for the area is on the fringes of Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and many if not most of these children, may be expected to seek places there.  Further new housebuilding may increase pressure on places in the following decade.

With the partial exception of 2028/29, birth and GP registration numbers in the East Hoathly CE Primary School admissions area are not particularly high.  Therefore, pressures on Year R places from new house building in East Hoathly and Halland Parish may not occur until the 2030s when significant amounts of additional housing are proposed in the Draft Wealden Local Plan.

Rural Wealden primary Year R numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Overall pupil numbers in the area are forecast to remain fairly steady in the period to 2028/29, with surplus places of 17% by the end of the plan period.  Eight schools have 25% or more surplus places.

Rural Wealden total primary numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

The local authority is working with all small schools with large surpluses as part of our Small Schools Strategy.  We will monitor the situation at the schools and take action to address any challenges where appropriate.  For example:

·         As a result of the PAN reduction at Mayfield CE Primary School from 2025/26, physical accommodation was removed from the school in summer 2025 thereby reducing the school’s capacity from 210 places to 140 places.

·         Forest Row CE Primary School lowered its age range with effect from 1 September 2024 to establish school-run nursery provision on site.  As a result, the school’s capacity reduced from 315 places to 210 places. 

·         The PANs at Wadhurst CE Primary School and Groombridge St Thomas’ CE Primary School will reduce to 30 and 15 respectively from 2026/27.  Accommodation will not be removed and can be brought back into use if pupil numbers begin to rise again.

Secondary places

Part of Uplands Academy’s admissions area overlaps with that of Heathfield Community College.  The school takes significant numbers of children from across the border in Kent.  The closure of High Weald Academy has resulted in increased demand from Kent pupils for Uplands Academy since 2022/23.

Uplands Academy’s numbers are also affected by admissions and appeals to Kent Grammar Schools.  Normally significantly more children from Kent take up places at Uplands Academy than move in the other direction.  The school also takes pupils from the Robertsbridge Community College admissions area.

 

It is assumed that these higher inflows will continue to some extent, resulting in the school being forecast to be full or close to its PAN in the plan period, although the general trend in intake numbers may be gradually downwards.

As most of this out of area demand is non-priority, it is not expected that the Uplands Academy will need to go over its PAN, unless it chooses to do so voluntarily. The school has sufficient places to accommodate in-area numbers.

Uplands Academy secondary Year 7 numbers from 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

Surplus places, which stood at 26% in 2024/25, are forecast to rise to 30% by 2028/29.  This is in part owing to the school’s sixth form closing at the end of the 2024/25 academic year.  Accommodation has not been removed and will therefore distort surplus place figures at the school in future years.

 

Uplands Academy total secondary numbers 2017/18 to 2028/29

Source:  Pupil Forecasts (Jan 25) 23.06.25 Final

 

 

*Note:  For further information about individual school capacities and forecast numbers on roll please refer to Appendix 1

No further secondary school organisation changes are currently planned.

 

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

Special schools

There are 13 maintained special schools in East Sussex, all of which are academies.

* Correct on 1 October 2025

 

Mainstream schools with specialist facilities

There are specialist facilities in 19 mainstream schools in East Sussex (9 primary and 10 secondary), catering for primary needs such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and Physical Disabilities (PD).

You can find more information about each special school and specialist facility on the local authority’s Local Offer page.

Education, Health, and Care Plans

The local authority has a statutory duty to identify, assess and provide for children and young people with special educational needs.  An assessment may lead to the issuing of an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) for a child.  An EHCP sets out the additional support a child or young person needs and the type of school (mainstream or special) or other provision they will attend in order to meet their needs. 

Demand for SEND provision

As with other local authorities nationally, the overall numbers of children and young people aged 4 to 25 with an EHCP has been growing significantly.  In 2024/25, the number of school aged children (aged 4-18) in East Sussex with an EHCP stood at 4,481.  There were also 412 young people aged 19-25 who need continued support to transition to adulthood.  Over the next four years, the local authority forecasts that overall numbers of school aged children with EHCPs will grow, by around 22%, to nearly 5,500.

Overall numbers of school aged children with EHCPs

Source:  ESCC SEND Forecasting Model (July 2025)

Overall numbers of school aged children with EHCPs

 

There has been a significant increase in parental demand for statutory plans and, alongside this, an increase in the requests for special school placements.  Challenges with parental confidence in mainstream provision being able to meet the needs of children has had an impact on the number of requests for Education, Health and Care needs assessments and provision in the specialist sector.

The number of children and young people identified as autistic is growing year on year and is translating into rapidly increasing numbers of EHCPs issued with a primary need classification of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  There are no signs of this trend reducing.

The local authority has seen a post Covid upturn in the number of plans being issued with a primary need classification of Speech Language and Communication Need. There has also been a growth in the number of children presenting with mental health needs that are impacting on school attendance, which has resulted in increases in demand in the area of Social Emotional and Mental Health needs.  In the past year there has also been a jump in the number of children with a primary need of Moderate Learning Difficulties.

The number of plans issued for other primary need groups are mainly stable or falling.  The following table shows the number of school age children with an EHCP by primary need type.

Key to primary need designations:

ASD    Autistic Spectrum Disorder

DS      Down Syndrome
HI       Hearing Impairment
MLD    Moderate Learning Difficulties

MSI     Multi-sensory Impairment
PD      Physical Disability
PMLD  Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties

SLD    Severe Learning Difficulties
SEMH  Social Emotional and Mental Health
SpLD   Specific Learning Difficulties
SLCN  Speech, Language and Communication Needs

VI       Visual Impairment

EHCPs by primary need group (school aged children) from 2019/20 to 2028/29

Need	2019/ 20	2020/ 21	2021/ 22	2022/ 23	2023/ 24	2024/ 25	2025/ 26	2026/ 27	2027/ 28	2028/ 29
ASD	955	1091	1211	1375	1611	1830	2044	2262	2440	2624
DS	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	1
HI	57	63	63	61	63	60	58	56	51	51
MLD	380	388	417	419	433	525	534	558	566	584
MSI	4	4	5	3	3	3	2	2	2	2
PD	178	170	165	157	168	172	170	179	186	190
PMLD	96	105	102	104	105	107	108	107	105	102
SLD	101	91	93	92	87	81	75	72	66	66
SEMH	587	600	648	682	725	781	770	789	804	807
SpLD	144	128	115	119	134	144	142	146	153	157
SLCN	642	633	653	680	723	754	780	815	830	864
VI	26	24	22	21	21	24	24	21	20	20
Total	3170	3297	3494	3713	4073	4481	4708	5008	5224	5468

Source: ESCC SEND Forecasting Model (July 2025)

EHCPs by primary need group (school aged children) from 2019/20 to 2028/29

In 2024/25, there were 2,071 East Sussex resident children and young people on roll in special schools.  1,907 were in schools in East Sussex and 164 were in schools in other authorities.  1,568 were in maintained provision (including academies) and 503 were in non-maintained and independent special schools.  A further 225 East Sussex resident children and young people were in specialist facilities in mainstream schools.

 

The table and chart below show that, since 2020/21, the biggest need has been for places in maintained special schools and special academies followed by funded places in mainstream schools.

 

Key to table:

Band A: Mainstream school and further education colleges (with a non-funded plan)

Band B: Mainstream school and further education colleges (with a funded plan)

Band C: Mainstream school units and specialist facilities

Band D: Maintained special schools and special academies

Band E: Non-maintained and independent special schools

EHCPs by type of provision needed

	2019/ 20	2020/ 21	2021/ 22	2022/ 23	2023/ 24	2024/ 25	2025/ 26	2026/ 27	2027/ 28	2028/ 29
Band A	248	532	505	468	521	717	640	683	721	762
Band B	1323	1051	1108	1230	1335	1400	1525	1631	1706	1785
Band C	187	206	204	211	230	228	286	302	315	328
Band D	1139	1186	1298	1371	1505	1601	1704	1804	1871	1956
Band E	273	322	379	433	482	535	553	587	610	636
Total	3170	3297	3494	3713	4073	4481	4708	5008	5224	5468

Source:  ESCC SEND Forecasting Model (July 2025)

 

 

EHCPs by type of provision needed

The number of children and young people deemed to require a special school place has risen by over 600 (42%) in the past four years.  The number of pupils placed in maintained special school places has risen by approximately 400 (35%); the number of places in independent and non-maintained special school places has risen by approximately 200, a 66% increase.

The following table compares the combined capacity of places in special schools and specialist facilities in mainstream schools with the current and forecast need for such places.  The local authority does not have data on available places in independent special schools.  In reality, most of the current shortfall in places shown in the table is being met by independent special school placements.

Need for and capacity of special school places from 2024/25 to 2028/29

	2024/25	2025/26	2026/27	2027/28	2028/29
Capacity of places*	1906	1936	1936	1936	1936
Need for places** (No. of EHCPs)	2364	2544	2694	2796	2921

Source:  ESCC SEND Forecasting Model (July 2025)

*Capacity totals include maintained and non-maintained special schools and specialist

facilities in mainstream schools, but excludes places in independent special schools

** This includes the need for specialist facilities in mainstream schools

 

 

Need for and capacity of special school places from 2024/25 to 2028/29

The local authority has to use high cost independent and non-maintained special school provision to meet the demand for specialist placements.  This is because there is insufficient capacity in state run provision.  If current placement trends continue over the period to 2028/29, the effective shortfall in state run specialist provision is forecast to increase by over 500 places. 

Figures for 2024/25 show that 2.3% of all pupils in state-funded schools in East Sussex are in special schools.  This compares to the national average for England of 2.0%. (Schools, Pupils and Their Characteristics, Department for Education, 2025).

SEND place planning strategy

There is a broad offer of specialist provision across the county within the maintained, non-maintained and independent sectors with a comparatively high number of special school placements available when compared to the national average. The majority of places for our special schools are allocated at phase transfer (e.g. from primary Year 6 to secondary Year 7). The capacity for placements mid-year is a particular gap in provision as places are full at the start of the academic year.  

In recent years the local authority has delivered new special school and mainstream specialist facility places, to help address the increasing demand for provision and to manage the high cost of placements in non-maintained and independent schools.  This has included: 

·         287 new special school places at: The Ropemakers Academy in Hailsham, The Flagship School in Hastings, and Summerdown School in Eastbourne.

• 72 new specialist facility places at seven mainstream schools (five primary and two secondary). The primary schools are: All Saints CE Primary School in Bexhill, Churchwood Primary Academy in Hastings, Denton Community Primary School in Newhaven, Grovelands Community Primary School in Hailsham and Meridian Community Primary School in Peacehaven.  The secondary schools are Priory School in Lewes and Robertsbridge Community College.

·         2 mainstream schools have extended the designation of their existing specialist facilities to include Autistic Spectrum Disorder to reflect the growing demand for provision for children with autism. The schools are: Wallands Community Primary School in Lewes and Peacehaven Community School.

·         Acre Wood Academy in Crowborough (formerly Grove Park School) extended its designation from 1 September 2025 to include Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Severe Learning Difficulties in addition to its previous designation of Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties.

Going forward, the local authority’s SEND place planning strategy is focused on developing more specialist facilities in mainstream schools, supporting schools to be more inclusive and for children to be educated alongside their peers in their local communities.  In the 2024/25 academic year we invited expressions of interest for new or expanded specialist facilities and have approved three new primary phase facilities, one new secondary phase facility and two expanded secondary school facilities:

·         Chailey St Peter’s CE Primary School: New specialist facility for 12 pupils with a primary need classification of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  Opening January 2026.

• Ocklynge Junior School in Eastbourne: New specialist facility for 12 pupils with a primary need classification of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  Opening January 2026.
• Uckfield College: Expansion of existing specialist facility from 6 to 12 places for pupils with a primary need classification of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Opening September 2025.
• Heathfield Community College: Expansion of existing specialist facility from 12 to 20 places for pupils with a primary need classification of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Opening date to be confirmed.
• Chyngton School: New specialist facility for 12 pupils with a primary need classification of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  Opening date to be confirmed.
• Seaford Head School: New specialist facility for 12 pupils with a primary need classification of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  Opening date to be confirmed.

We continue to work with schools to support new facilities in areas of need and to ensure progression routes between primary and secondary facilities.  We continue to work with our special schools to ensure that their designation meets local needs, for example three schools with a designation of Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) have recently changed their designation to also include Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  We are working with one of our special school trusts to pilot a satellite class at a local primary school.  This would support inclusion whilst creating more capacity in our special schools.

The local authority is reorganising and expanding Acre Wood Academy’s Church Road premises to increase capacity for secondary age students and create a school run nursery.  Construction is due to commence in autumn 2025 with completion expected during the 2026/27 academic year.  Secondary age students currently co-located at Beacon Academy in Crowborough will transition to their new accommodation for the start of the 2027/28 academic year.  The new accommodation will benefit the school and pupils by bringing together primary and secondary provision on one site, supporting transition and making best use of the Church Road site.  The new nursery will mean that children who need this provision can start at the school from 2 years old, ensuring a good start to their education.

We have also identified a need for more specialist provision for post-16 learners and are  exploring with current special schools and post 16 providers how this can be best delivered.

 

Alternative Provision

The local authority has a duty to ensure there are sufficient school places for all children, including those in need of alternative provision (AP) and to ensure that the alternative provision is suitable and good quality, as set out in the DfE guidance Arranging Alternative Provision - guide for LAs and schools. AP is included as part of our SEND place planning strategy.

The local authority works with partners to ensure that there is sufficient and suitable AP and post-16 options for children and young people with SEND. This includes a focus on the range and quality of AP available in East Sussex and ensuring there are clear progression routes to post-16 education and training.

There is a range of AP available in East Sussex:

·         The local authority fulfils its obligation to provide full-time education for all permanently excluded children by day 6 of a child’s absence through the East Sussex Academy.

·         The local authority commissions East Sussex Academy to provide tier 1 and tier 2[1] provision to schools.

·         The AP Directory offers a range of AP for schools to commission from.

·         Internal on-site AP delivered by schools.

In the 2024/25 academic year, the local authority commissioned 80 secondary places and 32 primary places for dual registered and day 6 provision. Take up was 100%.

In 2025/26 the local authority commissioned 220 places at the East Sussex Academy. This is a 96% increase on the number of places we commissioned in 2024/25. This is the first full year that the East Sussex Academy has been commissioned to deliver our day 6 provision. The provision will operate from three sites:   

·         East Sussex Academy, Hastings

·         East Sussex Academy, Hailsham

·         East Sussex Academy, Newhaven

Throughout the year we will continue to review how the AP commissioning is meeting need and if there are sufficient places available across the county. 

The AP Directory has 26 providers on it.  In 2024/25 schools commissioned 96 places[2] from the Directory.  Feedback from schools show that there are some gaps in provision for Key Stage 1 providers and provision in some of our rural areas. We continue to work with schools and providers to encourage new providers to apply for the Directory where required.

Post-16 Provision

Local authorities have statutory duties to encourage, enable, and assist young people to participate in education or training. Specifically, these duties are: 

·         To secure sufficient suitable education and training provision for all young people in their area who are over compulsory school age but under 19 or aged 19 to 25 and for whom an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is maintained. This is a duty under the Education Act 1996. To fulfil this duty, local authorities need to have a strategic overview of the provision available in their area and to identify and resolve gaps in provision. 

·         To make available to all young people aged 13-19 and those up to 25 with an EHCP, support that will encourage, enable, or assist them to participate in education or training under Section 68 of the Education and Skills Act (ESA) 2008. 

·         Tracking young people’s participation in Years 12 and 13 (ages 16 and 17) is a key element of these duties, as is promoting effective participation. 

 

In fulfilling these duties, the Council provides support to schools and post-16 education training providers to ensure our young people can make a successful post-16 transition to a destination of their choice.

 

We work with providers to ensure that the post-16 provision offer meets the requirements of increasing participation, by offering a wide range of options with clear progression routes into further or higher education or employment with training. The post-16 offer should also reflect the local skills needs and priority sectors of East Sussex, with a curriculum plan and progression pathways which are influenced by local employers. 

The local authority supports the progression of young people through:   

·         a focus on securing good quality careers advice through local East Sussex Careers Hub activities 

·         embedding the Enterprise Advisors Network 

·         the provision of Careers East Sussex 

·         an e-prospectus and online application platform 

·         a Work Experience Service for schools

·         commissioning the Youth Employability Service to provide information, advice and guidance to vulnerable young people who are not in education, employment, or training or at risk of not being so

Current Post-16 provision in East Sussex

There are a number of different options for post-16 study in East Sussex including:

•      Schools with sixth forms

•      Special schools with post-16 provision

•      General Further Education Colleges (GFE)

•      Sixth form colleges

•      Independent learning providers

•      Private training providers including apprenticeship providers

•      Specialist provision for young people with an EHCP

The tables below list the schools and colleges offering post-16 provision in East Sussex.  There are five schools with sixth forms, three special schools with sixth forms and four post-16 colleges:

Schools with Sixth Forms
School Name	Location
Beacon Academy	Crowborough
Hailsham Academy*	Hailsham
Heathfield Community College	Heathfield
Seaford Head School	Seaford
Uckfield College	Uckfield

*Sixth Form provision is due to close from September 2026

 

Special Schools with Sixth Forms
School Name	Location
Glyne Gap School	Bexhill
Acre Wood Academy	Crowborough
Hazel Court School	Eastbourne

 

Post-16 Colleges	Location	Type
College Name
Bexhill College	Bexhill	Sixth Form College
DV8 Bexhill	Bexhill	Creative College
East Sussex College	Eastbourne, Hastings and Lewes	GFE College
Plumpton College	Plumpton	Land based College

For more information about post-16 provision in East Sussex, visit our local offer at College, Courses and Education | East Sussex Local Offer.

Demand for Provision

Demand for provision is more complex for the post-16 age group due to the increased breadth of learner choice compared to those of statutory school age. Availability of opportunities such as apprenticeships and supported internships are dictated by the labour market and as such can fluctuate creating unexpected pressures in other areas of provision.

Recent growth in demand for EHCPs is also increasing the pressure on providers offering specialist programmes designed for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

The following table provides a breakdown of the numbers of young people in education employment or training and those not in education, employment or training as at June 2025.

 

Cohort group	Cohort size	In education, employment or training	Not in education, employment or training
Year 12s (16 years)	6057	5818 (96%)	239 (4%)
Year 13s (17 years)	5915	5564 (94%)	351 (6%)

The local authority will work with education and training providers alongside local employers to ensure that all young people are encouraged and supported to participate in education and training leading towards sustained employment.

Post-16 Destinations

The post-16 destinations of our students are tracked in line with our statutory reporting duties. According to the 2024 Annual Activity data (1 November 2024), 90% of our Year 11 students progressed to further study in post-16 settings. The following table outlines the distribution of students across various course type.

Post-16 Destination	Percentage of Year 11 Students
Total progressing to further study	90%
A Levels	36%
Level 2 courses	25%
Level 3 courses	19%
Level 1 courses	11%
T Levels	5%
Entry Level	3%
Special Needs and other courses	1%

The number of places available at level 2 continues to be a provision gap. The number of training providers in East Sussex has decreased considerably over the past few years due to the ceasing of European Social Fund support and short term, Covid related funding. Work with the Department for Education and post-16 providers has been ongoing for several years to ensure that provision is developed in response to demand to ensure that young people have an offer for post-16 learning that meets their needs and aspirations.

Post-19 SEND

In the 2024/25 academic year there were 482 young people with EHCPs aged 19-25 in post-16 education.  Most of these young people were enrolled on courses at level 2 and below, with a quarter enrolled at level 3. There is an identified need for the local authority to work with providers to develop post-16 SEND provision to meet demand for places. This includes ensuring progression routes for young people with SEND into college and progression routes for young people aged 16-25 with profound multiple learning difficulties that promote preparation for adulthood.