ECi310, a new chapter for Eastbourne College
St Andrew’s Prep and Eastbourne College have been part of one charity, Eastbourne College Incorporated (ECi), since joining together in 2010. Over the past 16 years, that partnership has grown naturally through shared staff and facilities, our unique Bridge Curriculum and the longstanding progression of pupils from St Andrew’s Prep to Eastbourne College.
Next year, Eastbourne College will celebrate its 160th anniversary and St Andrew’s Prep its 150th, marking a combined 310 years of educational heritage in Eastbourne. As such, we feel now is the right time to strengthen our bond in a bold, intentional and more meaningful way.
ECi310 is a landmark vision that will see St Andrew’s Prep relocate to a new purpose-built home within the grounds of Eastbourne College, bringing our two schools together on one campus for the first time.
This key milestone marks the next chapter in our collective history and represents a long-term investment in the future of both schools. It will establish us as Eastbourne’s only provider of all-through independent education for pupils aged 4 to 18 on one single campus.
Our vision
The new Prep school will occupy an area of the campus between Old Wish Road and Carlisle Road, combining the sensitive refurbishment of existing historic buildings with thoughtfully designed new facilities, including a new multi-purpose hall and specialist classrooms.
Importantly, the buildings and spaces identified for the development are not currently used by pupils, meaning there will be no loss of existing teaching, sporting or co-curricular facilities as part of the project.
Works are not expected to begin until early 2027, subject to planning approval, and any disruption during construction will be carefully managed to minimise impact on day-to-day College life, with safe routes across campus maintained throughout.
Stronger together
For pupils across both schools, ECi310 creates something genuinely distinctive.
Prep school pupils will be based within a fully self-contained Prep school environment on the College campus, with dedicated facilities and secure spaces designed specifically for younger children, while also benefitting from carefully managed access to the wider opportunities and community life on the Eastbourne College campus.
As pupils progress through the school, their connection to College life will develop naturally through shared facilities, sport and co-curricular opportunities. By the time pupils move into Year 9, they will already feel a strong sense of familiarity, confidence and belonging within the wider College community.
That joined up educational journey, on one campus in the heart of Eastbourne, is something no other independent school in the town can offer.
Tom Lawson, Headmaster, said: “This is a genuinely exciting moment, not just for our two schools, but for every family in Eastbourne who wants an outstanding independent education for their child right from the start of their educational journey. Bringing St Andrew’s Prep onto our campus means we can offer something truly distinctive: a seamless experience from age 4 to 18, shaped by 310 years of shared history and one of the most inspiring settings in the country.”
What happens next?
This marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for our schools, and we want our whole community to help shape it.
We are currently sharing initial design concepts and actively seeking feedback from parents, pupils, staff, alumni, neighbours and the wider community. The project will then go through the statutory planning process before construction can begin, and your views at this early stage will help shape the plans as they develop.
We invite you to view the proposals at a public drop in exhibition at The Birley Centre, 4 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4EF on Thursday 14 May 2026 from 10.00am to 7.00pm and Friday 15 May 2026 from 9.00am to 3.00pm. There is no need to book in advance.
Further information about ECi310, including initial designs, the project timeline, frequently asked questions and a dedicated suggestions and feedback form on the dedicated ECi310 website.
*These artist’s impressions are at an early stage, they are shared to illustrate our vision, not as formal or final designs. Eci310 is subject to planning and approval.
