Brighton College

Focus 

Enthusiasm, awareness, respect and tolerance

Day fees 2025/26

$31,900-$43,800

Boarding fees 2025/26 

$72,400-$76,500

Term dates

• Term 1: 26 August to 10 December 2025
• Term 2: 4 January to 18 March 2026
• Term 3: 13 April to 26 June 2026

Ages

11-18

Pupil count 

1,275

Spear’s Review

Regularly top of the academic league tables, Brighton College is a fantastically well-equipped school far away from the pressures of London.

With an inclusive and progressive philosophy of learning, it aims to produce ambitious children who pursue their passions and interests (there are over 150 clubs and activities available weekly), explore new activities and ideas, and ultimately contribute to their communities. Frequently regarded by industry commentators as one of the top co-educational schools in the country, Brighton College fosters a culture based on integrity, kindness and contentment.

Older students are encouraged to mentor younger children and mix with those outside of their year group, and children are taught to practice kindness to themselves, with wellbeing a central tenet of the school’s culture. Students have access to a 24-hour health and wellbeing centre, a nutritionist, a cold water therapist and a clinical scientist providing advice on sleep hygiene.

Academics

In 2025:

• 98 per cent of GCSE results were grades 7-9
• 85 per cent of A-Level results were A* or A

Head teacher

The current head master of Brighton College is Steve Marshall-Taylor. He succeeded Richard Cairns, who is now the principal of all Brighton College schools globally. Marshall-Taylor graduated from Nottingham University with a first in French and German, and completed his PGCE at the University of Cambridge. He held several roles at King’s College School, Wimbledon, before joining Brighton College as deputy headmaster in 2013.

University and college destinations

According to the school, 18 per cent of the 2025 class continued their studies at Oxford or Cambridge. US universities are also well represented, and 7 per cent of the 2025 class continued their studies at Ivy League schools.

Admissions

Following registration, children are invited to sit assessments, either at the college or via the ISEB Common Pre-Test at their current prep school. Successful candidates are invited to spend a day at the college for the second part of the assessment process.

Notable alumni 

• Sir John Chilcot (civil servant)
• Sir Vivian Fuchs (explorer)
• Chloé Zhao (filmmaker)
  

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 1 hour 15 minutes

Location

Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.