Bexhill College

Bexhill College is a sixth form college in the south-east of England. The college is based in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex and is located on Penland Road, north-east of the town centre.^[2] The college is rated Outstanding as of its latest Ofsted report, which took place in 2024.^[3]

Bexhill College
Address
Penland Road Bexhill-on-Sea , East Sussex , TN40 2JG England
Information
Type	Sixth form college
Established	c1997
Department for Education URN	130670 Tables
Ofsted	Reports
Principal	Karen Hucker
Age	16 to 19
Enrolment	c2500 students[1]
Website	http://www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk

History

Bexhill College is the direct successor of the County Schools for Boys and Girls, opened on 5 October 1926. In 1945 following the Education Act, the schools became Grammar Schools. The Boys' and Girls' County Grammar Schools merged on 26 September 1970 and became a sixth form college in 1977.^[4] The college was initially located on Turkey Road in Sidley, but relocated officially to Penland Road in late c2006.^[5]

General information

As of 2018, the college enrolls nearly 2000 students with the majority of the day students aged 16–19.^[6] The main college buildings are located all on one site, with a wide range of facilities catering for the 80 plus courses available.

The college also runs an adult learning centre, offering recreational evening and daytime classes as well as a range of qualification courses.^[7]

The college is co-located with post-16 students of Glyne Gap School. The Glyne Gap students have been given their own open-air space within the college grounds.

Facilities

Bexhill College has a variety of facilities, all located on its 5.6-hectare site.

• Izzard Theatre was opened in December 2013 by Eddie Izzard.^[8] It is a 200-seater space, with retractable seating.^[9] The theatre is used for multiple events such as shows performed by students to assemblies and political hustings. The theatre block includes a hair salon, drama studio, recording studio and catering kitchen.^[10]
• Sports facilities consist of a 3G all weather pitch, 2 dance studios, an indoor multisport hall, a climbing wall, 3 tennis courts, a large grass training area and a modern gym.^[11]
• Learning Resource Centre (LRC)
• Refectory
• Science Laboratories

Current student life

Students who attend the college are from Bexhill and the surrounding areas of Rother, Hastings and Eastbourne. Full-time students study a wide range of courses including vocational ones, GCSEs and A-Level qualifications. The college began to offer T-Levels in 2021.^[12]

Enrichment

The college’s enrichment programme gives students the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities throughout the year.^[13]

The college also offers a sport academy programme, which means students represent their college in competitions or games, alongside their studies. The sports available are: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football (the academy is in association with Chelsea FC foundation), Golf, Netball, Performing arts, Rugby, Swimming, Table tennis, Tennis and Volleyball.

There is also a Performing Arts Academy in which the students can develop their full potential in singing, dancing, acting and performing.

International students

International students have a choice of accommodation, which include Bexhill College’s own student houses or living with a Host Family.^[6]

Adult education

Despite being primarily for 16-19 year olds, Bexhill College offers adult education classes. These are run through the day and as evening classes. The college offers professional qualifications such as certificates, diplomas, as well as a wide range of GCSEs and other recreational courses.

Notable alumni

• Godfrey Argent, photographer^[14]
• Jo Brand, comedian, writer and actress^[15]
• Michael Cowpland, businessman^{[citation needed]}
• Gordon Hillman, archaeologist^[16]
• Mike Leadbitter, journalist^[17]
• James McCartney, musician^[18]
• Stella McCartney, fashion designer^[19]
• Hayley Okines, activist^[20]
• John Pitman, journalist
• Francis Robinson, historian
• Charity Wakefield, actress^[21]