About Brighton College
Brighton College is one of England's leading independent co-educational schools in Brighton, East Sussex. As an independent school, fees apply (~£30,000+ per year). Entry to Year 7 is via the school's own entrance examination. Brighton College is consistently named one of the top independent schools in the country.
Brighton College provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 98%. A-Level A*–B: 97.9%.
About Admission to Brighton College
Brighton College is a leading independent (fee‑paying) co‑educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, on Eastern Road in Brighton. Named the Sunday Times ‘UK Independent School of the Decade’, it is known for outstanding academic results, a culture of kindness and exceptional facilities. Entry is by the College’s own assessment and you apply directly to the school — there is no GL Assessment, no local‑authority Common Application Form and no National Offers Day.
The main entry points are 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) and Sixth Form (16+). For 11+, applicants sit the College’s own tests in Maths, English, Verbal and Non‑Verbal Reasoning (in December of Year 6) with an interview and a reference; 13+ uses the ISEB Common Pre‑Test. A wide range of scholarships (academic, music, sport, art, dance, drama, chess and choral) and means‑tested bursaries are available.
This guide explains how entry works, the key steps and dates, results and school life. Always confirm the latest details on the school’s official admissions pages before applying.
Brighton College Admissions Guide (11+, 13+ & 16+)
How Brighton College Selects Pupils
Entry is competitive and considers academic ability alongside all‑round potential and personality. There is no exam‑board qualifying mark and no statutory oversubscription criteria.
- ✓11+ (Year 7): the College’s own tests in Maths, English, Verbal and Non‑Verbal Reasoning (December of Year 6), plus an interview and a school reference.
- ✓13+ (Year 9): registration in Year 6 and the ISEB Common Pre‑Test, with assessment and interview.
- ✓Sixth Form (16+): entry based on assessment, interview and strong GCSE grades.
- ✓Academic scholarships are assessed within the normal 11+ process; music, sport, art, dance, drama, chess and choral awards are also available (some applied for separately).
- ✓Means‑tested bursaries help make a place affordable — ask the admissions team.
Key Dates & How It Works
| 📌 Open mornings & taster days | Held through the year (e.g. May, September, November) |
| 📌 Registration deadline (11+) | Around November of the year before entry |
| 📌 11+ assessment & interview | December of Year 6 |
| 📌 Outcome | Offers follow assessment (often conditional on GCSEs at 16+) |
How to Apply to Brighton College
Step 1 — Visit & register
Attend an open morning or taster day, then complete the online registration form (a fee applies) ahead of the deadline.
Step 2 — Assessment & interview
For 11+, your child sits the College’s tests in December of Year 6 and attends an interview; a reference is taken from their current school.
Step 3 — Offer & scholarships
Offers follow assessment; scholarship and bursary outcomes are confirmed alongside.
What the 11+ Assessment Covers
The written tests assess academic potential; the interview and reference help the College get to know each child as an individual.
11+ Practice Papers (English, Maths & Reasoning)
Brighton College sets its own 11+ tests in Maths, English and reasoning. These practice papers build exactly those core skills — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Brighton College 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Brighton College (GCSE & A‑Level Results)
Brighton College produces exceptional results and was named the Sunday Times UK Independent School of the Decade.
| 📈 GCSE — grades 9–7 | ~94% (recent) |
| 🎓 A‑Level — A*–B | ~99% (83% A*/A) |
| 🎓 University destinations | hundreds of Russell Group offers; many to Oxbridge & top US universities |
Class sizes are small (around 18 at GCSE and 8 at A‑Level), with 26 subjects offered at A‑Level. (Figures vary year to year; see the school’s website for the latest.)
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co‑curricular Life
Brighton College is known for a deliberate culture of kindness alongside its academic ambition, supporting both day and boarding pupils.
Sport for all
All pupils play games of their choice twice a week, with major sports including athletics, cricket, netball and rugby and a strong record of representative success.
World‑class facilities
The OMA‑designed School of Science and Sport houses university‑standard laboratories, a 25‑metre swimming pool, a rooftop running track and a double‑height sports hall — part of why the College is regularly rated a leading school for STEM.
Scholarships & bursaries
A wide scholarship programme and means‑tested bursaries help broaden access to a Brighton College education.
Brighton College Admissions — FAQ
How do I apply to Brighton College?
You apply directly to the College — there is no Local Authority Common Application Form. Register online (a fee applies) ahead of the deadline; main entry points are 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form (16+).
Does Brighton College use the GL Assessment or an 11+ grammar test?
No. It is an independent school with its own assessment — Maths, English, Verbal and Non‑Verbal Reasoning tests at 11+, plus an interview. There is no GL Assessment, CAF or National Offers Day.
Is it co‑educational, and does it offer boarding?
Yes — it is fully co‑educational for ages 3 to 18 and offers both day and boarding places.
What does the 11+ assessment involve?
The College’s own written tests in Maths, English, Verbal and Non‑Verbal Reasoning (in December of Year 6), an interview, and a reference from the child’s current school.
How good are the results?
Results are exceptional: around 94% of recent GCSE grades were 9–7, and A‑Level results have reached roughly 99% A*–B. Recent leavers have earned hundreds of Russell Group offers, with many places at Oxford, Cambridge and top North American universities.
Are scholarships and bursaries available?
Yes — academic scholarships (assessed within the 11+ process) plus music, sport, art, dance, drama, chess and choral awards, and means‑tested bursaries.
What is the College known for beyond academics?
A culture of kindness, a ‘sports for all’ ethos, and outstanding facilities — including the OMA‑designed School of Science and Sport, with university‑standard laboratories, a 25‑metre pool and a rooftop running track.
Where is Brighton College?
On Eastern Road in Brighton (BN2 0AL), with linked Prep and Pre‑Prep schools nearby.