Shape of the School Day
St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne offers a full and exciting timetable of lessons, activities and sports every weekday, with optional enrichment activities for pupils in Years 4 to 8 on Saturdays. As children progress through St Andrew’s Prep, slightly longer days allow them to explore a wider range of opportunities and prepare for smooth transitions through Pre-Prep, Juniors, Middles and Seniors, and ultimately on to their senior school education.
Our independent prep school in Eastbourne, East Sussex, located near the South Downs and the beautiful Eastbourne coastline, provides a strong focus on academic excellence, sports development and holistic education. At St Andrew’s Prep, Juniors (Years 3 & 4) take part in sports fixtures on alternate Thursday afternoons, while pupils in Years 5 to 8 enjoy competitive fixtures on Wednesday afternoons. Occasional Saturday sports fixtures also take place throughout the year, giving children the chance to develop teamwork, resilience, and confidence.
If you’re searching for a private prep school in East Sussex, discover why families choose St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne for its outstanding academics, enriching activities, and beautiful coastal location. We invite you to download our prospectus or book a visit today and experience the welcoming community at St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne.
The School Years Explained
| STAGE | AGE | SCHOOL DAY | EARLIEST ARRIVAL AND LATEST DEPARTURE FOR DAY CHILDREN | DAY OR BOARDING | SATURDAY MORNING ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PRE-PREP DEPARTMENT |
|||||
| Nursery | 9 months+ | Variable | 8.00-6.00 | Day | – |
| Reception | 4/5 | 8.40–3.30 | 8.00-6.00** | Day | – |
| Year 1 | 5/6 | 8.40–3.30 | 7.30*-6.00** | Day | – |
| Year 2 | 6/7 | 8.40–3.30 | 7.30*-6.00** | Day | – |
PREP SCHOOL |
|||||
| Junior Department | |||||
| Year 3 | 7/8 | 8.30–4.05 | 7.30*–5.30 | Day/Boarding | – |
| Year 4 | 8/9 | 8.30–4.05 | 7.30*–5.30 | Day/Boarding | Optional |
| Middle Department | |||||
| Year 5 | 9/10 | 8.30–5.30 | 7.30*–6.45 | Day/Boarding | Optional |
| Year 6 | 10/11 | 8.30–5.30 | 7.30*–6.45 | Day/Boarding | Optional |
| Senior Department | |||||
| Year 7 | 11/12 | 8.30 – 5.30 | 7.30* – 6.45 | Day/Boarding | Optional |
| Year 8 | 12/13 | 8.30 – 5.30 | 7.30* – 6.45 | Day/Boarding | Optional |
Children arriving after 8.00am should go directly to their classroom.
* Children from Reception to Year 8 who arrive between 7.30am and 8.00am must go directly to the Prep School Library.
** By prior arrangement
End of day arrangements
Years 3 and 4 end-of-day arrangements |
|
| Activity | Monday to Friday |
| Normal pick-up time | 4.05pm |
| Activities | 4.10pm–4.50pm |
| Extended activities or supervision | 4.50pm or 5.15pm |
| Pick up after activities | 4.50pm or 5.30pm |
| Late pick up (join with Y5 to 8 Prep session) | 5.30pm–6.00pm |
| Last pick up | 6.00pm |
Years 5-8 end-of-day arrangements |
|
| Activity | Monday to Friday |
| Activities / Prep Session 1 (compulsory unless Deputy Head’s permission given) | 4.15pm–4.55pm |
| Activities / Prep Session 2 (compulsory unless Deputy Head’s permission given) | 4.55pm–5.30pm |
| Normal pick-up time | 5.30pm |
| Activities / Prep Session 3 (optional) | 5.30pm–6.10pm |
| Pick up after activities | 6.15pm |
| Supper or supervision (charge applies for supper – £3.00 per child) | 6.15pm |
| Last pick up after supper | 6.45pm |
