Bexhill College

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. The college was initially located on Turkey Road in Sidley, but relocated officially to Penland Road in late c2006.

General information

As of 2018, the college enrolls nearly 2000 students with the majority of the day students aged 16–19. 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.

Prior to 2025 the college had co-located with post-16 students of Glyne Gap School, and the Glyne Gap students had 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. It is a 200-seater space, with retractable seating. 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Enrichment

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

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.

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
• Jo Brand, comedian, writer and actress
• Michael Cowpland, businessman
• Gordon Hillman, archaeologist
• Mike Leadbitter, journalist
• James McCartney, musician
• Stella McCartney, fashion designer
• Hayley Okines, activist
• John Pitman, journalist
• Francis Robinson, historian
• Charity Wakefield, actress

References

References

1. "About Bexhill College - Bexhill 6th Form College".
2. College, Bexhill. "About Bexhill College - Bexhill 6th Form College".
3. "Bexhill College - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted".
4. Archives, The National. "The Discovery Service".
5. [https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/bexhill-college-moves-gets-the-go-ahead-2440164 Sussex Express College move article]
6. College, Bexhill. "Bexhill College Adult Education".
7. (2013-12-15). "Comedian opens theatre in hometown". BBC News.
8. "Hire Our Facilities - Bexhill 6th Form College".
9. "About Us - Bexhill 6th Form College".
10. "Sports Facilities Hire - Bexhill 6th Form College".
11. "Second wave of T-level providers revealed".
12. College, Bexhill. "Enrichment - Bexhill 6th Form College".
13. "Bexhill 6th Form International Home - Bexhill 6th Form College".
14. (2006-06-19). "Godfrey Argent".
15. "Jo Brand: 'I'd like to be a national disgrace'". The Independent.
16. (2018-08-15). "Professor Gordon Hillman obituary". [[The Times]].
17. (2015). "Blues unlimited : essential interviews from the original blues magazine". University of Illinois Press.
18. "Macca's prodigal son: Why James McCartney is stepping into the". Evening Standard.
19. "Woman's Hour Power List, Woman's Hour - Stella McCartney - BBC Radio 4".
20. Hayley., Okines. (2015). "Hayley Okines - A Life to Celebrate.". Cleis Press Start.
21. "Former Bexhill College student's top role in BBC's Doctor Who".