Seaford Head School
Seaford, BN25 4LX · East Sussex · secondary school
Check the area around this school
2nd of 24 secondary schools in East Sussex we can score, 26 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.1/10 against 890 of them, against 7.5/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 54.6 · 72 | 30% | 2.18 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.47 · 83 | 25% | 2.06 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.5 · 63 | 10% | 0.63 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Seaford Head School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.47 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in a ski trip, Concert Tour, Welsh Camp, and visits to the Imperial War Museum, Brighton, Thorpe Park, Seven Sisters, and the South Downs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,461 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,555. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils in reaching the 50.0% threshold for English and maths? What specific support is available for students who need to close the gap to the national median?
What Ofsted said about Seaford Head School
Overview
Seaford Head School continues to be an outstanding school, providing a "very inclusive" environment where pupils feel proud to belong. The report highlights "exemplary" behaviour, strong academic results, and a curriculum that effectively prepares students for prestigious universities and further education.
Strengths
- The school maintains "exemplary" behaviour in lessons, with bullying incidents picked up quickly, allowing pupils to concentrate on learning.
- Subject planning is "meticulous" and draws on research, ensuring topics are taught logically so each unit builds on earlier learning.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has been "considerably expanded and enhanced," including the effective 'Evolve' course.
- Reading is given "very high priority," with well-designed programmes helping pupils catch up and teachers modelling reading for pleasure.
- An "extremely high proportion" of pupils stay on in education, employment or training after age 16, with many securing places in prestigious universities.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 50.2 |
| 2024/25 | 49.4 |
| 2025/26 | 48.5 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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