Seahaven Academy
Newhaven, BN9 9TD · East Sussex · secondary school
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18th 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 — 5.9/10 against 603 of them, against 4.1/10 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 | 16 | 35% | 0.55 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 45.4 · 51 | 30% | 1.53 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.23 · 32 | 25% | 0.81 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.7 · 32 | 10% | 0.32 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Seahaven Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 39.6% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 40.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.23 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in November 2025 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Dungeons and Dragons, Textiles, History, and Friendship Bracelet Making clubs. Sports include athletics. Arts and music options cover Musical Lunch, Drama, Dance, Visual Arts Enrichment, Photography, and 3D Design. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 701 pupils against a stated capacity of 900. 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 to close the gap between their Attainment 8 and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How does the new Ofsted framework influence current
What Ofsted said about Seahaven Academy
Overview
Seahaven Academy is described as a “harmonious school” with an “inclusive ethos” that fosters a strong sense of belonging. Pupils achieve well from their starting points, and leaders are successfully narrowing attainment gaps for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The report highlights a “calm and respectful learning environment” where staff build warm relationships, though attendance remains below the national average despite recent improvements.
Strengths
- Pupils “achieve well” and are “ready for the next stage” of education or employment, with gaps in knowledge closing over time.
- Staff promote “positive behaviour” through a coherent approach, creating a “palpable sense of community” where pupils feel safe and valued.
- The curriculum is “broad, balanced and ambitious,” equipping pupils with necessary knowledge and skills for future success.
- Leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they “flourish alongside their peers.”
- Governors and leaders work collaboratively with a clear vision to “improve the life chances of all pupils.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue to promote and celebrate high attendance to ensure it is achieved for all pupils, as it remains below the national average.
- Teachers must better adapt the curriculum to meet the specific needs of pupils with barriers to learning, ensuring “consistently high achievement” across subjects.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture” where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.2 |
| 2024/25 | 40.3 |
| 2025/26 | 42.7 |
| 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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