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An Extraordinary Journey Starts Here
Two wonderful years in the Sussex countryside. A world of opportunity waiting in Brighton. One extraordinary journey.
Brighton Bound is a unique boarding pathway that begins in Year 7 at Brighton College Prep Handcross and continues from Year 9 through to Sixth Form at Brighton College. With one admissions process and a guaranteed place at Brighton College for eligible pupils, it offers families the reassurance of a seamless educational journey through two exceptional schools.
It begins with the freedom and adventure of boarding in the beautiful Sussex countryside. Two years to discover new passions, grow in independence and form friendships that will last a lifetime. Then, alongside the friends who have shared those experiences, the journey continues at Brighton College, where a world of new opportunities awaits.
As part of the same family of schools, Handcross and Brighton College share far more than a name. They share a belief in kindness, curiosity and giving every child the confidence to flourish.
Years 7 and 8 | Brighton College Prep Handcross
Your Adventure Begins in the Countryside
There's something rather special about growing up in the countryside.
Set within beautiful Sussex grounds, Brighton College Prep Handcross offers children the space and freedom to enjoy everything that makes these years so memorable. From adventures in the great outdoors to sport, music, drama and discovering new passions, every day brings opportunities to try something different.
Boarding is at the heart of this experience. In a warm, welcoming community, children learn to become more independent, develop confidence and, perhaps most importantly, form the friendships that make school life so special.
With full, weekly and flexible boarding available, pupils become part of a close-knit community where they are known and valued as individuals. Supported by dedicated staff, they enjoy the freedom to explore, the encouragement to try new things and the reassurance of always having someone looking out for them.
These are two precious years to grow, discover and make memories. And all the while, an exciting next chapter awaits. Â
Moving Forward Together
At Handcross, friendships are formed through everyday moments, from shared boarding house experiences and sporting adventures to the laughter and memories that make school life so special. And with Brighton Bound, those friendships can become part of the next chapter.
After two years of living, learning and growing together, pupils following the pathway continue to Brighton College in Year 9, taking with them the confidence, independence and friendships they've developed at Handcross.
There are new opportunities to embrace, new people to meet and new experiences to discover. But they do so with the reassurance of familiar faces and a sense of belonging that has already begun.
Rather than starting again, they're building on everything they've experienced, supported by the shared values and sense of community that connect both schools. The surroundings may change, but the friendships, values and sense of belonging continue.
Miranda Goode
Head of Boarding at Brighton College Prep Handcross
Year 9 to Sixth Form | Brighton College
The Next Chapter. A World of Possibilities.
From the beautiful Sussex countryside to the vibrant heart of Brighton, the adventure continues.
At Brighton College, pupils discover a world of extraordinary opportunities, building on the foundations established at Handcross and taking their ambitions, interests and talents even further. Exceptional academic teaching sits alongside an outstanding range of opportunities in sport, music, drama, art and beyond. New subjects spark curiosity, new experiences inspire confidence and every pupil is encouraged to discover what makes them extraordinary. And while the opportunities grow, the sense of belonging remains.
Boarding at Brighton College is about much more than a place to stay. It is about friendships, shared experiences and being part of a warm, supportive House community where every pupil is known, valued and encouraged to flourish.
With weekly and full boarding available, pupils enjoy the independence and excitement of senior school life, supported by dedicated House staff who provide guidance, encouragement and care throughout their journey.
And with two brand-new boarding houses opening in September 2028, an exciting new chapter in Brighton College boarding is beginning.
Why Begin Your Brighton Journey at Handcross?
Brighton Bound offers something rather special: the opportunity to enjoy the very best of a traditional country prep school before continuing to one of Britain's leading senior schools.
Those two years at Handcross give children the time and space to develop independence, embrace new challenges and discover the joys of boarding in a nurturing, close-knit environment. They can enjoy the freedom of the countryside, the excitement of new experiences and the friendships that make these years so memorable, while looking forward to everything that awaits them at Brighton College.
By the time they reach Year 9, pupils have already developed the confidence and independence to make the most of boarding life, alongside familiar friends who may be sharing the next stage of their journey. For families, Brighton Bound offers the additional reassurance of a clear educational pathway, with a guaranteed place at Brighton College for eligible pupils.
The freedom to enjoy childhood. The confidence to embrace the future. The best of two exceptional schools.
One Offer. One Journey. Endless Possibilities.
Two exceptional schools. One straightforward admissions journey.
Choosing the right education for your child is an important decision, and Brighton Bound has been designed to give families confidence and peace of mind from the very beginning.
With one set of entrance assessments and one offer covering both schools, eligible pupils can begin their boarding journey at Brighton College Prep Handcross in Year 7 with a guaranteed place at Brighton College from Year 9, and the opportunity to continue their education through to Sixth Form.
No second entrance assessment. No uncertainty about the next step. Just the freedom to enjoy every moment of the journey.
For parents, it's the confidence of knowing what lies ahead. For children, it's the excitement of enjoying two exceptional school experiences as part of one extraordinary journey.
Where Will Your Brighton Bound Journey Take You?
From countryside adventures and lifelong friendships to extraordinary opportunities at Brighton College, Brighton Bound offers so much more than a boarding place. It's the chance to grow in confidence, discover new passions and enjoy the very best of two exceptional schools, as part of one remarkable journey.
Whether your child is approaching Year 7 or you are beginning to explore boarding for the future, our Admissions teams would be delighted to help you discover everything Brighton Bound has to offer.
An extraordinary journey starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brighton Bound?
Brighton Bound is a dedicated boarding pathway connecting Brighton College Prep Handcross and Brighton College. Pupils begin boarding at Handcross in Year 7, spend Years 7 and 8 enjoying its countryside prep school experience, and progress to Brighton College in Year 9, with the opportunity to continue their education through to Sixth Form.
The pathway offers eligible pupils a guaranteed place at Brighton College through one admissions process covering both schools.
How does the Brighton Bound admissions process work?
Brighton Bound offers a simplified admissions process, with one set of entrance assessments and one offer covering both Brighton College Prep Handcross and Brighton College.
Eligible pupils are assessed for the pathway before joining Handcross in Year 7, giving families the reassurance of a guaranteed place at Brighton College from Year 9 without the need for a second entrance assessment.
Is my child guaranteed a place at Brighton College?
Yes. Pupils who are accepted onto the Brighton Bound pathway receive a guaranteed place at Brighton College from Year 9, subject to the terms of the pathway.
This means families can plan ahead with confidence, knowing that their child's next stage of education is already secured.
Who is eligible for Brighton Bound?
Brighton Bound is designed for pupils joining Brighton College Prep Handcross as boarders in Year 7 who wish to continue their boarding education at Brighton College from Year 9.
Families interested in the pathway are encouraged to contact the Handcross Admissions team to discuss eligibility, entry requirements and the application process.
Why should my child begin boarding at Handcross rather than joining Brighton College directly in Year 9?
Beginning at Handcross gives children two wonderful years to experience boarding in a nurturing countryside prep school environment before moving on to senior school. During this time, they can develop independence, build lasting friendships and grow in confidence, while enjoying an exceptional range of academic, sporting and creative opportunities.
When they progress to Brighton College in Year 9, they bring those experiences and friendships with them, ready to embrace the next chapter of their education.
What boarding options are available at each school?
Brighton College Prep Handcross offers full, weekly and flexible boarding, allowing families to choose an arrangement that suits their needs.
From Year 9, Brighton College offers weekly and full boarding, with a flexible approach to weekly boarding that can be tailored to suit your family's routine and commitments.
Will my child move to Brighton College with their friends?
One of the special features of Brighton Bound is the opportunity for pupils to continue their education alongside friends they have made at Handcross.
Pupils following the pathway progress to Brighton College in Year 9, bringing familiar friendships and shared experiences into their next chapter, while also meeting new pupils and making new friends.
Can my child continue at Brighton College through to Sixth Form?
Brighton Bound is designed as a continuous educational journey from Year 7 at Handcross through to Sixth Form at Brighton College.
Pupils progress to Brighton College in Year 9, with the opportunity to continue their education through Years 10 and 11 and into Sixth Form, subject to the College's progression requirements.
Can we visit both schools before applying?
Absolutely. We encourage families to experience both schools in person, explore their facilities and meet the staff who make each boarding community so special.
Our Admissions teams can help arrange visits and explain how the Brighton Bound journey works.
How do I apply for Brighton Bound?
The first step is to contact the Brighton College Prep Handcross Admissions team, who will explain the pathway, discuss your child's eligibility and guide you through the application process.