Ratton School
99%
Capacity
1,197
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About Ratton School
Ratton School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Eastbourne community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,197 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,215 places).
Ofsted has rated Ratton School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Gavin Peevers, it falls under East Sussex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.10 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.4. Additionally, ranked 1771st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 4 in Eastbourne.
Ratton School is a popular choice with families — it received 663 applications for 241 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 193 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Severe Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ratton School include Music Rooms, Science Labs, Art Studios, ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Swimming, Rowing, Netball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Eco Club, Newspaper, Coding and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 26.0%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Eastbourne, Ratton School is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Park Avenue, Eastbourne, Eastbourne, BN21 2XR |
| Headteacher | Gavin Peevers |
| Local Authority | East Sussex |
| Number of Pupils | 1,197 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 26.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,197 / 1,215 (99% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (22 Jun 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 13 May 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.10)
1771st of 3,141
Nationally
273rd of 461
In South East
2nd of 4
In Eastbourne
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed241
663
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
193 families put this school as their 1st choice (29% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ratton School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Park Avenue, Eastbourne
Eastbourne, BN21 2XR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
