Brighton College is delighted to have received an unprecedented three accolades in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide: UK Boarding School of the Year 2025, Top School of the Year for A-levels 2025 and Top Academic School in South East England 2025.
The Sunday Times rankings also place Brighton College as the Top Co-Educational School in the UK.
Whether taking weekly dance lessons, performing with our award-winning Chamber Choir, playing in a rock band in the House Music competition or taking centre stage in one of our many productions, we encourage all pupils to get involved.
The performing arts provide a wonderful opportunity for pupils to develop their skills, grow in confidence and learn to express themselves thoughtfully and creatively.
Each year, our departments work closely together to deliver a programme of productions, from ensemble pieces through to principal productions. Taking part in a performance at Brighton College is a rite of passage, but they are more than just shows: they are a way in which the school brings pupils together as a team, to nurture collaboration and community
Dance
There are many opportunities for Sixth Formers to perform, and to learn new dancing skills through lessons, shows and activities at the College. Dance is a games option, and whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer looking to explore and develop your physical skills and every year, pupils in the Lower Sixth partner up to try to become the next couple to win our Strictly Come Dancing crown. From hip hop, jazz and ballet to tap, modern and contemporary, there are classes to suit everyone and plenty of opportunities to showcase budding talents.
Drama
At Brighton College, Drama is a highly valued subject that builds personal confidence and empowers pupils to explore their creativity. We stage four major performances per year and offer LAMDA lessons (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts), meaning that any pupil can participate in drama, even if they are not pursuing it as an academic option. In the last few years pupils have successfully auditioned for RADA, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Music
Music at the College is outstanding, ranging from our renowned Swing Band to choral groups and classical concerts. The music department encourages all Sixth Formers to be involved, whether experienced musicians or novices. Should you choose to be in the back row of your House Song entry or have the ability to lead the Symphony Orchestra, there are musical activities to provide new experiences and enjoyment. Many musicians take Associated Board or Trinity Guildhall Music exams. Groups rehearse weekly and perform to a high standard in concerts and competitions inside and outside the College.
Our departments work closely together to deliver a programme of productions, from ensemble pieces through to principal productions, in our new theatre. Taking part in a performance at Brighton College is a rite of passage, but they are more than just shows, they are a way in which the school brings pupils together as a team, to nurture collaboration and community.
We know how important it is to have the space to express yourself, so we are very lucky to have an abundance of creative spaces for pupils to use.
Our stunning 400-seat theatre is truly breathtaking, providing pupils with the opportunity to not only perform on a professional stage, but also gain theatre management experience.
With its professional sprung floor, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and ballet barres, our new purpose-built Dance Studio is the perfect space for our budding dancers.
Our state-of-the-art Drama Studio provides the College with its own adaptable Black Box theatre. It provides an excellent teaching space, as well as being extremely adaptable for GCSE and A-Level productions and smaller scale plays and events.
In our RIBA award-winning Music School, our pupils enjoy professional rehearsal, recording and performance spaces.
Each year, we offer scholarships to pupils demonstrating outstanding ability in the arts.