Sussex Downs College

Sussex Downs College provides high quality education and training for almost half of the county’s young people. With East Sussex County Council we are a co-sponsor of The Eastbourne Academy – an 11-16 academy which is rapidly raising standards and improving life chances for young people in the heart of Eastbourne.  We are also a member of the 157 Group of Colleges nationally, who work together to promote and develop further education. The high standards at Sussex Downs College are founded on the expertise, experience and talents of our staff and the many achievements of our learners.  Our diverse curriculum ensures that there are education and training pathways for a wide variety of learners, employees and communities.  We work from campuses in Eastbourne, Lewes and Newhaven, and on employers’ premises.  We have strong relationships with over 1000 local employers, other educational providers and a range of voluntary and community partners. Sussex Downs College has been awarded Artsmark Gold for its creative and performance arts education, by Arts Council England.  We also hold the Matrix Standard for the high quality of our information, advice and guidance.

ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCE (LEWES CAMPUS)

Our on-campus residence (Caburn House) is the perfect option if you are aged 18 years old or above, and wish to live alongside other international students. Conveniently located within the Sussex Downs College Lewes campus, the residence is just three minutes’ walk from the main College buildings. It’s also opposite the main Lewes community leisure centre, which is equipped with an indoor swimming pool, sports hall, gym, climbing wall and athletics track.

HOMESTAY & RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION (Eastbourne and Lewes)

HOMESTAY ACCOMMODATION

Homestay accommodation is ideal for you if you wish to live with a resident host who will provide you with meals on a half-board basis. You will have many opportunities to practice conversational English with your host, as well as enjoying home comforts. You will normally eat with your host and share common living areas with them. Hosts will make you feel welcome and part of their household.
Under the British Council Accreditation Scheme guidelines no more than four students may be accommodated with a homestay provider. Normally students will have their own private bedroom. For students taking short stay and summer group programmes at our Eastbourne campus, there will be a maximum of two students sharing a bedroom unless we are advised in writing in advance.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

Residential accommodation covers both half-board and self-catering accommodation. On a half-board basis residential accommodation allows five or more students to live with a resident host. On a self-catering basis residential accommodation may include one or more students living with a resident host.

Sussex Downs College has two campuses, one located in the county town of Lewes, and the other campus is located in the vibrant seaside resort of Eastbourne.

Eastbourne is a world-famous tourist destination with five miles of unspoilt beaches, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and is gateway to the beautiful South Downs National Park. Located on the South East coast of the UK Eastbourne has won awards such as “Best UK Resort” and “Most Welcoming Town in Britain”. With many schools, colleges and a university campus, it’s a lively and cosmopolitan student town. Each year Eastbourne hosts a major international tennis tournament and airshow. Our students tell us that there are many things to keep them busy and that the local residents are very friendly.

Lewes is a historic and safe town perfectly positioned within the beautiful South Downs National Park and the vibrant city of Brighton & Hove. Overlooked by the 1000 year-old castle, Lewes is full of winding streets, independent and boutique shops and cafés. As Lewes is not a big town students who live in local homestay accommodation can walk to the College. Our students tell us that Lewes is a great place to experience ‘traditional England’, that they feel safe here and that it’s the ideal study environment.