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East Sussex College - Lewes

Mountfield Road, Lewes, BN7 2XH

College/Sixth Form Courses

About us

The future isn't already written. That's the exciting part.

We believe finding your place comes before finding your path.

Whether you already know what you want to do, or you're still figuring it out, everyone deserves the chance to discover what they're capable of.

At East Sussex College, there isn't one path to success. There are hundreds of ways to get there - and we'll help you find the one that's right for you.

That's why we've created inspiring places to learn, with specialist facilities and the latest technology to help you prepare for whatever comes next. But it's not just about where you'll study. It's about who you'll become. You'll build new skills, grow in confidence, discover what inspires you, and find a place where you belong.

Explore your options, discover college life and meet some of the students who've already found their place. Their stories might help you discover yours.

Application Instructions

You can only apply for one course type on an application.

Applying for A-Levels and/or V-Levels? You can choose to study three A-Levels or create a mixed programme combining A-Levels with other qualifications, including the new V-Levels. You will select the courses from a list of relevant subjects when you apply.

Applying for T-Levels? T-Levels are full-time courses that allow you to focus on one subject.

Applying for Vocational courses? Our technical and professional vocational courses are full-time programmes focusing on one subject. You can apply for up to two courses in the same application.

We accept applications to more than one campus; however once you have attended an interview session and received an offer from us, you will need to confirm your first-choice course and the campus you want to study at.

Student support

Support to help you succeed.

Starting college is exciting, but it's also a big change. Whether you need help with your studies, someone to talk to, careers advice or extra support to help you learn, we're here whenever you need us.

From your first day to your last, you'll have a team of people around you who genuinely care about your wellbeing, your progress and your future.

How we can help

Learning Support

If you have SEND, additional needs, a health condition or need extra support with your learning, we'll work with you to make sure you have the right support to succeed.

Wellbeing & Safeguarding

If something's worrying you, you're struggling with your mental health or you simply need someone to talk to, our dedicated wellbeing and safeguarding teams are always here to listen and help.

Careers Advice

Not sure what comes next? Our careers advisers can help you explore your options, apply for university or apprenticeships, write CVs, prepare for interviews and plan your future.

Parents & Carers

Starting college is a big step for families too. We'll keep your parents or carers informed through welcome events, parents' evenings and regular updates, so they can support you throughout your time at college.

Need support? Just ask.

You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Whatever's on your mind, we'll help you find the right person to talk to.

What makes us different?

Lewes

Think independently. Aim higher.

Lewes is where independent thinking comes to life. It's a campus where students are encouraged to ask questions, challenge ideas, explore their creativity and think for themselves. Here, ambition isn't about competing with others. It's about discovering just how far your own ideas can take you.

Learning here means asking questions. You could be developing an art portfolio, debating big ideas, performing to live audiences, collaborating with Charleston on creative projects, preparing for university or helping people look and feel their best in our professional salons. Every experience encourages you to think differently and aim higher.

From A-Levels and the creative arts to music, performing arts, and beauty, Lewes brings together students who are ambitious, supportive and proud to be themselves. You'll be challenged by tutors who know you, believe in you and encourage you to think more deeply, aim higher and back your own ideas.

Inspired by one of the country's most creative towns, with Charleston just across the road, you'll learn in a place where exhibitions, performances and new ideas become part of everyday college life.

Because Lewes isn't just somewhere you study.

It's somewhere you find your place.

And that's where finding your path begins.

Transport

Getting to us is really easy, wherever you’re coming from.

Eastbourne
Our Eastbourne campus is on Cross Levels Way with regular buses from the town centre and surrounding areas. It’s also just a short walk from Hampden Park train station, making it quick and convenient to get here.

Hastings
Our Station Plaza campus is right next to Hastings train and bus stations, so getting here couldn’t be simpler. Our Ore Valley campus is just a short walk from Ore train station.

Lewes
Our Lewes campus is along Mountfield Road, only minutes from Lewes train station and a short walk from the bus station.

Save on your travel
If you travel by train, you can get a 16–17 Saver Card for just £30 a year and save 50% on all rail fares. Visit our website for more info about how to apply for a Saver Card.

Depending on your circumstances, you might also qualify for travel bursaries or other financial support to help cover your journey to college. Our Admissions Team can advise you on what’s available and how to apply so getting to college is one less thing to worry about.

Additional information

Helping you make the most of college.

Starting college shouldn't be about worrying about money. We don't want finances to stop you from studying the course that's right for you, so a range of financial support is available if you need it.

Students aged 16–18 joining us from school don't pay tuition or exam fees. Some courses may have additional costs, such as equipment, uniforms or trips, but financial support is available for eligible students to help with these.

Support available

College Bursary

If you're eligible, our bursary fund can help with course costs, travel, equipment, meals and other essentials, making sure money isn't a barrier to learning.

Free College Meals

Every student is eligible for a free breakfast and lunch while at college. Last year, we supplied over 75,000 breakfasts and lunches, for free, to our students.

Save money while you're a student

16–17 Saver Railcard

Save 50% on most rail fares throughout the year.

TOTUM Student Discount Card

Enjoy discounts on food, fashion, technology, travel and much more.

Need some advice?

Every student's situation is different. If you're unsure what support you might be entitled to, our Student Services team will be happy to help.

“College was a major foundation and building block in my practice.”

Tyler Chambers (Tayris Mongardi)

Former Ratton & ESC Performing Arts student

Now performing as Tayris Mongardi, they’ve built a career in performance, appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, performed internationally and gone from appearing in their first pantomime while at college to performing in the West End.

“This project really helped me understand how set designs and designing spaces work.”

Izzy Clements

Izzy took her creativity beyond the classroom through the Royal Opera House Design Challenge in 2026, developing her understanding of how ideas can be transformed into physical spaces. Her work was recognised with both the Joint Set Design Award and an Associate Choice Award.

“The most fascinating part is exploring different approaches to the same topic and seeing the many ways behaviour can be explained.”

Harry Jarvis

Harry is in his second year, studying A-Level Psychology, Biology and Criminology in Lewes. He’s getting to explore his interest in the human mind and developing different ways of understanding people and behaviour.