A Brighton educational institution has secured a place among the global elite according to a newly published ranking.

The Spear’s Schools Index 2026 is positioned as the definitive guide to the 100 leading private schools in the world.

Schools from across the globe are represented on this list, with 23 institutions appearing for the first time.

Sussex contributed four establishments to the rankings, with their performance detailed below.

The Spear’s Schools Index and its assessment criteria

Now in its seventh edition, the Index draws on the expertise of a wide range of leading educational consultants and industry specialists.

The Index states it identifies institutions that value academic strength alongside the broader cultural, pastoral and reputational qualities increasingly prioritised by families who are privileged to be able to choose from the very best.

A panel of specialists with relevant knowledge and experience assists in compiling the list.

The full methodology is available on their website, though they emphasise that examination results and academic performance are not the sole focus.

The guide notes that a wide range of social, cultural and pastoral factors have been weighed in finalising the index. In some cases, schools with strong academics have been omitted where they fall short in relation to these wider considerations. Notably, the team considered cultural and value-based factors, which are of growing concern to many families – including extracurricular provision, exposure to leadership, entrepreneurship and access to influential peer networks. This is especially relevant in a climate in which some schools may be viewed as adopting an indoctrinatory approach that might risk stifling free debate and the associated critical thinking.

Brighton College included among worldwide top private institutions

One of the four Sussex establishments featured in the Spear’s Schools Index 2026 was Brighton College.

Brighton College operates as a fee-paying, co-educational independent school offering both boarding and day options for students aged 11 to 18.

A preparatory branch, Brighton College Preparatory School, serves children aged 8 to 13.

The index notes that Brighton College emphasises enthusiasm, awareness, respect and tolerance, with an enrolment of 1,275 students.

Day school charges for 2025/26 range from $31,900 to $43,800 (approximately £24,000 to £33,000), while boarding fees for 2025/26 are set at $72,400-$76,500 (£54,500 to £57,700).

Academically, in 2025, 98% of GCSE entries achieved grades 7-9, with 85% of A-Level results being A* or A grades, and 18% of the 2025 cohort proceeding to study at Oxford or Cambridge.

Regarding the institution, the Index described Brighton College as a fantastically well-equipped school far away from the pressures of London. The school was characterised by an inclusive and progressive philosophy of learning and aims to develop ambitious children who pursue their passions and interests, explore new activities and ideas, and ultimately contribute to their communities. The report also highlighted how senior students mentor younger pupils and are taught to demonstrate self-compassion, with well-being functioning as a central tenet of the school’s culture.

Notable former students were also mentioned, including Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao.

Zhao enrolled at Brighton College in 1998 at age 15, subsequently becoming the first woman of colour to receive the Best Director award in 2021 for Nomadland, and only the second woman overall to do so, following Kathryn Bigelow in 2010.

Zhao has since accumulated additional nominations, including a Best Director nomination for Hamnet at this year’s ceremony.

Brighton College was not the sole Sussex institution recognised among the world’s premier private schools, as another Brighton establishment, Roedean School, was also selected.

The remaining schools included on the list were:

Cottesmore School, Pease Pottage, Crawley

Roedean School, Brighton

Windlesham House School, Pulborough

All three institutions also received commendation from the Index.