A primary school in Newhaven has earned a place among the top educational establishments in the county.

Breakwater Academy received this recognition after recording some of the strongest Key Stage 2 results in East Sussex.

At the Valley Road site, 81 percent of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, considerably exceeding the local authority average of 61 percent.

This achievement ranks Breakwater Academy sixth among 200 schools in the county for combined outcomes and marks three consecutive years of outperforming both national and local benchmarks.

Sally Franceschi, headteacher at Breakwater Academy, said these results reflect a continued commitment to maintaining high standards and demonstrate the hard work and determination of pupils, the dedication of staff and the support received from parents and carers.

At Breakwater Academy, there is a firm belief that every child can succeed when given appropriate support, encouragement and opportunities. The school takes great pride in what pupils have achieved.

The school operates within STEP Academy Trust, which reports that its institutions achieved results 28 percent above the national average.

Breakwater Academy credits its success to an inclusive atmosphere and a broad curriculum.

An Ofsted assessment carried out in November 2024 highlighted pupils’ rapid progress and the school’s hands-on approach to learning.

Inspectors also remarked on the high-quality support provided to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

In 2025, STEP Academy Trust received the MAT Excellence Award for its provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Pupils help shape the school environment through Kindness and Tolerance Charters and the Pupil Parliament.

Visits to Parliament and meetings with their local MP give pupils practical insight into democracy and citizenship.

The curriculum is extensive and intended to spark curiosity and deepen understanding.

Educational visits, cultural experiences and hands-on activities, such as cooking workshops with professional chefs, make learning more engaging.

The school also holds the Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award for its work on children’s rights, equality and pupil participation.

Breakwater Academy seeks to equip pupils with the confidence, values and knowledge needed for future achievement.