Pupils and staff are celebrating a standout academic achievement that puts them among the top performers in the county.
Breakwater Academy has ranked sixth out of 200 schools in East Sussex for combined Key Stage 2 outcomes, with 81 per cent of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.
This result is significantly above the local authority average of 61 per cent and continues a three-year trend of exceeding both county and national averages.
Sally Franceschi, head teacher at Breakwater Academy, said: “These results reflect a sustained commitment to high expectations and are testament to the hard work and determination of our pupils, the dedication of our staff and the support we receive from families.
“At Breakwater Academy, we believe every child can succeed when given the correct support, encouragement and opportunities.
“We are incredibly proud of what our pupils have achieved.”
The academy, located on Valley Road, is part of the STEP Academy Trust, which performed 28 per cent above the national average across its schools.
STEP was recognised nationally in 2025 with the MAT Excellence Award for its special educational needs and disabilities provision.
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(Image: Breakwater Academy)
Breakwater Academy was last inspected in November 2024, when Ofsted praised the rapid progress pupils make and the variety of learning experiences on offer.
Breakwater’s success is rooted in a “carefully designed curriculum” and an inclusive culture, according to the school.
Pupil voice and leadership are key priorities, with children playing an active role through the Pupil Parliament and charters focused on kindness and tolerance.
Pupils regularly take part in visits to Parliament and meetings with their local MP, providing opportunities to engage with democracy in action.
The curriculum is designed to “deepen understanding and inspire curiosity” through museum trips, cultural experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
Recent activities have included working with professional chefs and museum visits.
Beyond academics, the school offers a broad range of extracurricular opportunities in sport, the arts and performance.
Breakwater Academy also holds the Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award, which recognises its commitment to embedding children’s rights, equality and pupil voice throughout school life.