✔️ Our motto is 'believe and achieve'. We have exceptionally skilled teachers who will provide your child with the virtues they need to be active citizens.
✔️ We pride ourselves on being more than a school- we are a community.
✔️ Our academic results for reading, writing and maths are above national average.
✔️ Every child from Year 3 receives a Chromebook laptop.
✔️ We provide excellent clubs and trip opportunities for ALL pupils.
How to apply
Applications for places at Ark Castledown will be made in accordance with East Sussex County Council's co-ordinated admission arrangements.
Applications can be submitted through the East Sussex County Council website, using the link below. If you are unable to apply online, contact the ESCC Admissions and Transport team for a paper application.
Applications to start school in September 2026 needed to be submitted by the 15th of January 2026.
Parents were then notified by East Sussex County Council on the 16th of April 2026 if their application was successful.
Please note that you must make separate applications for each child. A sibling will not be offered a place unless a separate application has been made.
If you have any queries or would like support in making your application, please contact our Admissions Officer, Mrs N Johns, at: admissions_cas@arkcastledown.org
Reading at the heart of the curriculum
We have timetabled reading lessons every day, as well as an incredibly stocked library and reading corners dotted throughout the school.
Exciting extra-curricular activities
Pupils have over 40 unique experiences, ranging from adventuring out in nature, to engaging in the performing arts, to enterprise and careers.
Setting your child up for success
We're proud that students from Ark Schools are 3 times more likely to go on to a top tier university at the end of their school career.
We’ve received our first Pupdate from Guide Dogs and we can’t believe how much Crumble has grown. Isn’t she beautiful! Justine, Crumble’s Puppy Raiser, told us that Crumble has settled in really well at home and gets on brilliantly with her other sponsored puppy. She says Crumble is confident, very affectionate and friendly to everyone. She loves her soft toys and often plays with her cuddly teddy bear. She is a fast learner, has great recall and is starting to learn some cues like ‘sit’, ‘down’ and ‘stand’. Justine plays the bucket game when it’s time for grooming: when Crumble looks at the bucket full of food, she can brush her, when Crumble looks away, it’s time for her to stop!!!
Look how much Crumble has grown!
Ark thanks donors on Giving Tuesday 2023
