Glossary of Seaford Phrases

These are some of the words and phrases we use at Seaford. We don’t over complicate our terminology but thought we'd explain a few phrases that we use at Seaford.

Personal bests – Personal bests refers to what every student can achieve in all aspects of life at Seaford.  Our students are encouraged to achieve their best rather than compare themselves to other students.  We refer to personal bests both inside and outside the classroom. 

Challenge Grades – Challenge Grades aren’t a predicted grade, but a measure of potential. They provide ambitious yet realistic targets for students to work towards. We also have a Challenge Grade Award per year group at Speech Day.  We encourage students to achieve their academic personal bests and the Challenge Grade targets allow students to understand their potential. 

Prep – Prep is another word for homework. We have prep time and activities each day from 4.30pm–5.30pm. We also have a Prep School which is for Years 1–8.

Supervised Prep – From Year 1 we have prep sessions where students can get their prep completed at school with access to a teacher for support.  This can take the pressure off families to get prep work complete at home.

Wilberforce/Wilberforce House – This refers to the Prep School.  The Prep School is located in Wilberforce House.  

Mansion – Mansion is the main building on campus, which you see on the hill as you come up the drive, and it’s a hub of activity. John Green’s study is located at Mansion, along with John Green’s PA Angela Thornley in the Headmaster's Secretary & Admissions Office. The reception is manned by the very welcoming Jo Brown. Mansion is also where our main dining room is located, as well as Finance and the Marketing Office. We have girls' boarding at Mansion House.

Mansion Terraces – The terraces behind Mansion near the chapel.

Johnson Centre – This is our new Performing Arts and Sports Centre.  It’s named after the late Charles Johnson who was Headmaster at Seaford for over 40 years.

Hollington CentreSeaford’s Sixth Form Centre

Open Morning – Open Mornings are held every term on Saturday morning from 9-11am.  It’s a chance to have a tour of the campus with a student guide and a chance to meet our senior team. We encourage families to come along together with their child. Our Open Mornings are informal so that you have the chance to ask questions and get to know Seaford College.  

Prep School – For students in Years 1-8 (age 5-12)

Senior School – For students in Years 9-11 (age 13-15)

Sixth Form – For students in Years 12-13 (age 16-18)

No.46   Seaford’s Pastoral Hub formerly known as the Pink House, has a new name: No.46. The new name celebrates 1946, which is the year Seaford College moved to its current location at Lavington Park. In numerology, 46 represents inner strength, resilience, creativity and discovery. Pastoral care is something we pride ourselves in at Seaford.  No.46 is a dedicated house on campus that students can visit if they'd like to talk to someone about anything that's on their minds; this could be exam worries, friendship problems, or simply to visit our pastoral dogs Max and Frank for a stroke or walk. 

Peer Mentors Peer Mentors are students that are trained to help other students with any problems they want to discuss. They're easily identified (they wear pink lanyards) and work with our Pink House.

Peer Listeners  Peer Listeners are another name for Peer Mentors (see above).

Safeguarding  Safeguarding is a term used to cover all aspects of a child's welfare, such as aiding their development and keeping them safe.  Employees at Seaford have safeguarding training. 

Bursary – Bursaries are available to help support families with school fees. We have a bursary application process. Bursaries are 'means tested'.   Follow the link for more information:

Scholarships & Bursaries

Scholarship – Our Scholarship Programme reflects our ambition for the most able and talented students.  Follow the link for more information:

Scholarships & Bursaries  

Houseparent – Houseparents manage our boarding houses.   

Big Side  this is name given to the pitches on the left hand side of our drive as you enter Seaford College. 

Spring Field – This is the name given to the field in front of our Johnson Centre.  Many of our Prep School events are on Spring Field and our Prep School use it during play times.

Astro – This is the AstroTurf that is by the Charles Johnson Pavilion, often used to play hockey.

PE & Games – All students get a double and a single PE lesson per fortnight until Year 8.  The PE Curriculum covers a wide range of activities.  These include health related fitness, gymnastics, long term athletic development, orienteering, swimming, and dance.  In Year 9, PE lessons are taught in line with the GCSE Curriculum with a view to students taking up the subject at GCSE level.  From Year 10 onwards, we offer examination PE at GCSE, BTEC, and A Level.

During our Games sessions we play traditional team games and sports including rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, athletics, and tennis. Games activities change each term. Prep School fixtures are played on a Wednesday afternoon, and Senior School and Sixth Form fixtures take place on a Saturday. Prep School students get three double lessons of Games per week.  The  Senior School and Sixth Form get two double lessons per week.

seaford sport

Walled Garden – The garden with our Senior School boarding houses.

Botany Bay – This is an area of ancient woodland with a chalk stream running through it. Botany Bay is just beyond the gates as you enter Seaford College.

Lavington Park – The home of Seaford College.  Seaford is nestled in over 450 acres of listed parkland.

Old Seafordian/Old Seafordians – A term we use for our alumni.

The Johnson Trust – The name for the charity status for Seaford College. Our billing is in this name.

Prefect – Students can apply for a Prefect role.  The role is a position of responsibility and offers leadership experience.

Head Boy/Head Girl – These are Prefects who are given additional responsibilities. Student and staff opinions are taken into account when we decide which students get this role.     

Houses – We have two competitive Houses in the Prep School: Norwood and Springfield.  In the Senior School and Sixth Form, we have four competitive Houses: Charmandean, Millburgh, Adair, and Corsica.

Holroyd Howe – Holroyd Howe is one of the UK's leading contract caterers. They provide an outstanding in-house food service to Seaford College.

Good Schools Guide

Register for Our Sixth Form Open Evening 

  • Our Sixth Form Open Evening is on Thursday 9th October 2025. Please contact our Admissions Team if you're looking to join the Sixth Form in September 2024.