Breakwater Academy, Newhaven

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of the children and staff, it is with pleasure that I welcome you to Breakwater Academy. We are extremely proud of the strong values, educational achievements and the opportunities our children receive throughout their educational journey."

In 2025, 81% of Year 6 pupils at Breakwater Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 81% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 72% in East Sussex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (78% in reading, 83% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 10 families put Breakwater Academy as their first choice and 42 named it as one of their preferences, for 19 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Breakwater Academy are Harbour Primary and Nursery School (0.4 miles, Good, 81% reading, 79% maths); High Cliff Academy (0.5 miles, Outstanding, 79% reading, 83% maths); Denton Community Primary School and Nursery (1.2 miles, Good, 70% reading, 59% maths); and Meridian Community Primary School and Nursery (1.5 miles, Good, 62% reading, 52% maths).

Breakwater Academy's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

Breakwater Academy is one of 19 schools run by Step Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 80% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

13 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Breakwater Academy (as of September 2025): 100% would recommend the school, 92% say their child is happy there and 100% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (100%); the weakest, that their child is happy at the school (92%).

41% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 54 pupils (37.5%) received SEN support and 4 (2.8%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Breakwater Academy had 11 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Newhaven Town Rail Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Ash Walk (opposite), 180 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 186 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in East Sussex (65), as is usual near a town centre.

Breakwater Academy recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Breakwater Academy are Seahaven Academy (0.5 miles) and Peacehaven Community School (1.5 miles).