19/10/2026
Our Year 13 students are currently navigating a particularly busy period, balancing the completion of their personal statements and UCAS applications with preparations for their upcoming mock examinations. However, amid all this hard work, a group of interested pupils recently took advantage of Battle Abbey School’s close relationship with the University of Sussex to enjoy a fascinating university experience day.
Rather than the usual carefully orchestrated programme of an Open Day, this visit offered pupils an authentic glimpse into everyday university life, providing a valuable opportunity to see what studying at university is really like.
The day began with a chance to observe a real university lecture, giving pupils a taste of the academic environment and expectations of higher education. This was followed by an interactive workshop introducing some of the key themes of Economics, before pupils were put to work in the University's impressive Bloomberg Lab. Here, they were able to explore and analyse real stock exchange data, with information just eight seconds behind live financial markets.
At lunchtime, pupils were given the freedom to explore the campus cafés, soak up the atmosphere and experience the buzz of university life. There was even an opportunity to catch up with some former Battle Abbey pupils who are now studying at Sussex, offering a familiar face and a first-hand perspective on the transition from school to university.
The afternoon included a visit to an event hosted by the University's student services team, followed by a guided tour of the library and other key campus facilities, led by our very own student ambassador.
Building on this valuable experience, we were subsequently delighted to welcome Georgie Leeves from the University of Sussex to our Parents' Information Evening. Georgie shared expert advice on what makes an effective personal statement, how students can make their applications stand out and the best ways to prepare for university interviews.
We are fortunate to enjoy such a strong and productive relationship with the University of Sussex. Opportunities like these are an important part of the wider Sixth Form experience at Battle Abbey, helping students develop their confidence, broaden their horizons and make informed decisions about their futures.
We look forward to building on this partnership further, creating even more opportunities to enrich our students' Sixth Form journey and support them as they prepare for the exciting pathways that lie ahead.