Academies

Academies offer professional tuition in a range of sports, leisure pursuits, creative activities, and academic subjects and are designed to increase students' knowledge, skills, and technique.

Academies, which are optional and take place in the afternoon instead of regular sports and activities, enable students to customize their course and provide the opportunity for them to continue learning outside the classroom in small, supervised groups.

OBJECTIVES

Academies bring many benefits: some stimulate students' creativity, others expand their capacity for reflection, and others help students develop their critical thinking skills. Some academies raise students' fitness levels and physical agility, while others help them improve their self-confidence by challenging them to step outside of their comfort zone.

Every academy, whether it be a sport, creative activity, leisure pursuit, or academic subject, will help students develop their communication skills, confidence in speaking, and fluency.

LEVELS

Academies are available for all levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced. Beginners will start with the basics while more advanced students will perfect their technique and skills.

For Academic Academies, a minimum English level of B1 (Intermediate) is required apart from Conversation Confidence, which is designed for students of A1-A2 levels.

ACADEMIES 2026

In summer 2025, we offer:

Academic Academies:
- Conversation Confidence
- Critical Thinking
- Essay Writing
- Psychology
- Public Speaking
Creative Academies:
- Film & Animation
- LEGO & Coding
- Masterchef
- Pottery & Ceramics
Sport & Adventure Academies:
- Clay Pigeon Shooting
- E-Kart Racing
- Flying
- Golf
- Horse Riding
- Indoor Climbing
- Padel
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Zookeeper Experience

Click on the tiles below to find out more about our Academies.

Horse Riding

Subjects

Horse Riding

Bede’s Horse Riding Academy offers students an opportunity to have lessons in Horse Riding and caters for all levels, from those with no experience to Advanced riders. With personalised lessons, professional trainers, and well-trained horses, the Academy looks to improve understanding of skill and correct riding etiquette.

OBJECTIVES
• To understand and achieve safe position and handling of a pony or horse
• To demonstrate control and give effective signals to the pony or horse when mounted
• To recognise the importance of balance in walk and trot
• To be able to mount, ride and walk in trot independently
• To practise the canter transition (if possible)
• To experience riding on different terrains
• To ride over poles and fences (if possible)
• To develop riding skills and build your confidence
• To broaden vocabulary relating specifically to horse riding.

SUMMARY
Centres: Eastbourne, Windlesham, Dicker & Lancing (6-17 years)

Ages: 6 - 17 years

Venue: At riding stables near the centre. There may also be the opportunity for students to go on a hack (horseback walk) close to the riding stables

Hours: 4½ hours per week (3x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Eastbourne - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Windlesham - Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Dicker - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Lancing - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Days: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: Students receive instruction in small groups

Fee: £345 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Students will be given additional tuition, extra to the three hours of riding, in Stable Management (horse care) at the riding stables. The Students height and weight is required for this academy.