Rye College

Welcome to Rye College

Mr Dom Downes
Headteacher At Rye College, our mission is simple: we create bright futures for all through life-transforming learning.

We are proud to be a school at the heart of our community—one where every student is known, valued and supported to succeed.

As a smaller, community-focused school, relationships sit at the centre of everything we do. Every student is recognised as an individual—with their own strengths, ambitions and potential.  Our students often describe Rye College as “like a family”—a place where they feel safe, supported and confident to be themselves. We work hard to ensure that every child develops a strong sense of belonging, because we know that students thrive when they feel happy, secure and understood.

We have high expectations for all. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious—designed to ensure that every student achieves strong outcomes and is fully prepared for the future. 

Aquinas
Church of England Education Trust

At Aquinas, we work together so that our learners have an exceptional education; one where individuality is celebrated, talents are nurtured and progress is sustained from early years to Post 16.

Established in 2013, the Trust was founded as a natural development of positive relationships built between neighbouring Church of England schools; initially in the Bromley area. In November 2018, we added two community schools to our family, Rye College and Rye Community Primary School and in March 2025 a further community school, Robertsbridge Community College, joined the Trust; these three schools are based in East Sussex.