Old Drive is in Polegate and in Wealden district. BN26 5ET is located in the Polegate North electoral ward, within the English Parliamentary constituency of Lewes. This postcode has been in use since 1980-01-01.
StreetScan combines information about Old Drive, Polegate, BN26 5ET and displays a report on the quality of life in this place and its surroundings.
Nearby postcodes are: BN26 5EU, BN26 5HE, BN26 5EX, BN26 5EY, BN26 6DS, BN26 6DR, BN26 5HH, BN26 5ER, BN26 5HG.
In the UK, the overall gender distribution is approximately 49% male and 51% female. The local area around BN26 5ET is generally consistent with those figures, having a male population of 48.5%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 50.8% | 51.5% | 0.7% | 51.0% | 0.5% |
| Male | 49.2% | 48.5% | -0.7% | 49.0% | -0.5% |
Across the UK, the average relationship status breakdown is roughly 44% married, 38% single, 9% divorced, 6% widowed, and 2% separated.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 24.1% | 29% | 4.9% | 37.9% | -8.9% |
| Married: Opposite sex | 53.7% | 49.3% | -4.4% | 44.2% | 5.1% |
| Married: Same sex | 0% | 1% | 1.0% | 0.3% | 0.7% |
| Separated | 1.4% | 3.4% | 2.0% | 2.2% | 1.2% |
| Divorced | 8.3% | 7.2% | -1.1% | 9.1% | -1.9% |
| Widowed | 12.5% | 10.1% | -2.4% | 6.1% | 4.0% |
Across the UK, the average 48.4% rated their health as Very Good, 33.6% as Good, 12.7% as Fair, 4% as Bad, and 1.2% as Very Bad.
Population age significantly impacts residents' health. Additionally, socioeconomic status plays a crucial role: higher income levels and lower poverty rates are linked to better health outcomes. Affluent areas benefit from higher living standards, access to private healthcare, and healthier lifestyle choices.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very good health | 32.2% | 36.4% | 4.2% | 48.4% | -12.0% |
| Good health | 30.6% | 37.3% | 6.7% | 33.6% | 3.7% |
| Fair health | 28.9% | 21.6% | -7.3% | 12.7% | 8.9% |
| Bad health | 6.2% | 3.4% | -2.8% | 4.0% | -0.6% |
| Very bad health | 2.1% | 1.3% | -0.8% | 1.2% | 0.1% |
During the 2021 census, the educational qualifications of residents across the UK were as follows: 18.2% had no qualifications, 9.6% had 1-4 GCSEs, 13.4% had 5 or more GCSEs and 1-2 A/AS Levels, 16.9% had 2 or more A Levels, 33.8% held a degree (or equivalent), and 5.4% had completed an apprenticeship.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifications | 31.9% | 21.8% | -10.1% | 18.2% | 3.6% |
| 1-4 GCSEs or Equivalent | 10.6% | 11.8% | 1.2% | 9.6% | 2.2% |
| 5 or more GCSEs, an A-Level or 1-2 AS Levels | 17.1% | 11.8% | -5.3% | 13.4% | -1.6% |
| Apprenticeship | 4.6% | 8.5% | 3.9% | 5.3% | 3.2% |
| HNC, HND or 2+ A Levels | 7.4% | 16.1% | 8.7% | 16.9% | -0.8% |
| Degree or Similar | 20.8% | 26.1% | 5.3% | 33.8% | -7.7% |
| Other | 7.4% | 3.8% | -3.6% | 2.8% | 1.0% |
This area closely mirrors the overall ethnic composition of the UK, with 89.4% of the population identifying as white, with UK average of 81.4%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | 1.2% | 1.7% | 0.5% | 3.1% | -1.4% |
| Pakistani | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 2.7% | -2.3% |
| Other Asian | 0.8% | 1.7% | 0.9% | 1.6% | 0.1% |
| Black African | 0.8% | 0% | -0.8% | 2.5% | -2.5% |
| Black Caribbean | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.0% | -0.6% |
| Mixed White and Asian | 1.2% | 3% | 1.8% | 0.8% | 2.2% |
| Mixed White and Caribbean | 0.4% | 1.3% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.4% |
| Mixed Other | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.8% | -0.4% |
| White | 94.2% | 89.4% | -4.8% | 81.4% | 8.0% |
| Gypsy or Irish Traveller | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 0.1% | -0.1% |
| Other | 0.8% | 1.7% | 0.9% | 1.6% | 0.1% |
In this area, 94.9% of the population were born in the United Kingdom, which is higher than the UK average of 83.2%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 92.1% | 94.9% | 2.8% | 83.2% | 11.7% |
| European Union | 1.7% | 1.3% | -0.4% | 6.1% | -4.8% |
| Africa | 3.7% | 0% | -3.7% | 2.7% | -2.7% |
| Middle East and Asia | 2.1% | 3.4% | 1.3% | 5.6% | -2.2% |
| Oceania | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the UK | 91.3% | 94.5% | 3.2% | 83.2% | 11.3% |
| 10+ Years | 0% | 3.8% | 3.8% | 9.8% | -6.0% |
| 5-10 Years | 1.7% | 1.7% | 0.0% | 2.9% | -1.2% |
| 2-5 Years | 1.2% | 0% | -1.2% | 2.2% | -2.2% |
| Less than 2 years | 5.8% | 0% | -5.8% | 1.9% | -1.9% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 86.6% | 76.7% | 9.9% |
| Ireland | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.3% |
| Oceania | 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.3% |
| No passport held | 12.1% | 13.5% | -1.4% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No religion | 40% | 37.2% | 2.8% |
| Christian | 50.6% | 46.2% | 4.4% |
| Muslim | 1.7% | 6.5% | -4.8% |
| Other religion | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.3% |
| Not answered | 6.8% | 6.0% | 0.8% |
Over the last 12 months, the overall crime rate around Old Drive was 45.8 per 1,000 residents, which is 8.4% higher than the Polegate Central average. The most reported crime type was Violence and sexual offences.
Old Drive has the 13th highest crime rate of 30 local areas in Polegate Central and the 178th highest crime rate of 494 local areas in Wealden .
Violent and sexual offences accounted for around 33.3 crimes per 1,000 residents and have been rising year on year. Over the last decade, overall crime has fallen by about -62.3%.

Households in this area have a lower level of wealth compared to the average household in England and Wales. 74% of analyzed areas in England and Wales have higher average household annual income than this area.

| Address | Sale Price | Sale Date | Price Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Old Drive, Polegate, East Sussex Detached, an established residential building | £369,000 | 2024-04-03 | £371,766 |
| 34 Old Drive, Polegate, East Sussex Detached, an established residential building | £360,000 | 2023-10-20 | £350,683 |
| 13 Old Drive, Polegate, East Sussex Detached, an established residential building | £425,000 | 2023-05-19 | £411,445 |
| 25 Old Drive, Polegate, East Sussex Detached, an established residential building | £332,000 | 2019-12-06 | £376,854 |
| 23 Old Drive, Polegate, East Sussex Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £290,000 | 2018-03-05 | £349,674 |
BN26 5ET area has a low unemployment rate. According to Census 2021, 2% residents of this area were unemployed, while the average in the UK was 4.83%. A low level of unemployment in an area indicates a strong job market, where most people who are seeking work can find employment. This generally reflects a healthy economy in the area.
The percentage of retired residents living in BN26 5ET area is much higher than the country's average. According to Census 2011, 49% residents of this area were retired, while the average in the UK was 14%.
| Retired | 101 |
| Full-Time Employee | 44 |
| Part-Time Employee | 26 |
| Self-Employed | 16 |
| Student (economically inactive) | 6 |
| Looking after home or family | 5 |
| Other | 4 |
| Unemployed | 4 |
| Full-Time Student (with or without job) | 1 |
| Long-Term Sick or disabled | 0 |
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles | 20 |
| Human health and social work activities | 19 |
| Education | 9 |
| Other | 6 |
| Construction | 6 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 5 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 4 |
| Transport and storage | 4 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 4 |
| Information and communication | 3 |
| Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 3 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
| Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 2 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 2 |
| Real estate activities | 2 |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polegate Primary School Oakleaf Drive , East Sussex BN26 6PT | 4out of 4 | 759 yd | Community school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Willingdon Primary School Rapsons Road , Willingdon BN20 9RJ | 3out of 4 | 1,461 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Oakwood School Magnolia Drive , BN22 0SS | - not rated | 2,836 yd | Community school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Oakwood Primary Academy Magnolia Drive , BN22 0SS | 3out of 4 | 2,836 yd | Academy sponsor led | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Hampden Park Infant School 124 Brodrick Road , BN22 9RB | - not rated | 3,532 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willingdon Community School Broad Road , Lower Willingdon BN20 9QX | 3out of 4 | 1,108 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Eastbourne Technology College Brodrick Road , BN22 9RQ | - not rated | 3,168 yd | Community school | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| The Eastbourne Academy Brodrick Road , BN22 9RQ | - not rated | 3,171 yd | Academy sponsor led | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ratton School Park Avenue , BN21 2XR | - not rated | 3,888 yd | Foundation school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ratton School Park Avenue , BN21 2XR | 3out of 4 | 3,888 yd | Academy converter | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Park College Eastbourne King's Drive , BN21 2UN | - not rated | 4,302 yd | Further education | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Sussex Downs College Cross Levels Way , BN21 2UF | - not rated | 4,558 yd | Further education | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Eastbourne College of Arts and Technology Cross Levels Way , BN21 2UF | - not rated | 4,558 yd | Further education | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| East Sussex College Group Cross Levels Way , BN21 2UF | - not rated | 4,559 yd | Further education | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cavendish School Eldon Road , BN21 1UE | - not rated | 5,131 yd | Academy converter | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lindfield School Lindfield Road , Hampden Park BN22 0BQ | - not rated | 3,121 yd | Community special school | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| The Lindfield School Lindfield Road , Hampden Park BN22 0BQ | 4out of 4 | 3,121 yd | Academy special converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| College Central 124 Brodrick Road , BN22 9RB | - not rated | 3,532 yd | Academy alternative provision converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Eastbourne Tutorial Unit 9 Park Lane , BN21 2UU | - not rated | 3,720 yd | Pupil referral unit | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| East Sussex Academy Oaklands Way , BN27 3NW | 1out of 4 | 4,120 yd | Academy alternative provision converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Viceroy | 5 Grand Parade | 180 yd | |
| Costa Coffee | 2, The Centre High Street | 331 yd | |
| Cherry Tree Eatery | 71 High Street | 337 yd | |
| The Mill Cafe | 6, The Centre High Street | 353 yd | |
| Your Cafe and Bakery Ltd | 43 Farmlands Way | 867 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horse & Groom | The Horse And Groom, 1 High Street | 173 yd | |
| Thoroughbred Inn | 6 - 7 Grand Parade | 199 yd | |
| Royal British legion Club Ltd | 27 Victoria Road | 278 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polegate Fisheries | 31 High Street | 229 yd | |
| Tiffin 2 Go | 36 High Street | 335 yd | |
| Snack Attack | 40 High Street | 344 yd | |
| The Coffee Stop | Polegate Railway Station High Street | 357 yd | |
| Calamar | 46 High Street | 360 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Co-operative Group Food Limited | 7, The Centre High Street | 366 yd | |
| Tesco Express | 94 Eastbourne Road | 579 yd |
| Facility Name | Sport Objects | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Polegate War Memorial Ground POLEGATE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICE POLEGATE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICE WANNOCK ROAD | grass pitches | 363 yd |
| Polegate Community Centre WINDSOR WAY | 565 yd | |
| Polegate School OAKLEAF DRIVE | grass pitches, swimming pool | 759 yd |
| The William Daly Recreation Ground BRIGHTLING ROAD | grass pitches | 775 yd |
This statistics are based on Active Places Data - Contains Data © Sport England
| Percentage of premises that have Superfast Broadband (30Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (100Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (300Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have coverage from a Gigabit capable service from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 2Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 5Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 10Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 30Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Median download speed | 45.2 Mbit/s |
| Average download speed | 43.9 Mbit/s |
| Minimum download speed | 73.75 Mbit/s |
| Maximum download speed | 73.75 Mbit/s |
| Median upload speed | 10 Mbit/s |
| Average upload speed | 11.8 Mbit/s |
| Maximum upload speed | 20 Mbit/s |
Broadband statistics are based on Ofcom's Communications Market Report (CMR) 2022.