Varndean College

About Varndean College

Varndean College is a unique and exceptional sixth form college based in Brighton with approximately 2000 students aged 16 to 19 years. It has an outstanding academic track record and a community ethos which is second to none.  Situated on a beautiful hilltop location on the northern outskirts of Brighton, Varndean's campus is unique in terms of its spacious, open and green surroundings, offering magnificent views of Brighton and the sea.  This provides for a stimulating learning environment and students have a rich, broad and enjoyable experience throughout their time at the College where they flourish and are enthusiastic about their time spent there.

The College draws largely from the Brighton and Hove school catchment area, but also from further afield throughout East and West Sussex. A smaller number of students come from the independent sector and from overseas, the latter for which we have a thriving International Department. This all makes for a lively and cosmopolitan mix of students.

Varndean’s mission is ‘to transform the lives of our students and our community through our provision of exceptional education'.

Curriculum and Achievement

Varndean College specialises in the provision of academic and general vocational education to the 16-19 age group. At Level 3, it offers over 30 A level subjects alongside a wide range of vocational qualifications. Varndean College is the only state-funded sixth form college in the area to be selected as an International Baccalaureate World School offering the prestigious and popular IB Diploma Programme. In addition, the College offers a range of Foundation Level (Level 2) courses, including GCSEs.

In addition to examination courses and tutorial work, a broad programme of enrichment activities is available to students, including sporting activities, art, drama, music, political and environmental issues, work experience and volunteering. There is an extensive range of day, residential and international trips, as well as good support for students to organise their own clubs and societies. A thriving Student Union enables students to contribute to the development and improvement of the College as well as the organisation of social and fund-raising activities.

Varndean College has a distinguished record of high achievement.  In 2024 the overall pass rate at A level was 98% with the majority of subjects achieving a 100% pass rate and a third of our students achieving the very highest of grades of A* and A, over half of all students achieved A*-B and three quarters of students A*-C grades.

Students were similarly successful in our vocational qualification courses, with an overall 99% pass rate, with over half of students gaining the very highest grades of Distinction* and Distinction. 

In addition to its A Level and vocational programmes, Varndean College also provides students with the opportunity to pursue the highly regarded International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, a globally recognized qualification that encourages critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural understanding.  IB students achieve an average point score of 36, equivalent to at least three A grades at A Level and in 2024 many of the IB UCAS applicants received offers for Russell Group universities with three heading off to Oxford and Cambridge universities. 

We are particularly proud of the fact that students do significantly better than expected, based on their GCSE results and Varndean College is in the top 10% of UK schools and colleges for value-added.

Students leave Varndean College as well-rounded, confident and aspirational individuals, ready to move on to the next stage in their careers. Over 50% progress on to higher education courses at the UK’s top universities and many direct into apprenticeships and employment.

Ofsted Inspection 2024

An Ofsted inspection in March 2024 confirmed Varndean once again as a good college, with outstanding awarded in many areas . Inspectors commented that:

● Students flourish in the vibrant and highly inclusive culture staff create. They are respectful towards others, value equality, and embrace diversity.

● Students benefit from expert teachers using their specialist knowledge to deepen students' understanding. As a result, students are secure in their knowledge and produce work that is of high standards.

● Managers provide programmes of learning for students to develop the knowledge, behaviours, confidence and resilience they need to be successful.

● Leaders have a clear and ambitious vision to provide high-quality and inclusive education for all students, including those who are disadvantaged. With staff, they share a very strong commitment to social mobility and justice and place students firmly at the centre of their work.

● Students value deeply the extensive support and care staff provide for their mental health and well-being.

● Leaders provide students with a programme of high-quality careers information and advice to help them make informed choices about their futures.

● Students develop valuable employability skills in work experience and through the courses they undertake. As a result, students are prepared well for their next steps and progress successfully to further learning, training and employment.

Staff

The College staff numbered 255 in March 2022, consisting of 124 full and part-time teachers and 135 full and part-time support staff, plus a number of part-time Adult Education tutors.

Curriculum subjects are organised into four areas each led by a Head of School, with two Assistant Heads of School. Programme Leaders are responsible for individual subject areas within the schools. Teaching staff are supported by departmental technicians, IT technicians and administrative staff. The Additional Support Team provides in-class support and individual support to students. 

Support staff teams include Admissions, Careers, Exams, HR, Finance, IT, Marketing, Registry and Site Maintenance. There are extensive opportunities for professional development and effective processes for induction of new staff.

Support and Guidance

In addition to the support through their academic courses, tutors provide regular one to one meetings to monitor progress and support students’ progress. There is excellent additional learning support, including general support for learning difficulties, more intensive support for students with EHCP plans and a wellbeing service. Students have comprehensive guidance and support on careers and higher education. Varndean works in close partnership with parents, who have access to an online tracking system, receive regular updates on student progress, attend a series of parents' evenings and are contacted whenever necessary. The college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Accommodation and Facilities

The College’s unique building is just 10 minutes’ drive from Brighton city centre, with good public transport links both by bus and rail. A regular bus service stops outside the College gates and Preston Park railway station is approximately a 20 min walk away.

The College’s facilities include:

• £2.9m STEM Centre (opened in 2020)

• Outstanding Library

• Award winning Careers Department

• Open Access IT facilities, dedicated IT-based teaching rooms and networked computer access in all classrooms

• Canteen serving hot meals, salads and snacks

• Fitness suite (available for staff and student use)

• Free on-site parking for staff

• Extensive playing fields for organised sports