Varndean College

About Varndean College

Varndean College is a unique and exceptional sixth form college based in Brighton with approximately 1800 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.

In the evenings Varndean opens its doors to the community by offering a wide range of adult education courses, as well as providing Family and Community Learning at several outreach centres within the city.

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 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 Level 2 vocational courses and core 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.

The College has a distinguished record of achievement.  In 2022 the overall pass rate at A level is 97% 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, 55% of students achieved A*-B and three quarters of students A*-C grades.

This A Level success follows on from Varndean's successful International Baccalaureate results in July, when the IB students achieved a pass rate of 97%, with an average point score of 36.67, equivalent to at least three A grades at A Level. An incredible 29% scored 40 points or more, the equivalent of 3 A* grades at A Level and 60% of subject scores were at the top grades of 6 and 7. This success cannot be underestimated given the challenges faced during the last few years and we are immensely proud of their achievements. 93% of our IB UCAS applicants received offers for Russell Group universities with two-thirds of the Oxbridge applicants securing their places.

Students have been similarly successful in our vocational courses with a 98% pass rate overall, with 56% of students gaining the very highest grades of Distinction* and Distinction. We are particularly proud of the fact that students do significantly better than expected, based on their GCSE results and the College has an ALPs score of 1, putting it in the top 1% of UK schools and colleges.

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 2018

An Ofsted inspection in October 2018 confirmed Varndean once again as a good college. Inspectors comment that:

• Governors, leaders and managers have developed a highly inclusive culture that allows staff and students to thrive.

• Teachers know their students well. They have high expectations and use their own experiences and expertise to motivate students to achieve.

• Students benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum that meets their individual needs.

• Students enjoy their learning, maintain excellent behaviour and are highly cooperative.

• The vast majority of students produce work of a high standard. Students on the International Baccalaureate produce work of exceptional quality.

• Students with high needs receive very good support and make good progress. They achieve their qualifications and move to the next stage of learning or to 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 an additional 35 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 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:

• Brand new £2.9m STEM Centre (opened in 2020)

• Library & Careers Centre

• 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