Varndean College

Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views across Brighton to the sea, Varndean College has been shaping futures since 1884. The college combines a 140-year heritage with modern ambition, evidenced by its £2.9 million STEM Centre and status as the only International Baccalaureate provider in Brighton and Hove. Approximately 2,000 students aged 16 to 19 study here, choosing from over 30 A-levels, vocational qualifications, and the IB Diploma. The March 2024 Ofsted inspection rated behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and provision for learners with high needs as Outstanding, with Good across all other areas.

The hilltop campus on Surrenden Road offers something rare for an urban sixth form college: space and perspective. The Victorian origins of the institution have given way to contemporary facilities, but the sense of community endures. Students describe Varndean as a close-knit family, and inspectors observed that students flourish in the vibrant and highly inclusive culture staff create.

Donna-Marie Janson became Principal in 2020, the first woman to hold the role in the college's history and the first female principal of any sixth form college in Brighton and Hove. With over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience across Sussex and Hampshire, she succeeded Philip Harland, who had led the college since 2006. Under her leadership, Varndean has maintained its trajectory of improvement while navigating post-pandemic challenges.

The college's values centre on transforming lives through exceptional education. This is not just a slogan. Students are respectful towards others, value equality, and embrace diversity. The tutorial system provides regular one-to-one meetings with dedicated tutors who monitor progress and offer guidance on everything from university applications to personal wellbeing.

A thriving Student Union gives students genuine influence over college life, organising social events, fundraising activities, and representing student views to leadership. This democratic engagement extends to the fabric of the college itself: students helped shape the design requirements for the new STEM Centre and continue to inform curriculum development.

At A-level in 2024, students achieved a 98% pass rate, with over half securing grades A* to B and 75% achieving A* to C. These results represent an improvement on 2023 and place the college firmly within competitive territory for state sixth form provision. The college ranks 1,043rd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), which sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, Varndean ranks 5th among Brighton institutions.

Breaking down the grade distribution: 7.67% of entries achieved A*, 17.14% achieved A, and 25.71% achieved B. The combined A*-B rate of 50.52% slightly exceeds the England average of 47.2%.

Vocational qualifications tell an even stronger story, with a 99% pass rate and over half of students achieving Distinction* or Distinction grades. This dual-track success reflects the college's commitment to providing rigorous pathways for students regardless of whether they choose academic or vocational routes.

The International Baccalaureate results deserve particular attention. In 2024, IB students achieved an average diploma score of 34.34 out of 45, more than four points above the global average of 30.32. The 98% pass rate significantly exceeded the worldwide figure of 80%. Many students achieved the equivalent of four A*s at A-level, with the vast majority scoring above 36 points. This performance ranks Varndean as the highest-scoring government-funded school or sixth form for IB results in Sussex.

Teaching at Varndean benefits from genuine subject expertise. Inspectors noted that 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. Class sizes remain manageable, allowing for meaningful interaction between teachers and students.

The curriculum spans traditional academic subjects and practical vocational programmes. Psychology, criminology, and sociology prove particularly popular among A-level students, alongside sciences and humanities. The IB Diploma offers an alternative pathway for students seeking a broader, internationally recognised qualification combining depth and breadth across six subject groups.

The £2.9 million STEM Centre, opened in November 2022 by Professor Robert Winston, houses four substantial science laboratories, six teaching rooms, generous preparation areas, and a central atrium. One laboratory and one classroom are fully accessible, with the second floor accommodating the special educational needs unit. The centre was designed specifically to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians.

In 2024, 27% of Varndean leavers progressed to university, with 36% entering employment, 9% continuing in further education, and 4% starting apprenticeships. These figures reflect the diverse aspirations of the student body rather than any lack of ambition.

Among those applying to university, outcomes are impressive. IB students secured a 71% acceptance rate to Russell Group universities in 2024, with four students receiving Oxbridge admissions. During the measurement period, 27 students applied to Oxbridge, receiving 4 offers from Cambridge. One student ultimately accepted a place.

Specific destinations in 2024 included Oxford for Biomedical Sciences and Law, Cambridge for Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, Warwick for Economics, Politics and International Studies, and Leeds for Civil and Structural Engineering. Recent HESA statistics indicate that 94.8% of Varndean students attending Russell Group universities graduated with First or Upper Second Class honours degrees, a figure exceeding the independent sector.

The college maintains strong partnerships with the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, providing clear progression routes for students seeking to remain in the area. Apprenticeship pathways receive equal emphasis, with dedicated careers support helping students secure positions with major employers.

Popular degree subjects among leavers include medicine, veterinary science, biomedical science, natural sciences, engineering, and neuroscience. The Aspire Programme specifically supports students targeting competitive courses and prestigious institutions.

Varndean operates within the Accord Colleges system alongside BHASVIC and Brighton MET. This coordinated application process requires an important choice: students cannot apply to both Varndean and BHASVIC. This restriction enables curriculum planning to meet demand across both institutions effectively. Students may, however, apply to Brighton MET alongside their choice of sixth form college, and they remain free to apply to any institutions outside the Accord.

For September 2026 entry, online applications opened on 27 September 2025. The priority application deadline was Friday 5 December 2025 at 23:59. Applications received after this date will be considered if places remain available, though the college warns it may close applications early if capacity is reached.

The application process includes an online form followed by an interview. Entry requirements vary by course, with A-level programmes typically requiring five or more GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and mathematics. Specific subjects may have additional requirements; prospective students should check the Entry Requirements page on the college website for detailed information.

Open events provide opportunities to explore the campus and speak with staff. A College Open Day is scheduled for Saturday 27 September 2025 at 11:00am. Year 10 Taster Days on 4 July and 15 July 2025 offer younger students the chance to experience life at Varndean firsthand, though places require both online registration and a signed parental consent form.

International students follow a separate application process, submitting documentation including English language certificates (IELTS or equivalent) to the Assistant International Students Manager. Following a successful online interview, conditional offers are issued with a deposit required to secure the place. International tuition fees for 2025-26 are £14,520 per year.

The Outstanding rating for personal development reflects genuine investment in student welfare. The Health and Wellbeing Service forms part of the Additional Support Department, directing students toward appropriate provision ranging from light-touch guidance to intensive therapeutic support.

The Therapy Team includes fully trained and qualified counsellors offering short-term one-to-one confidential counselling sessions. A Specialist Mental Health Lead coordinates services for students whose mental health needs impact their learning, liaising with academic staff, pastoral colleagues, and external providers including the NHS.

The Wellbeing Zone provides a calm environment where students can refocus and decompress. Timetabled wellbeing sessions teach mindful strategies that alleviate anxious thoughts and build resilience. Peer Mentors, trained students who have completed at least one year at college, offer friendly support to newcomers navigating the transition from school.

Additional Learning Support caters for students with specific learning difficulties, while more intensive provision exists for those with Education, Health and Care Plans. The inspection rated provision for learners with high needs as Outstanding, with 19 students receiving high-needs funding at the time of inspection.

Young Carers receive dedicated support, recognising the additional pressures faced by students with caring responsibilities at home. Financial support information is readily available for families experiencing hardship.

Sport

The enrichment programme offers sporting opportunities through two pathways: recreational enrichment activities and competitive college representation. Football, rugby, netball, and basketball teams compete against other institutions, with training and fixtures typically scheduled for Wednesday afternoons.

From September 2024, the Varndean Football Academy provides specialist coaching within the enrichment programme, allowing talented players to develop technical and tactical skills while continuing their academic studies. Social football and dance enrichment cater for students seeking less competitive physical activity.

Creative Arts and Music

Drama and music feature prominently in college life, with performance opportunities throughout the academic year. The creative arts curriculum combines with extracurricular activities to support students considering further study or careers in creative industries.

STEM

The STEM Centre serves as more than teaching space. It represents the college's commitment to preparing students for careers addressing the major challenges of the twenty-first century, from climate change to healthcare innovation. Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and Engineering courses utilise the purpose-built facilities, with students progressing to degrees in fields including medicine, veterinary science, and neuroscience.

Student-Led Societies

Students enjoy considerable freedom to establish and run their own clubs and societies. The Student Union coordinates social activities and charitable fundraising, giving students practical experience of organisation and leadership. Hidden histories discussions, environmental campaigning, and community volunteering feature among student-initiated activities.

Trips and Experiences

An extensive programme of day trips, residential experiences, and international travel enriches the curriculum. Work experience and volunteering opportunities, including placements in schools and hospitals, develop practical skills and inform career decisions.

The college day runs from 8:45am with lessons typically finishing by 4:30pm, though students often remain on campus for enrichment activities, independent study, or society meetings. The academic year follows standard term dates with breaks at Christmas, Easter, and half-terms.

The Surrenden Road campus lies in Preston Park, northern Brighton, accessible via multiple bus routes and within walking distance of Preston Park railway station. Cycling is popular among students, with secure storage available on site. Car parking is limited; the college encourages sustainable transport.

The Accord restriction. Students must choose between Varndean and BHASVIC when applying; they cannot hedge by submitting applications to both. This decision carries consequences, as the two colleges have distinct characters and slightly different subject offerings. Prospective students should attend open events at both before committing.

A-level results context. While pass rates are strong and the IB programme achieves genuinely impressive outcomes, A-level performance sits around the England average. Families seeking the highest-attaining sixth form in Brighton may wish to compare directly with alternatives.

Diverse cohort. Varndean draws students from varied backgrounds with varied ambitions. 27% progress to university, but this reflects choice rather than limitation. Students seeking an environment where university progression is the dominant culture may find the mix here different from some competitors.

Physical site. The hilltop location is beautiful but exposed. The campus involves walking between buildings across different levels. Students with mobility requirements benefit from accessible facilities in the STEM Centre and elsewhere, though the terrain remains a consideration.

Varndean College offers something increasingly rare: genuine breadth. Academic excellence sits alongside vocational rigour; the IB provides an internationally recognised alternative to A-levels; sport, creativity, and STEM all receive serious attention. The Outstanding ratings for behaviour, personal development, and high-needs provision reflect a college that cares about the whole student, not just examination results.

Best suited to students who want options, whether that means combining A-levels with BTECs, pursuing the IB Diploma, or exploring subjects not offered elsewhere locally. The hilltop campus, the 140-year history, and the emphasis on community create an environment quite different from larger further education colleges. The main consideration is the Accord system, which requires an early commitment to Varndean over BHASVIC.