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Varndean College

United Kingdom, Brighton and Hove

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £10,600 - 14,520
Ages 16 - 19 years
Pupil numbers 2000
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1975
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages French, German, Spanish
Typical class size 19
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Sport
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Varndean College is a Sixth Form College in Brighton, United Kingdom, serving students aged 16–19, with around 1,800 to 2,000 learners. It offers more than 30 A Levels, a broad range of vocational qualifications, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and a Foundation Level programme of GCSEs and vocational courses. The college is the only local Sixth Form College to be an IB World School. The campus sits on a green site with sea views, anchored by a main building housing the Loft Library, plus an outdoor amphitheatre and expanded social spaces. A £2.9 million STEM Centre provides four laboratories and six teaching rooms, supporting Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Physics, with Level 3 vocational options. Varndean runs an Enrichment Programme, including the Varndean Football Academy, alongside arts and cultural clubs. International trips, leadership and wellbeing activities extend learning beyond the timetable. This combination prepares students for tomorrow's opportunities.

Surrenden Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 6WQ, United Kingdom

The Essentials

Varndean College has 2,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
Varndean Sixth Form College is located on Surrenden Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 6WQ. The campus sits on a hilltop with fields and views of Brighton. It is accessible by bus, with the direct 5B service stopping at the main entrance, and Preston Park rail station providing rail access nearby.

Stages
Over 30 A Levels, a wide array of advanced vocational courses, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and a Foundation Level programme of GCSEs and vocational courses.

Type
Sixth Form College

Additional learning support
Additional Learning Support provides a supportive environment with Learning Support Assistants; supports learners with autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD/ADD, mobility issues and sensory needs. Supported Study Sessions are available; Individual Support includes 1:1 or in-class support and quiet spaces; Exam Arrangements; Health & Wellbeing services are provided through the ALS department.

Country affiliation
United Kingdom

Bus service
The 5B bus runs directly to the main entrance from Brighton; from Hove/Hangleton the 5B serves Surrenden Road. Other routes converge on Brighton town centre where you can transfer to the 5B; additional routes include 55 from Mile Oak, 46 from Southwick, 94 from Kemp Town/Queens Park, and 12/12A/12X from Newhaven. Preston Park is the closest rail station with services from Worthing, Haywards Heath, Lewes and other destinations.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Accommodation is provided via host families for international students; all host families undergo safety checks including a police check, and a Host-Family Co-ordinator maintains contact during the stay. Host families are within about an hour's transport of the college.

Uniform Requirement
There is no uniform requirement; dress reasonably and sensibly.

Food Options
The College Cafeteria is in the Hone Room on the first floor and serves a range of hot meals, salads and snacks. Opening hours are 8:30 am to 2:10 pm Monday to Friday during term time; vending machines are available.

Governance and Ownership
The Governors of Varndean Sixth Form College form an independent Corporation under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and comprise 17 members: 10 Community Governors, the Principal (ex officio), 2 Staff Governors, 2 Parent Governors and 2 Student Governors.
Fees

Annual tuition at Varndean College ranges from GBP 10,600 to GBP 14,520 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- There is no separate, routine undergraduate-style application fee. An invoice is issued with a Conditional Offer for international applicants and a non-refundable deposit of GBP 3,800 is required to hold the place; the deposit must be paid within one month of the offer.

Tuition fees by programme / year group (summary for fee-paying students)

- 16–19 (home) students: No tuition charge for learners aged under 19 at the start of their course; some courses require an upfront materials charge. Courses that charge for materials at the start include: 3D Design, Art, Graphic Design, Drama & Theatre Studies, CTEC Film Production, Photography, Performing Arts and Textiles. T Level L3 Education and Early Years requires payment for college t-shirts.

- International / fee-paying programmes (illustrative annual fees as listed for the current international programmes):
- Short Year programme (single-year): Tuition GBP 10,600; Host-family accommodation GBP 8,940; Annual total GBP 19,540.
- Two-year A level programme – Year 1: Tuition GBP 11,290; Host-family accommodation GBP 9,630; Annual total GBP 20,920.
- Two-year A level programme – Year 2: Tuition GBP 10,710; Host-family accommodation GBP 9,170; Annual total GBP 19,880.
- International Baccalaureate – Year 1: Tuition GBP 14,520; Host-family accommodation GBP 9,630; Annual total GBP 24,150.
- International Baccalaureate – Year 2: Tuition GBP 12,760; Host-family accommodation GBP 8,020; Annual total GBP 20,780.

- Where shorter or bespoke international packages are offered (short courses, semesters), tuition and accommodation are priced pro rata and examples of term/weekly pricing are published for different durations (examples and package components such as tuition, culture trips and an administration contribution are included in the college's international fee packs). Tuition packages for international students include stated academic materials and programme trips where shown.

Per-term / per-duration detail (international examples)

- The college publishes package pricing by programme length; sample durations and example amounts (from the college international fee documents) include: short blocks and semester/term packages priced by weeks (examples in published fee documents include multi-week/term prices and corresponding accommodation charges and administrative contributions). Specific per-term/per-duration figures vary by programme length and are shown in the college's international fee schedule.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoice and deposit: An invoice is issued with the Conditional Offer for international applicants. A deposit of GBP 3,800 is required within one month of the offer to secure the place.

- Balance deadline: The outstanding balance is due by the date shown on the invoice (balance due by 1 July is stated for the published international offers). Full payment is required before arrival in the UK for visa students; failure to pay by the published deadline may lead to the place being withdrawn.

- Adult Education courses: Course fees are collected at enrolment; for courses over a specified threshold instalments may be allowed but a handling charge is applied to instalment payments (the college applies a handling charge of 10% of the course fee up to a stated maximum on instalment payments for adult courses).

Boarding / accommodation (host family) fees

- The college does not operate on-site boarding houses; international students are placed with approved host families and host-family accommodation is charged as part of the international package. Sample annual host-family accommodation amounts (published package figures) include: Short Year GBP 8,940; A-level Year 1 GBP 9,630; A-level Year 2 GBP 9,170; IB Year 1 GBP 9,630; IB Year 2 GBP 8,020. Guardianship services are included in the accommodation package where shown.

- Additional accommodation pricing examples and different duration options are published in the international fees schedule (weekly and term-length host-family charges, and full-package totals for different durations).

Other costs and compulsory extras

- Course materials and specific subject fees: Certain 16–19 courses charge materials fees at the start of the course (listed above). International tuition packages note that some programme fees include academic materials and culture/trip elements; where separate charges apply these are identified in the fee documentation.

- Typical additional charges (published examples): airport-to-host transfers (Gatwick GBP 70; Heathrow GBP 130), convalidation/report validation fee GBP 140, dietary supplement for halal/vegan/gluten‑free hosted meals GBP 15 per week, optional holiday host family supplements (published example: additional supplement GBP 150 per week for Christmas and Easter holiday periods; a two‑week holiday stay with host family is shown at GBP 300 in sample schedules). Guardianship services (allocation and safeguarding checks, monitoring, welfare check-ins and emergency accompaniment) are included in stated guardianship charges.

Refund information (fee-paying/international students)

- Deposit: Deposits are non-refundable for most circumstances. For visa applicants an exception applies where visa refusal is accepted—published policy states an 85% refund of deposit if a visa is denied.

- Withdrawal before arrival after full payment: If a student pays full fees and then withdraws (other than visa refusal) the deposit is retained and 85% of the balance of tuition fees is refunded; full accommodation fees are refunded in that case. If the visa is refused after full payment, 85% of the full fees (including deposit) and full accommodation fees are refunded (policy exceptions and details appear in the collegeʼs published refund policy).

- After arrival: Tuition fees are generally not refunded after arrival except in exceptional personal circumstances and only by appeal; remaining accommodation fees are refundable less a two‑week notice period for host families. Serious breaches resulting in removal from the programme normally carry no tuition refund; accommodation refunds are determined less the host family notice period.

Fee payment options and practical note

- The college issues an invoice with the Conditional Offer and specifies the deposit and balance deadlines on that invoice for fee‑paying applicants. Instalment arrangements are available in some adult education contexts, where a handling charge is applied to instalments. The college's public international and adult‑education documents set invoicing, deposit and instalment policies, but published documents do not list a definitive public menu of accepted payment methods (for example, the public international application and fee documents specify invoice/deposit/due‑dates but do not itemise accepted card or bank transfer methods).

Summary of key actions stated in the college documents

- For fee‑paying (international) applicants: expect an invoice with the Conditional Offer, pay the GBP 3,800 deposit within one month, and pay the balance by the due date shown on the invoice (balance examples show a due date of 1 July in published material). Refund and cancellation conditions are set out in the collegeʼs published refund policy.

- For 16–19 (home) students: there is no tuition charge; expect material costs for some practical or specialist courses and available financial support for eligible students. Installment and enrolment handling charges apply to adult education courses where instalments are chosen.
Academics

Varndean College teaches IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 16 to 19.

Curriculum
Over 30 A Levels are offered, alongside a wide array of advanced vocational courses, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and a Foundation Level programme of GCSEs and vocational courses.

Exam Results
A Level pass rate 98%, with over 50% of students achieving A*-B and 25% achieving A* or A. Vocational qualifications also achieved a pass rate of 98%, with over 50% earning Distinction or Distinction+. The International Baccalaureate Diploma average was 34.65 out of 45, with 50% scoring above 36 points and 24% scoring 40 points or more.

Higher Education Progression
Many Varndean students progress to top universities, including Russell Group universities. The Aspire Programme provides bespoke one-to-one and group support from enrolment through university, with specialist tutors and links to top universities. Recent statistics show that 94.8% of students studying at Russell Group universities graduate with a First or Upper Second Class honours degree.

Gifted and Talented
Aspire Programme provides support for high-achieving students, including Oxbridge and Russell Group applications, subject-specific enrichment, and access to university talks and masterclasses.
Parent Experience

History
Varndean College is a popular Sixth Form College in Brighton with around 1,800 to 2,000 students aged 16–19. In the evenings it offers adult education and provides Family and Community Learning at several outreach centres in the city. The College draws from Brighton and Hove schools, as well as other East and West Sussex schools, with a small number of students from the independent sector and overseas. Its mission is to encourage and inspire all students to fulfil their potential through high-quality provision and support for a diverse community. It offers over 30 A Levels, a range of vocational qualifications, and the IB Diploma, and is the only local sixth form college to be an IB World School; Ofsted 2018 described Varndean as a good college.

Community
The college provides a broad enrichment programme alongside academic courses, including sport, art, drama, music, work experience and volunteering. There are day, residential and international trips offered to students. A thriving Student Union enables students to contribute to the college's development and to organise social and fundraising activities. The college's work in environmental and international education has been recognised with national awards, and it works in close partnership with parents, providing online progress tracking and regular updates.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has a large green campus with views of the sea, anchored by a main building that hosts the Loft Library on the top floor. Recent campus enhancements include expanded social spaces, additional classrooms and a new outdoor amphitheatre. The Loft Library provides a light, spacious and calm environment for quiet study, with staff on hand to help. Library resources include textbooks and revision guides, reading for pleasure (YA fiction and graphic novels), journals, magazines and DVDs, plus online resources accessed via the Library Hub. The library offers PCs, Chromebooks, whiteboards, headphones, chargers and a stationery shop to support study.

Sports Facilities
The school has two pathways for sport: enrichment programmes and college teams, with fixtures and coaching built into the college day (usually on Wednesday afternoons). It offers competitive opportunities in men's football, women's football, rugby, netball, basketball and social football, and from September 2024 runs the Varndean Football Academy with timetabled training and midweek fixtures. All Sports Academy students can access the College Fitness Suite outside timetable hours. The sports enrichment also includes clubs such as table tennis, badminton, gym enrichment, yoga, Zumba, social football, mixed volleyball and mixed basketball.

Academic Facilities
The school has a £2.9 million STEM Centre comprising four large science laboratories, six teaching rooms, prep rooms and a central atrium, with accessible facilities for students with disabilities. STEM subjects are taught across Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Physics, with Level 3 vocational options in Applied Biology (Medical Science) and Engineering. The STEM Centre is complemented by The Loft library on the top floor, a quiet study environment with books, ebooks, online resources and PCs. The school also hosts a range of STEM activities and programmes, including the MedVetDent and Aspire initiatives.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school runs an Enrichment Programme that is an essential part of the learning journey, with enrichment courses added to timetables and organized under six headings: Varndean Active, Community, Creative, Personal Development, and Progress. Enrichment helps students develop transferable skills and access experiences beyond the curriculum, with some courses carrying qualifications. In addition to enrichment, the college offers sporting opportunities through its football academy and regular fixtures, plus a wide range of clubs such as table tennis, badminton, gym enrichment, yoga, Zumba, social football, mixed volleyball and mixed basketball.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Enrichment Activity is compulsory for all Year 1 students and includes weekly clubs, societies, visits, work experience and work-related activities. These enrichment opportunities run alongside the standard curriculum. Enrichment supports practical learning and helps students gain experiences outside regular timetable.

Arts & Creative
Art enrichments include Printmaking, Ceramics, Art Portfolio Preparation, Art Enrichment talks from visiting artists, and Life Drawing. Trips include gallery visits to London and exhibitions at venues such as Pallant House, as well as regular residential trips to Paris, Barcelona, Berlin and St Ives. Art enrichment also introduces students to professionals through talks and showcases.

Cultural & Language
International trips broaden cultural exposure, including Paris, Barcelona and Berlin, with gallery visits in London. Visiting artists and practitioners enhance understanding of contemporary art. These activities broaden cultural awareness as part of Varndean enrichment.

Social & Hobbies
The sports programme offers clubs and activities including table tennis, badminton, gym enrichment, yoga, Zumba, social football, mixed volleyball and mixed basketball. Fixtures and training take place during the college day, usually on Wednesday afternoons. The Varndean Football Academy provides enhanced coaching and scheduled training as part of enrichment.

Community & Service
Aspire Programme provides guidance on work experience and volunteering in chosen career areas. It offers information and support to arrange volunteering opportunities and other enrichment activities to support career development. It includes subject-specific enrichment and activities to prepare for selective university applications, such as Oxbridge and medical/vet/dent pathways.

Leadership & Professional
The Student Union Leadership represents students' views and leads on enrichment, wellbeing campaigns, student council, campaigns and environmental issues. The leadership team collaborates with college teams and the SLT, runs the student elections and oversees roles such as Communications, Democracy, Enrichment and Environment. Participation develops transferable skills in democracy, communication and teamwork.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Wellbeing Team runs a wellbeing enrichment programme with group and some 1:1 support, wellbeing checks and morning-break drop-ins. Students sign up to wellbeing enrichment and can access support via Personal Tutors. The college offers sports and fitness options through enrichment, including table tennis, badminton, gym, yoga, Zumba and team sports.
Languages

Language Provision
French, German and Spanish are taught. French A Level, Spanish A Level and German A Level are offered. The International Baccalaureate includes French ab initio and French HL/SL, German HL/SL, and Spanish IB. Language study is housed within the School of English, Humanities and Languages.
Admissions

Admissions
A Guide to the Application Process
1. Apply using the online application system for September 2026 entry. The application window opens September 27, 2025. The Priority Application Deadline was 23:59 on December 5, 2025; applications received after this date are still considered if places remain available. An acknowledgement email is sent upon submission; check your spam folder.

2. From December 2025 to January 2026 you will be invited to an admissions interview. If you submitted an application to attend Varndean Sixth Form College, you will be invited to interview in late January. You will receive interview instructions by email. The process is coordinated with the Accord Colleges.

3. From late January 2026 you attend an admissions interview. The interview assesses course suitability and helps staff determine offers. Prepare to discuss your chosen study programme and your educational goals. An interview invitation will be confirmed by email.

4. Within 10 days of an offer, you must reply to accept the place offered. If you wish to accept the place offered, you must reply within 10 days; failure to respond may result in withdrawal of the offer. You will receive a formal offer by email.

5. Thursday 9 July 2026 is New Students' Day; the day includes subject sessions, staff introductions, and opportunities to meet other students. It supports a smooth transition to Varndean Sixth Form College.

6. Late August 2026: Final Enrolment Meeting follows GCSE results; staff discuss course choices and possible alternatives if results do not meet entry requirements. Be prepared to adjust your course selections.

7. Monday 7 September 2026 is Induction Day. Induction introduces college life, timetables, and available support services; you will meet tutors and fellow students and begin settling in.

8. Tuesday 8 September 2026 marks Teaching Starts; you begin your courses according to your timetable and attend introductory sessions.

9. Accord arrangement: Varndean Sixth Form College and BHASVIC are Accord Colleges; you cannot apply to both. You may apply to Brighton MET as well. Data is shared to check applications; if you have applied to both, you may not be treated as a priority and one college will contact you to withdraw; interviews will not be possible until withdrawal is established.

Scholarships
Financial support for 16-19 year olds includes four categories: Bursary; Free College Meals; Discretionary Learning Grant; Awarded Discretionary Learning Grant. Eligibility is means-tested based on household income and requires evidence of income. The Discretionary Learning Grant can cover travel costs, course fees, and educational trips; Free College Meals are available where eligible. The college can assist with travel-related needs such as a Bus Key Card or Railcard, and a bank account is often required to access funds.
School Events
The school has not added events
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