Business Details
Premier Sixth Form Education in Brighton
Varndean College is a distinguished educational institution situated in Brighton, East Sussex, dedicated to delivering exceptional academic and personal development opportunities for students aged 16-19. With a heritage of academic excellence, we offer over 30 traditional A Levels, diverse vocational courses, and the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma, the only provider of this programme in Brighton and Hove. Our institution consistently ranks in the top 10% of UK schools and sixth-form colleges for value-added results, ensuring students achieve beyond their expected potential based on GCSE performance. We foster a supportive, inclusive community where student well-being and academic success are prioritised equally. Our state-of-the-art STEM Centre, opened in 2022, exemplifies our commitment to modern, industry-aligned education. With 94.8% of students progressing to Russell Group universities and achieving first or upper second-class honours degrees, we provide unparalleled pathways to higher education and professional success.Our dedicated staff, many of whom are practicing professionals in their fields, deliver tailored support through initiatives like the Aspire Programme, Med/Vet/Dent workshops, and Clinical Case History sessions. We maintain strong international partnerships and offer comprehensive welfare services, including a 24/7 emergency support line for overseas students. Through enrichment activities, BYOD technology integration, and a student-centred ethos, we cultivate curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning skills in our 2,000-strong student body.
Services
A Level Courses
International Baccalaureate
Vocational Programmes
Adult Education
STEM Education
University Preparation
International Student Support
Career Guidance
Student Welfare Services
Enrichment Activities
Highlights and features
- Top 10% in UK for value-added academic results
- Only IB Diploma provider in Brighton and Hove
- 2.9m state-of-the-art STEM Centre opened in 2022
- 94.8% Russell Group university progression rate
- 24/7 emergency support for international students
Associations and certifications
- CPCAB
- NCPS
What people say
Outstanding teaching quality
Supportive learning environment
Excellent university preparation
Vibrant student community
Modern facilities
Services
A Level Courses
Varndean offers 35+ traditional A Level subjects with exceptional pass rates. Our experienced tutors provide in-depth subject knowledge and exam preparation. Students benefit from small class sizes and tailored support to achieve top grades for university progression.
International Baccalaureate
As Brighton's sole IB provider, we deliver the prestigious two-year Diploma Programme. Our students achieve scores 4 points above the global average, with dedicated mentoring and interdisciplinary learning to develop critical thinking and global perspectives.
STEM Education
Our 2.9m STEM Centre offers cutting-edge facilities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Industry-standard equipment and specialist teachers prepare students for STEM careers through practical experiments and university partnerships.
University Preparation
Through Med/Vet/Dent workshops, Aspire Programme, and UCAS guidance, we provide tailored university application support. 94.8% of our students achieve first or upper second-class degrees at Russell Group institutions.
International Student Support
We offer comprehensive support for international students including visa assistance, homestay arrangements, and cultural integration programmes. Our dedicated 24/7 emergency line and induction week ensure a smooth transition to UK education.
People
Donna-Marie Janson
Principal
Donna-Marie Janson leads Varndean College with over 20 years' experience in education leadership. She champions student-centred learning and academic excellence, driving the college's top 10% UK value-added performance.
Yaso Shan
Biology Tutor
Yaso Shan, an award-winning Biology tutor, specialises in preparing medical school applicants. Her holistic teaching approach combines academic rigour with student well-being support, achieving exceptional A Level and IB results.
Questions
What entry requirements are needed for A Level courses?
Students typically need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including specific subject requirements for chosen A Levels. Detailed entry criteria are available on our website.
Does the college offer international student support?
Yes, we provide comprehensive support including visa assistance, homestay arrangements, 24/7 emergency line, and cultural integration programmes for our international students.
What facilities are available for STEM students?
Our £2.9m STEM Centre features specialist laboratories, industry-standard equipment, and technology-enabled classrooms for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
How does the college support university applications?
Through the Aspire Programme, Med/Vet/Dent workshops, UCAS guidance, and personalised tutoring, we provide comprehensive support for university applications and entrance exams.
What enrichment activities are available?
We offer diverse enrichment opportunities including creative arts, sports leadership, community service projects, and the Student Union for extracurricular development.
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