“Varndean’s strength is that it includes everybody. There’s no sense that if you’re not brilliant at something you’re not allowed to give it a go. Everyone has opportunities here.”
“What makes
We nurture the whole person. Offering a range of sports means appealing
Oscar Ricca-McCarthy Head Boy
Varndean special is its ability to treat everyone the same yet still manage to nurture individuality.”
We’re an accredited international school. We’re helping a partner school in Kenya improve their buildings and resources
Sasha Warren Head girl
Imagine your child being part of our story
“Student leadership, democracy and student voice are central to how we run our school. We want to nurture young adults who will become good parents, partners and citizens.” We encourage competition. Whether it’s an inter-school cup, or a passionate debate, we know that striving to be the best helps students stretch themselves beyond their limits Our drama productions draw large crowds. We’re a Brighton Fringe venue - students get to work with professional performers
to sign up to the annual Artists’s Open House exhibition. Hundreds of visitors come to see our artistic talents
to grow
We hope you can imagine your child at our school, having fun, making friends, learning more than they thought possible.
We like books. We like sharing ideas. Our libary is a calm place to
“Learning at Varndean is about taking risks, rising to challenges and getting actively involved. In Science it can often be pretty hair raising!” Tamsyn East Science Teacher
Four Schools in One Each student is placed in one of four smaller schools. These have a Head of School, a deputy, and a school leader. Together with a team of tutors, they monitor and support your child. There is daily contact with tutors and other meetings to help you remain informed.
We are an inclusive school. And when it comes to drama, that means everyone can have a starring role
Each school contains around 340 students, sub-divided into smaller year based tutor groups. Teaching remains inclusive, with students mixed into academic classes.
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97% of our 2012 triple Science GCSE results were A*-C. 57% were either A* or A
Outward bound expeditions and visits help our students become well rounded individuals, able to work together as a team
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Personalised learning, that takes into account individual needs, and combines it with teacher expertise, means your child will be understood and stretched
Email sachavanstraten@varndean.co.uk with any questions you have. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
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Varndean Links is our PTA. We raise money for school and community improvement
We want you to make the right choice. We know there are many factors involved. We understand that making the right decision is complex.
Firing the imagination is key to nurturing a love of learning. We’ll
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William Deighan Headteacher
Our G&T programme enables bright youngsters to meet great minds. Our university links are strong
“Varndean School prides itself on offering students from all backgrounds an equal chance to where their voice will be heard and their individuality valued.” Ray Gold Chair of Governors
We’ve invested heavily in technology and tools that help students learn relevant skills
We’re already an accredited silver Eco School. We’ve planted an orchard of rare Sussex apples
Maya Angelou is a poet, writer, educator and civil rights campaigner. Through her life, words and actions she teaches us about the importance of determination, compassion and selfimprovement.
Bertrand Russell was a British philosopher. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature for championing “humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought.”
Alan Turing was a British mathematician. He is considered the father of computer intelligence. During World War II, he helped crack the German Engima codes.
Miss Ellis - the longest serving head at Varndean (28 years). A pioneer who championed academic education for girls, she brought the school to its current site in 1926.