“Varndean is successful because students and teachers work together, we are passionate and understanding as a unit, creating a home of learning in which students are comfortable and respect the fact that they can,and will, succeed beyond expectation.”’
‘Being Head Boy of Varndean and a member of the student voice is a great privilege. It is just one of the many opportunities available to students to develop as young leaders. It is a really good way for all students to get their point across and I am proud to be a part of it’ George Harris Head Boy
We nurture the whole person. Offering a range of sports means everybody will find something appealing
Imagine your child being part of our story
We’re an accredited international school. We’re helping a partner school in Kenya improve their buildings and resources
‘A strength of lessons is the good relationships between the teachers and students and between students themselves. This enables them to work more effectively’....
Lily Dibb-Fuller Head girl
“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 are a Brighton Fringe venue - students get to work with professional performers
We were the first school to sign up to the annual Artists’s Open House exhibition. Hundreds of visitors come to see our artistic talents
‘‘Teachers ask questions skilfully to make students think hard and consolidate their understanding.’ Ofsted 2013... We want you to make the right choice. We know there are many factors involved. We understand that making the right decision is complex. 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 reflect, think and collaborate
“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
‘...Staff said that they were proud to be a member of staff at this school’...Ofsted 2013
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
Jon Dee Chair of Governors
Outstanding Results 2013 Students achieving A*-C Physics 96% GCSE PE 89% English Literature 88% English Language 98% Dance 95% D&T Graphics 88% CIDA 97% Chemistry 93% Biology 93% Art and Design 92%
100% of all students entered in the following subjects gained A*-C in 2013 Applied science...D&T Textiles...BTEC Music Technology...BTEC Sport Almost half of all level 2 entries achieved A* - B grades
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“Varndean is a creative, dynamic and diverse community in which everyone is valued and difference celebrated. All governors and staff are strongly focused on ensuring teaching is of the highest standard and are committed to enabling all our students to achieve and to fulfil their aspirations”
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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Personalised learning, that takes into account individual needs, and combines it with teacher expertise, means your child will be understood and stretched
Email school@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
‘Students conduct themselves well in and around the school’...
Firing the imagination is key to nurturing a love of learning. We’ll find your child’s passion and help it to grow
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William Deighan Headteacher
Our G&T programme enables bright youngsters to meet great minds. Our university links are strong
We’ve invested heavily in technology and tools that help students learn relevant skills
The eco-committee and eco-club have worked on a range of ecological programmes. We are proud to have this work rewarded by the Eco-Schools Green Flag
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 science and artificial 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.