Are you affiliated to Varndean School?

No, Varndean College is completely independent to Varndean School. We just happen to have similar names and share the same magnificent views of Brighton!

Can I study a combination of A Levels and vocational courses?

Yes, many students study a combination of A Level and vocational courses. For example, this could be 2 A Levels and a BTEC, 1 A Level and 2 BTECs or even 3 BTECs. Please note that a single BTEC is equivalent to 1 A Level and a double BTEC is equivalent to 2 A Levels. Please also note that if you are looking to follow a specific career path at university, then it is worth checking on the UCAS website to find out what entry requirements are required for a specific degree course. This can vary from one university to another and from one course to another. Many undergraduate degree courses do carry specific A Level entry requirements.

Can I try a subject out before deciding my subject choices?

No, unfortunately this is not possible. However, under certain circumstances, students may request to switch a course within the first few weeks of term if they find they have made the wrong choice. Please note, however, this is subject to places being available on the alternative course they wish to switch to.

Can you apply for a course if you haven't got the relevant GCSE?

Yes, you can on some courses. But for some, for example Modern Foreign Languages and Sciences, you will need to have obtained the GCSE with a specific grade. Details are all available on the individual course pages of our prospectus and website.

Can you apply to study four A Levels?

Traditionally most students study three A Levels. We would suggest it is better to do this and achieve three good grades, than to try to study four subjects with the possibility of not doing so well overall. There is no particular advantage to having four A Levels. If going on to university or into employment they are interested in the three A Levels.

Can you take more than one Art related subject?

Yes, you can but we would recommend no more than two out of your three subject choices due to the workload on these courses.

Do classes get chosen by the grades we achieved at GCSE?

No, the only exception to this is for Level 2 GCSE Maths.

Do you have student car parking?

Unfortunately we do not provide student car parking on site. There is limited street parking in the surrounding area, however restrictions do apply.

Do you have to be studying Sport to be part of a Sports Team?

No, there are many sports activities that you can participate in as part of the College's enrichment programme.

Do you have to wear uniform?

No, you do not have to wear a uniform, but please dress reasonably and sensibly.

Does Level 3 Childcare count as one course?

Yes, the Level 3 Childcare & Education is a full-time course. You cannot study any other courses alongside it.

If Varndean College is your first choice college, then you can make an application using the College's online application system. This can be found at, https://apply.varndean.ac.uk . Firstly, you will need to set up an online account using your email address and a password. It is advisable not to use your school email address, once you leave your school in the summer you will no longer be able to access this. After setting up the account, you can then complete all relevant sections and submit. You can also save the application at any time and return to a later date.

How do you support anxious students in transition from school to college?

When applying for college you can state on your application form if you would like support. A member of our Additional Support Team will then be in touch with you to help allay any concerns/anxieties you may have about coming to college. We can then offer ongoing support once you are studying with us.

How far is it to the nearest train station?

Preston Park station (the closest) is an approximate 15-20 min walk away.

How long is the college day?

The college day runs from 8.40am - 4.10pm on 3 days and 8.40am - 5.05pm on 2 days. However, each student has their own individual timetable and is not expected to be in lessons for this entire time. Each day is different. One day your first lesson may not be until 10.30am or another day it may not be until the afternoon. You are only expected to be in college for your timetabled lessons. Outside of these lesson times, however, you are advised to use your time wisely by undertaking independent study, either offsite or onsite.

How many students do you have?

We currently have approximately 1800 students, predominantly on Level 3 or mixed vocational programmes.

How many students study the IB?

We have an average of 45-50 students each year study the IB Diploma.

How will I know where my classes are?

At the beginning of your first term, you will be issued with a timetable which will show which rooms your lessons take place in. You will also be given a copy of the college map. At your induction day, you will also be taken on a guided tour of the college.

Is the College wheelchair friendly?

The main building is all wheelchair friendly, as well as our new STEM Centre. If you apply to us we would make sure you were timetabled into classrooms that had wheelchair access.

Is there accessibility to a gym?

Yes, the college has a fitness suite which all students can use after they have undergone a formal induction session.

Yes, the college offers free Wi-Fi. You will be given instructions about this when you start at college.

What happens if I don't get the grades I need?

If you do not achieve the grades needed to follow a particular course, then this will be discussed at your second "Enrolment Interview" in late August. If necessary, we will look at finding you an alternative subject or course to study. In some circumstances, it may be the case that you have to follow an Intermediate level course for one year and then continue on to an Advanced level course after that.

What is the length of a lesson?

The length of a standard lesson is 1hr and 30 mins (made up of 2 periods, each period being 45 mins).

What is your average class size?

Our average class size is 18/20.

When do I attend for an interview?

You will be invited in for an Admissions interview in either January or February depending upon which school you currently attend. You will then attend a further Enrolment interview in late August once you have received your GCSE results.

Which bus serves Varndean College?

The 5B and the 55 buses stop immediately outside Varndean College.

Which schools do students come from?

Students come from a huge range of schools, not just from within Brighton & Hove, but right across Sussex; from as far north as Haywards Heath, Worthing in the West and Eastbourne in the East.

Why can't I apply to both Varndean & BHASVIC?

You cannot apply to both Varndean and BHASVIC as they are both very similar colleges offering a very similar range of courses. Each college has to plan its very complex curriculum timetable months in advance and therefore it would prove extremely misleading and disruptive if there were students applying to both colleges and holding places at both colleges simultaneously.

Will there be assemblies?

No, there are no regular assemblies like you currently have at school.

Frequently Asked Questions (Adult Education)

If you have any questions which are not answered here, please get in touch with our Adult Education team at commed@varndean.ac.uk.

Can I get refreshments?

Yes, the coffee bar is open for snacks and drinks on Tuesday to Thursday evenings from 5.30 to 8.15pm. Occasionally, it may be closed but you will be notified via your tutor and sometimes may not run all through the summer term and the last week of each term.

Do I have to complete the surveys?

We would encourage students to complete these surveys which are usually emailed to you two or three weeks prior to the end of the course. We value your feedback and would appreciate your answers in order to improve our courses and make sure all learners are happy with their experience.

Do I need an ID card (also known as access entry cards)?

Yes, as these allow you into the building and you are required to tap onto the keypad on entering your class for registration purposes. Please note, students on leisure course less than 10 weeks do not need an id card with a photo.

How will I know the course is running?

If you do not hear from us, then you are to assume the course is running. We try to give you as much notice as possible e.g., two weeks before but sometimes we will leave it to the week before but will always let you know before your course is due to start if it has been cancelled via email or telephone. If in doubt, please ring the office.

What happens if a lesson is cancelled?

The number of lessons is worked out appropriately prior to the start of the course including no lessons held on our open days which are always advertised in advanced via our brochure and website. However, sometimes lessons are cancelled at short notice due to tutor illness or unforeseen circumstances and if that's the case the admin office we contact you via email/telephone. We will re-arrange any missed sessions with another lesson, usually it's added on to the end of the course. We will be delivering the amount of 'tuition' fees that have been paid for. No refunds are offered for lessons that cannot be made by the student for a re-arranged session as the tuition hours for each course will have been delivered.

What is your Attendance Policy?

We expect you to aim for 100% attendance and we encourage Adult Education students to attend the minimum of 80% to fully achieve. Attendance is recorded for every timetabled session. Students are automatically withdrawn if they have not attended for 4 consecutive weeks and not been in contact with their tutor or the admin office. If a student's attendance falls below 80% their place on the course and their exam entry will be at risk. Further details are given once you start your course via your tutor and welcome letter.

Where do I go once, I arrive at College?

For daytime and evening classes, please go to the main college reception where you will be met and taken to class on your first visit.

Where do I park?

Students MUST NOT park on college grounds before 5pm. You are able to park in the College grounds in the evenings, but space is limited. Please do not park in the spaces reserved for disabled drivers or the College minibuses, but only in designated parking spaces. Free parking is available on the street after 3pm. If you are a daytime student, please note the new Surrenden Parking restrictions between 9-10am & 2-3pm. There is still free parking outside of the new zone, very near to the north of college.

Why do you cancel courses?

Courses are closed at the discretion of the College and usually due to the lack of student numbers and sometimes unforeseen circumstances. Occasionally, courses may be delayed by one week or two to enable further enrolments, but we will also keep you informed.