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Thank you for thinking about joining Varndean Sixth Form College in September 2027. We are really pleased that you are considering us, and our experienced staff are here to support you throughout the application process. This is an exciting time for you in your educational journey and we are here to support you every step of the way.
This page explains what to expect, when things happen, and how to get in touch if you have any questions. We highly recommend applying early, as places at Varndean Sixth Form College are often oversubscribed.
Embarking on your journey to sixth-form college is a pivotal moment that shapes both your academic and personal future. At Varndean Sixth Form College, we understand the importance of choosing the right path, and we’re excited to guide you through this process.
Our application timeline is carefully crafted to guide you smoothly from initial curiosity to becoming part of our thriving community. We value the aspirations and ambitions of each student and their families. Every step in the process offers an opportunity to explore, engage, and envision the rewarding experience that will help you flourish and be happy at Varndean Sixth Form College.
Our experienced and committed staff are here to ensure you feel supported throughout the entire process, offering guidance, answering questions, and giving you the confidence to take this significant step towards a happy and successful future.
Applications for September 2027 entry are now open. You can apply through MyVarndean on the Varndean Sixth Form College website using the link below.
Once you submit your application, you will receive an acknowledgement email. Please check your spam or junk folder if you do not see it.
If you apply by 11.59 pm on Friday 4 December 2026, you will be treated as a priority applicant. Varndean Sixth Form College will give priority consideration to your course choices and will invite you to interview before applicants who apply later.
You can still apply after this date, but some courses may already be full, and waiting lists will apply.
Apply using the online application form. .
Apply by the Priority Application Deadline.
You will receive an acknowledgement email at the time you submit your application form. Please make sure you check your spam folder.
You will be sent an email inviting you to an Admissions Interview.
Attend an Admissions Interview. If you have submitted an application to attend Varndean Sixth Form College, you will be invited to attend an interview.
Attend an Admissions Interview. If you have submitted an application to attend Varndean Sixth Form College, you will be invited to attend an interview.
Deadline for priority applicants to accept their offer.
Deadline for non-priority applicants to accept their conditional offer
Attend our New Students' Day. This day offers a valuable opportunity to attend subject sessions for your chosen courses, meet staff and other students, as well as get involved in our vibrant community. We will ensure you have everything you need for a smooth transition to your journey at Varndean Sixth Form College.
Final Enrolment Meeting after GCSE results. This is when you will have a chance to discuss your course with a senior member of staff in light of these results. Do not worry if you haven't met the requirements for a specific course, we will discuss this with you further and help you find an alternative course that suits you..
Induction Day
Teaching commences
Your study programme at Varndean Sixth Form College will be shaped around you — your interests, future plans, current qualifications and any support you may need.
You might choose subjects that relate to a particular career, university course, apprenticeship or other future ambition. Or you might choose subjects simply because you enjoy them and are passionate about learning. Whatever your reasons, our dedicated and expert staff will talk through your choices with you in detail at your admissions interview, so please don’t worry. You can also find lots of helpful information about our courses, entry requirements and future pathways on this website and in our prospectus.
For further details about our entry requirements, please see our specific Entry Requirements page.
Varndean Sixth Form College, BHASVIC and Brighton MET together form the Accord Colleges in Brighton and Hove. The three colleges have a coordinated application process for students seeking to study at any of the Accord Colleges.
Under the Accord, you will not be able to make an application to both Varndean Sixth Form College and BHASVIC. This is so that these two sixth form colleges can effectively plan curriculum provision to cater for as many students wishing to study in one of these colleges as possible.
You are welcome to make an application to one of these two Sixth Form Colleges and also to Brighton MET, however. You are also entirely free to apply to any other educational institution – it is only in the case of Varndean Sixth Form College and BHASVIC that you are not able to apply to both colleges. An Accord College is likely to ask you, at interview, about any other applications you have made or offers you hold from other educational institution, employer or training provider.
As part of the application process for either Sixth Form College, you will be asked to confirm that you have not made a separate application to the other Sixth Form College.
Varndean and BHASVIC work very closely together and will share data to check and avoid applicants having applied to both Sixth Form Colleges. If you have made an application to both Sixth Form Colleges, you may no longer be treated as a priority applicant. One of the colleges will contact you to ask which application you wish to withdraw and an interview will not be possible at either college until this has been established.
After you apply, Varndean Sixth Form College will email you an invitation to an Admissions Interview. Interviews will take place in December 2026 and January 2027.
Please don’t worry — your interview is a friendly conversation, not a test. We want to get to know you, hear about your interests and plans, and make sure your course choices are right for you. Most interviews last around 15–20 minutes, but Varndean Sixth Form College will take as long as you need if you would like advice or have questions.
What to bring:
Varndean Sixth Form College cannot complete your interview without your most recent school report, so please check that you have it before you leave home.
What to wear:
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Most students wear their own clothes, and school uniform is completely fine if you are coming straight from school.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. Most students come on their own, but you are very welcome to bring a parent or carer if that would help you feel more comfortable.
What will we talk about?
The interview team may ask about:
We may also check or update a few details from your application, such as emergency contact information.
At the end of your interview, we will let you know whether we can offer you a conditional place. If you are successful, you will receive an offer by email within seven working days. Your offer will usually be conditional because your final GCSE or Level 2 results will not yet be known. Once you have your results, we will confirm your place and final programme at enrolment.
If you would like to accept your conditional offer, please do so as soon as possible.
Your place is only confirmed once Varndean Sixth Form College receives your formal confirmation of acceptance. If you do not accept within the relevant timescale, Varndean Sixth Form College may withdraw the offer and you may lose your priority status.
It is completely normal to change your mind about a course. If you would like to change any of your choices after accepting an offer, please contact the Admissions Team.
Please remember that requesting a course change after receiving an offer may not always be possible. Courses can become oversubscribed, so a place on your preferred alternative course cannot be guaranteed. Varndean Sixth Form College will consider a change where there is space on the course, it suits your needs and future plans, and you meet the entry requirements.
Changes are not normally considered after the end of April. At enrolment, some courses may already be full, so we strongly encourage you to choose your courses carefully during your application and interview.
You will attend New Students’ Day on Thursday 8 July 2027. This is a great chance to attend subject sessions for your chosen courses, meet teachers and support staff, make new friends, and get involved in the Varndean Sixth Form College community. We will send you more details during the spring term.
After you receive your GCSE results, we will invite you to a Final Enrolment Meeting in late August 2027. This is where we confirm your place, discuss your results with a senior member of staff, and finalise your study programme. Please make sure you attend your enrolment meeting. If you miss two scheduled enrolment meetings, Varndean Sixth Form College may have to withdraw your offer.
Your Induction Day and the start of teaching will take place in September 2027. Exact dates will be confirmed nearer the time.
When should I apply?
As early as you can. Applications open in late September or early October 2026, and applying by 11.59 pm on Friday 4 December 2026 gives you the best chance of securing your preferred courses at Varndean Sixth Form College.
How will I know may application has been received?
You will receive an acknowledgement email as soon as you submit your application. Please check your spam or junk folder if you cannot find it.
When will I hear about an interview?
Varndean Sixth Form College will email you to invite you to an admissions interview. Interviews take place in December 2026 and January 2027.
What if I miss the priority deadline?
You can still apply, but your application will be non-priority. This means Varndean Sixth Form College may interview you later, and some courses may already be full.
How long do I have to accept an offer?
Priority applicants should accept by Friday 12 February 2027. Non-priority applicants should accept within 10 calendar days of their interview.
What happens if I don’t accept my offer in time?
Varndean Sixth Form College may withdraw the offer, and you may lose your priority status.
What happens if I don’t meet the entry requirement?
Please don’t panic. Come to your Final Enrolment Meeting and Varndean Sixth Form College will talk through your options. Depending on your results and available places, we may be able to offer a foundation-level or alternative Level 3 programme.
Do I have to retake English or Maths?
If you have not achieved at least a Grade 4 in GCSE English Language and/or Maths, yes — these subjects will be included in your study programme at Varndean Sixth Form College.
Can I study part-time?
No. All 16–18 students at Varndean Sixth Form College study full time, for at least 580 hours each year.
What if I have recently moved to the UK?
You may be eligible for the Foundation Gateway Year at Varndean Sixth Form College if you are aged 16–18, have recently moved to the UK, have UK residency, and would benefit from extra support with English. The programme includes ESOL, as well as support with GCSE Maths and Science.
Can I repeat a course I have already started somewhere else?
Usually, no. A transfer to Varndean Sixth Form College may be possible if the courses are compatible and there is space. You would need to provide an attendance report, a reference or progress report, and details of the courses you have already completed.
Can I apply to both Varndean Sixth Form College and BHASVIC?
No. Varndean Sixth Form College, BHASVIC and Brighton MET are part of the Accord Colleges in Brighton and Hove. Varndean Sixth Form College and BHASVIC use a coordinated application process, so you cannot apply to both sixth form colleges.
What happens if I accidentally apply to both Varndean Sixth form College and BHASVIC?
As part of your application, you will be asked to confirm that you have not made a separate application to the other sixth form college. Varndean Sixth Form College and BHASVIC share data to check for duplicate applications. If both colleges receive an application from you, you may no longer be treated as a priority applicant. One of the colleges will contact you to ask which application you would like to withdraw. Neither college can arrange an interview until this has been resolved.
I have a learning need. What should I do before my interview?
If you have a learning need and would like support at Varndean Sixth Form College, please complete the learning support form before your interview. This helps us understand how we can best support you.
I receive exam access arrangments. Do I need to tell Varndean Sixth Form College?
Yes. If you currently receive exam access arrangements, please complete the learning support form before your interview so Varndean Sixth Form College can consider the support you may need.
Does Varndean Sixth Form College support students with disabilities?
Yes. Varndean Sixth Form College welcomes applications from students with disabilities and learning difficulties. We are committed to treating students fairly and will make reasonable adjustments to help remove barriers to learning.
I have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). How do I apply?
Please apply through the normal online application form and tell Varndean Sixth Form College about your EHCP as early as possible. We will work with your local authority to make sure we can meet your needs.
What happens if I do not tell Varndean Sixth Form College about my EHCP?
If you enrol without telling us about an EHCP, Varndean Sixth Form College cannot guarantee that the right support will be in place. Please let us know as early as possible so we can plan support with you and your local authority.
What if I cannot attend my interview?
Please email [email protected] as soon as possible, and we will do our best to arrange another appointment.
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