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Varndean College is delighted to announce that it is now a lead partner of the Brighton and Hove Sussex Schools and College Alliance (BHSSCA) alongside the University of Sussex.
The programme is dedicated to fostering the next generation of outstanding educators and our collaboration with the University of Sussex ensures that student teachers receive top-class educational theory and practice, supported by a university renowned for its research in teaching.
As part of BHSSCA, we emphasise innovative teaching strategies and inclusivity, equipping our trainees with the skills needed to succeed in today’s diverse classroom environments. Student teachers will gain hands-on extensive experience in partner schools and colleges, working alongside experienced teachers who offer real-world insights and mentorship. We will offer a comprehensive career development pathway, including job placements, interview preparation, and continuous professional support during and after training.
There will be several flexible training pathways, including:
Our programme is dedicated to fostering the next generation of outstanding educators, with a focus on:
Partnership with Sussex University
Our close collaboration with Sussex University ensures that student teachers receive top-tier educational theory and practice, supported by a university renowned for its research in teaching.
Innovative and Inclusive Training
At BHSSCA, we emphasise innovative teaching methods and inclusivity, equipping future teachers with the skills needed to succeed in today’s diverse classroom environments.
Hands-on Classroom Experience
Student teachers will gain extensive hands-on experience in partner schools and college, working alongside experienced teachers who offer real-world insights and mentorship.
Career Development and Support
We offer a comprehensive career development pathway, including job placements, interview preparation, and continuous professional support during and after training.
A Community of Educators
Joining BHSSCA means becoming part of a supportive community of educators who are committed to making a positive impact in education.
We are offering a range of teacher training pathways within our established partnership:
The Sixth Form PGCE will involve the student teacher doing their first placement in a College (from the last week of September to February half term) and the second placement will be in a KS4 school setting (February to June). The first three weeks students will be offered an induction at the University of Sussex. Afterwards students will be spending four days in their placement and one day at the University. This course allows you to apply directly to your chosen College, and this means the College can select their own student teachers. As with the regular PGCE courses, you will be introduced gradually to teaching by your mentor who will help you to build up your teaching time over the course of the year as you grow in confidence and competence. The course is completed in June 2026 when student teachers following the programme will be recommended for QTS awarding. Student teachers completing the Sixth Form PGCE will be awarded 60 master’s level credits towards a part-time MA in Education, should you wish to do so.
The Sussex School Choice PGCE course is a postgraduate level course. This course allows you to apply directly to your chosen school, and means the school can select their own trainee teachers. As with the regular PGCE courses, you will be introduced gradually to teaching by your mentor who will help you to build up your teaching time over the course of the year as you grow in confidence and competence. Students will be spending 4 days in their placement and one day at the University. Placement one is with the host school, last week of September to February half term. You will be offered a contrasting school for the second placement, a school which is part of the partnership, from the last week of February until the Easter holidays. After the Easter holidays you will be returning to complete your placement at the host school from April until June. Student teachers completing school Choice PGCE will be awarded 60 master’s level credits towards a part-time MA in Education, should you wish to do so.
The PGTA. You will be working and paid as an unqualified teacher alongside studying and are likely to have a more extensive teaching timetable from earlier on in the programme than on PGCE programmes. Apprentices may have prior experience as unqualified teachers, members of support staff or have extensive experience of teaching or training in another capacity. No fee is payable by the trainee as tuition fees are covered by the school employer. In some eligible subjects, schools benefit from a grant to help fund trainees’ salary. As a salaried apprentice, you will receive the same high-quality level of subject specific training and support from the University of Sussex as would a traditional Sussex PGCE candidate, in addition to the many benefits of undertaking a school–based model of training Candidates completing the one-year apprenticeship course with BHSSCA Training Alliance and the University of Sussex will be awarded 60 master’s level credits towards a part-time MA in Education, should you wish to do so.
The BHSSCA is working with Sussex University for more information about the courses please visit the Sussex University site: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/schools/education-and-social-work/study/education/teacher-training#:~:text=The%20 Sussex%20School%20Choice%20 PGCE,grow%20in%20confidence%20and%20competence.&text=The%20PGTA%20is%20an%20employment,to%20help%20fund%20trainees’%20salary.
Varndean College, is a vibrant sixth form college known for its wide range of academic and vocational courses. In 2023-2024, it offers A-levels, BTECs, and vocational qualifications, catering to around 1,800 full-time students. The college provides a strong academic environment with diverse subject options, including sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences, and is known for its student-centered learning approach.
Varndean also boasts a supportive pastoral system, career guidance, and enrichment activities, which help students develop both academically and personally. The college offers excellent facilities such as science labs, art studios, music rooms, and IT suites. Its strong community focus fosters an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging students from various backgrounds to thrive.
Subjects offered School Choice PGCE. Sixth Form PGCE and the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship PGTA:
Secondary: Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computing, Computing and Business, Design Technology, Drama, English, English and Drama, English and Media, Geography, History, Latin and Classics, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physics and Psychology.
The Government is offering tax-free bursaries of £29,000 in chemistry, computing, mathematics, and physics. Scholarships worth £31,000 tax-free will be offered in partnership with professional bodies for chemistry, computing, mathematics, and physics, and £28,000 for French, German and Spanish.
The Government is also offering a £26,000 tax-free bursary for biology, design & technology, geography and languages (including ancient languages). £10,000 tax-free bursaries will be available in art & design, music and £5,000 tax-free bursaries for English.
We are continuing to offer bursaries and scholarships to all non-UK national trainees in languages and physics.
Full details are available here
Outstanding Partnership with Sussex University. As a BHSSCA student teacher, you’ll benefit from our strong partnership with Sussex University, which offers a research-led, high-quality academic foundation to your training. This relationship ensures you receive the best of both worlds: university-based theory and on-the-ground practice.
Tailored Support and Mentorship. We provide personalised guidance throughout your training journey. You will be paired with experienced mentors and supported by expert tutors who are committed to helping you succeed in developing your teaching skills and confidence.
Real Classroom Experience early in the programme. Gain valuable classroom experience in a variety of schools and colleges across different settings. You’ll get the chance to apply what you learn early in the programme, working directly with students and receiving feedback from experienced teachers.
A Commitment to Inclusivity. We are passionate about creating inclusive learning environments, both for our student teachers and for the students you’ll teach. We equip our student teachers with the tools and strategies to foster inclusivity and diversity in their own classrooms.
A Strong Network and Community. By joining the BHSSCA, you are entering a community of educators who are dedicated to supporting each other and advancing the teaching profession. You’ll have access to networking opportunities, shared resources, and collaborative learning experiences.
Career Prospects and Job Security. With extensive links to schools and colleges, we offer exceptional support in securing job placements after graduation. Our strong connections in the education sector mean that you will be well-positioned to start your career with confidence.
Applications open each year via DfE Apply, you can access this portal by clicking HERE.
When applying you will be asked to select your chosen provider. The DfE apply portal also includes a separate section to provide details of any school and work experience. You should provide your full work history. Remember, your personal statement is the core of the application, so it is important to take the time and effort on this section.
The application window for September 2025 has now opened and ends in July 2025 or when the courses are full.
If you have any further questions please contact: leadpartner@varndean.ac.uk