Varndean Sixth Form College Adult Counselling Courses
Applications are now open for our 2026-2027 courses.
Please complete the online Application Form
Varndean Sixth Form College offers a range of different CPCAB accredited Counselling Skills qualification courses for adult learners, to either support a career change you may be looking to pursue, support you back into employment, or simply upskill your existing qualifications.
Our popular CPCAB Counselling Skills courses provide a pathway to becoming a qualified counsellor and this industry is forecast to grow 7% by 2027. Most of our counselling tutors are practising counsellors who share their expertise and learning experiences to enrich a structured and sequenced curriculum.
Courses range from 10 weeks to 2 years, depending upon the level and may be free if you are on a low income or claiming benefits.
The CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and the Level 3 Certificate in Applied Counselling Studies have been officially awarded Recognised Qualification Status by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This is a major endorsement that underscores the quality, credibility and professional value of CPCAB’s qualifications. In addition, the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling has achieved NCPS Recognised Professional Qualification status, signifying the highest standard of professional training and offering graduates a streamlined pathway to NCPS Accredited Registrant Membership.
To find out more, go to our Courses section below.
Donna Greenyer - Level 3 Certificate in Applied Counselling
I chose to take the Level 3 Certificate in Applied Counselling course as it links closely to my current role working with students and community outreach, rather than as a complete career change. I wanted to develop a deeper understanding of people’s behaviour and emotions so that I could better support the students and individuals I work with.
The course at Varndean has been invaluable, first and foremost in helping me understand myself. Throughout the journey I have experienced significant personal growth and have also had the opportunity to meet some truly amazing people. It has encouraged me to reflect on my own behaviours and responses, as well as to question why others may act the way they do.
Professionally, the course has provided me with practical tools that help me support my students more effectively. I am now more aware of behavioural patterns and better equipped to respond in a thoughtful and supportive way.
Varndean is an excellent college with supportive tutors and great facilities. The course combines engaging theory with practical assignments and exercises. I particularly valued the opportunity to practise counselling techniques with my peers. It’s rare to have the space to speak so openly and honestly with others, and that experience has been incredibly rewarding. Hacina, my course tutor, has been particularly inspiring, helping me reframe my experiences and look at myself with empathy.
Overall, the course is a fantastic entry point into counselling. It has strengthened both my personal development and my professional practice, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in understanding themselves and others more deeply.
Adi Nedelcu - Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
I always knew I have therapeutic abilities so I decided to give myself the chance of becoming a therapist! I have heard good things about Varndean College courses, and now, four years later, it has become a second home.
It’s nice getting back to studies after so many years, as an adult and choosing being a counsellor as a vocation, makes me feel more involved with the course. Also, it shows and proves that at any age and at any stage of life, you can still learn about yourself.
The course, and learning in a group setting, has given me the opportunity to learn new life skills. I have chosen to do the course in a physical face-to-face setting, rather than online, because I’m curious how I relate to others.
Strangers (my colleagues) have now become my closest allies for personal development, while carefully sharing inner experiences and thoughts in a safe setting.
It’s great to have space to work in different rooms. We also have access to the library where we can study and borrow books.
Contact Us
Address
Varndean Sixth Form College
Surrenden Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 6WQ
Tel: 01273 508011
Email: information@varndean.ac.uk