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No, Varndean College is completely independent to Varndean School. We just happen to have similar names and share the same magnificent views of Brighton!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can but we would recommend no more than two out of your three subject choices due to the workload on these courses.
No, the only exception to this is for Level 2 GCSE Maths.
Unfortunately we do not provide student car parking on site. There is limited street parking in the surrounding area, however restrictions do apply.
No, there are many sports activities that you can participate in as part of the College’s enrichment programme.
No, you do not have to wear a uniform, but please dress reasonably and sensibly.
Yes, the Level 3 Childcare & Education is a full-time course. You cannot study any other courses alongside it.
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.
The length of a standard lesson is 1hr and 30 mins (made up of 2 periods, each period being 45 mins).
Our average class size is 18/20.
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.
The 5B and the 55 buses stop immediately outside Varndean College.
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.
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.
No, there are no regular assemblies like you currently have at school.