Student Stories
Seowon Jung
Studied: Physics, Chemistry, Maths
Progression: Natural Science at Cambridge University
Seowon Jung says: “When I first came here I was terrified as I’d never been abroad before. However, the international department were super helpful and supportive and it made me feel relaxed. I chose Chemistry and Physics as I could do lots of experiments which I’d never had the chance to do in South Korea. I was awarded silver in the CSL6 competition and gold in the Chemistry Olympiad. I also achieved awards in Maths Challenges and Kangaroo. I have met and made friends with so many students from other countries and found Brighton a lovely place to live.”
Ava Kennedy
Studied: English Language and Literature, History Early Modern and Photography
Progression: Courtauld Art Institute
Ava says:
‘Being at Varndean gave me the opportunities and skills to prepare for and apply to Uni, where I received offers from all 5 of the universities to which I applied. I have also met people here that I consider friends for life, and I never would’ve met them had I not come here. Varndean College allowed me to grow in my education and take control of my studies, which is a stark contrast to high school in America and I will be forever grateful for the two years I’ve spent here.’
Vittoria Arsuffi
Studied: IB Diploma
Progression: Architecture in Milan University
Viky says:
“I chose Varndean College because it’s one of the best colleges offering the IB in the UK, not only academically but also for the support it gives to students. At Varndean I got guidance throughout the entire university application process and I now feel ready to study architecture in Milan which holds one of the best unis in the world. When I first arrived at Varndean College I felt disoriented and scared, but I soon got a very warm welcome from the college and its various departments.”
Alessandro Vignes
Studied: One Year Course
Progression: Now applying for University of Milan with increased confidence
Alessandro says:
“I have met so many people from all over the world and have had the honour to get to know them and their story, coming into contact with realities completely different from mine and I feel like this has had the biggest impact on me.”
Find out more
How to Apply
Four great reasons to choose Varndean College
1. Excellent results
• Varndean is in the top 10% in the UK for ‘added value’ – this means that Varndean students perform better than 90% of all other schools/sixth forms in the country compared to students with the same GCSE grades on entry. This confirms the high quality teaching support, care and guidance that takes place here
• Our IB results are officially world class and are 4 points above the global average
2. A wide choice of subjects to study
• We offer an usually wide choice of 56 subjects of A level and BTEC vocational subjects
• We are the only college on the south coast of UK offering the International Baccalaureate
3. Excellent location
• We have a beautiful campus with fields and views of Brighton. Our students love the vibrant life in Brighton which is on a 15 min bus ride direct from the college
• We are 45 mins from Gatwick and 1hr 45 mins from Heathrow airports and 1.5hrs direct train line to London
4. International team support for welfare for all international students
• We have a dedicated International team, who support the students throughout their entire time at Varndean. We are renowned for our welfare support and many students recommend us due to our commitment to enabling them to have the best time here possible
• We select, monitor and support our team of local host families to provide a ‘home-from-home’ experience for our students. We have a dedicated Host Family Co-ordinator for support, and the International team monitor a 24/7 emergency phone line
• We run a very well-received Induction week at the start of the programme which is designed to give a warm welcome, build friendships and settle everyone into the new college, home and UK environment. It includes cultural trips out in the first week and throughout the first year
“Varndean College is an amazing environment for young people. All of the teachers are here to help students, especially Internationals. The International team have been a pleasure to know and have taught me so many things that I will bring outside the school grounds and into my adult life.” (Agnese, Italian 2024)
For all Application enquire please contact Shaun Clark at scl@varndean.ac.uk or telephone 0044 (0)1273 508011 ext 418
For Host family enquire please contact Siobhan Winney at international@varndean.ac.uk or telephone 0044 (0)1273 508011 ext 114