The Principal Welcomes You to Varndean College
Welcome to Varndean College, a sixth form college with a strong academic reputation, located in the lively and cosmopolitan City of Brighton on a very attractive campus surrounded by playing fields and with views of the sea.
The country's Chief Inspector for Schools and Colleges has identified Varndean as a "particularly successful" college. Varndean has a high reputation for examination results and students progress to university and employment - with many of our former students now prominent in public life. Students at Varndean become involved in a wide range of enrichment opportunities in sport, music, drama and societies and there is a lively student union. Support for students is excellent whether this be from personal tutors or using important services such as welfare, careers guidance and additional support for learning, including language support.
Choosing Your Courses
- An opportunity to study three subjects at level 3 (A-level) in a UK college, studying in English
- You receive a report at the end of your study, but not a formal qualification
- You live with a UK host family
- You can choose to study for one, two or three terms
- You also study General English (IELTS) and Sport and Fitness
- There is an orientation programme which includes trips to Brighton, London and Oxford
- You have the support of the College Tutorial sessions and the International team for your care and well-being
- You need to be age 16 to 18 years old
- Anyone from around the world can apply
- EU students will not need a visa
- Non-EU students will need a visa for a visit of 6 months or longer
- You will need an IELTs grade of 5.5 or above
- You will need
- Good grades in your latest school report
- A good recommendation from your current school
- One Term: Fri 6 Sept 2019 – Wed 18 Dec 2020
- One Term: Mon 6 Jan 2020 – Fri 3 Apr 2020
- Two Terms: Fri 6 Sept 2019 – Fri 3 Apr 2020
- Two Terms: Mon 6 Jan 2020 – Fri 12 Jun 2020
- Three Terms: Fri 6 Sept 2019 – Fri 12 Jun 2020
- An opportunity to study for A-Level (level 3) certificates in three subjects in a UK college, studying in English
- Or you can study for the International Baccalaureate in six subjects
- Both the IB and A-levels, are entry qualifications to universities and colleges across the world
- You live with a UK host family
- You study for two years
- You also study General English (IELTS) and Sport and Fitness
- There is an orientation programme which includes trips to Brighton, London and Oxford
- You have the support of the College Tutorial sessions and the International team for your care and well-being
- You need to be age 16 to 18 years old
- Only students from non-EU students can apply, and you will need a Tier IV General visa
- You will need an IELTs grade of at least 5.5 for the A-levels, and 6.5 for IB
- You will need
- Good grades in your latest school report
- A good recommendation from your current school
- 1st Year: Fri 6 Sept 2019 – Tue 14 Jul 2020
- 2nd Year: Fri 4 Sept 2020 – Fri 13 Jul 2021
Term Dates
| College term dates and holidays | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
| Fri 6 Sep: Orientation programmes start | Mon 6 Jan to Fri 15 Feb: Lessons | Mon 20 Apr to Fri 22 May: Lessons |
| Tue 10 Sep to Fri 25 Oct: Lessons | Mon 17 Feb to Fri 21 Feb: Half-term Holiday | Bank Holiday Monday 4 May |
| Mon 28 Oct to Fri 1 Nov: Half-term Holiday | Mon 24 Feb to Fri 3 Apr: Lessons | Mon 25 May to Fri 29 May: Half-term Holiday |
| Mon 4 Nov to Wed 18 Dec: Lessons | ||
| Christmas Holiday: Thu 19 Dec 2019 – Fri 3 Jan 2020 | Easter Holiday: Mon 6 Apr 2020 – Fri 17 April 2020 | Please note: High School Programme ends Fri 12 June |