Working For Us
School's Choice PGCE with QTS
Subjects offered: Psychology, Biology (1 or 2), English, Business Studies, Art and Design, Maths
Age range: 14 to 19
Qualifications: QTS with PGCE
Study Pattern: Full Time
Closing Date (for starting in September 2025): 30th June 2025
Varndean College is a thriving and successful sixth form college with an excellent reputation for high outcomes, providing an inspirational student experience and adding value to all of our community. Based in the city of Brighton and Hove we transform lives through exceptional education. We are proud of our dynamic culture, inclusivity and reputation as trailblazers.
We currently have vacancies for applicants to be part of The Sixth Form PGCE and to train with us. This 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.
To Apply:
This training pathway allows you to apply directly to us and a successful outcome will be determined by an interview with Sussex University and a second interview by a panel of two at Varndean College.
For more information about the courses please visit the Sussex University site – click on ‘Sussex University’.
Please apply via the DFE website – click on ‘Apply here’.
We are positive about disability! We are committed to the principles embedded within the disability confident scheme and welcome applications from anyone who has a disability.
We will interview all applicants who declare a disability and evidence in their application that they meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy.
If you would like further information about any of the positions available, please contact Human Resources:
Email: hr@varndean.ac.uk
Tel: 01273 546637
The college is committed to equality of opportunity and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. All staff employed by Varndean College are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We value diversity and welcome applications from applicants from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community which are currently under represented at the College, including BAME and applicants with disabilities. Please note we will not use any personal information relating to your background at any stage of the application process. We are also prepared to make our standard application forms available in other formats to help any disabled candidates to apply. Please email/call to request.
We are always looking for new talent. If you would like to join the College but can’t see any relevant vacancies to apply for, why not send us a copy of your CV. We would love to hear from you.