your Study Programmer – Varndean College

Your Study Programme

At Advanced Level this will consist of

An academic two-year qualification programme, which will typically consist of 3 subjects. This could be 3 A levels, 3 vocational courses or a combination of A Levels and vocational courses.

Where a Grade 4 at GCSE Maths or English has not already been achieved, this will be included in a student’s programme of study.

Alternatively, students may choose to study the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Non-qualification activity, including a combination of:

Tutorial (which is compulsory for all Year 1 students and monitors students’ progress and their progression to their next steps)
Planned Study Time
Additional Learning Support (if needed)
Careers and university advice and guidance
Participation in additional activities for those progressing to competitive courses, such as Oxbridge and Medicine
Participation in Enrichment Activities, such as clubs, societies, visits, work experience and work-related activities

At Foundation Level this will consist of

A qualification programme which is equivalent to at least 3 GCSEs. This may be GCSEs or vocational courses.

English and Maths are compulsory and will be included in the above programme if a Grade of at least 4 at GCSE has not already been achieved. This may be GCSE or, if less than a Grade 3 has already been achieved, a stepping stone qualification or an ESOL qualification.

Non-qualification activity, including a combination of:

Tutorial (which is compulsory for all students and monitors students’ progress throughout college and their progression to their next steps)
Additional Learning Support
Careers and further education advice and guidance
Participation in Enrichment Activities, such as clubs, societies, visits, work experience and work-related activities

Your Timetable

The college day runs from 8.40am – 4.10pm for most students. In addition, a few classes are scheduled between 4.20pm – 5.05pm on Mondays and Wednesdays only. Each timetable is individual and you will not be timetabled for all sessions – the examples give an idea of what different timetables might look like.

Your only obligation is to be in College for your timetabled sessions. However, many students find it easier to think of their non-contact periods as part of the College day and use this time to remain in College for independent study. The College offers free Wi-Fi so you can bring in your own laptops or tablets to work on, or use the library or open access IT facilities.

Apply here for entry in September 2025

Your Timetable