Varndean College
N/A
Capacity
N/A
Pupils
3.4x
Demand
About Varndean College
Varndean College is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Brighton and Hove community, welcoming children from age 16 to 99.
Ofsted has rated Varndean College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Donna-Marie Janson, it falls under Brighton and Hove local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.42 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 53.5. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 623rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 10 in Brighton and Hove.
Varndean College is a popular choice with families — it received 977 applications for 285 places, making it 3.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 411 were first-preference applications.
Varndean College has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.4/5 from 2 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Varndean College include Gymnasium, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Art Studios, Library, Music Rooms, Theatre, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Rowing, Cricket, Rugby and 5 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Drama, Art Club, Book Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.4%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Brighton and Hove, Varndean College is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 16 to 99 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Surrenden Road, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 6WQ |
| Headteacher | Donna-Marie Janson |
| Local Authority | Brighton and Hove |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.4% |
| School Capacity | 1,500 |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Oct 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 15 Nov 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.42)
623rd of 3,141
Nationally
101st of 461
In South East
3rd of 10
In Brighton and Hove
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed285
977
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
411 families put this school as their 1st choice (42% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Varndean College
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Surrenden Road, Brighton
Brighton and Hove, BN1 6WQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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