Classpot

Varndean School

Brighton and Hove, BN1 6NPSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Oct 2022
Progress 8
No data
First choices / offers
1.3×
More first choices than offers made
350 1st-choice / 279 offers made
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#623 of 3,141 nationally

About Varndean School

Varndean School is a state-funded secondary school in Brighton and Hove, South East, for pupils aged 11 to 16 for boys and girls. DfE data records 1,487 pupils on roll and a published capacity of 1,500.

The latest recorded Ofsted overall judgement is Good (5 Oct 2022). the published Attainment 8 score was 48.8 for 2024/25. admissions data records 350 first-preference applications and 279 offers made on national offer day for 2026/27.

Figures can refer to different reporting periods. Check the date and source shown beside each section. How Classpot uses published data.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
AddressBalfour Road, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 6NP
HeadteacherMrs Shelley Baker
Local AuthorityBrighton and Hove
Number of Pupils1,487
Free School Meals (FSM)23.0%
School Capacity1,487 / 1,500 (99% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

5 Oct 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 15 Nov 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Published SEND Data

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyMulti-Sensory

Source: Department for Education. Confirm current provision with the school's SENCO.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Varndean School

Varndean School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This is the overall judgement recorded under the inspection framework in use on the inspection date. Read the report and date before comparing it with newer inspections.