Before the end of term, 14 of our Economics students headed to the University of Cambridge for an unforgettable insight into collegiate life 🎓

Before Half Term we had a wonderful day at Drusillas with our Foundation Year Childcare students. We enjoyed seeing all the animals and had an educational talk with James- he showed us some animal artefacts that have been confiscated at Heathrow customs and talked about animal cruelty.

Last Friday, our BTEC Protective Services students attended The British Army South East's 'Military Career Inspiration Day'. The event gave students the opportunity to discover everything the military has to offer, as well as exploring the range of opportunities available in a military career.

Our annual Culture Week got off to a fantastic start with students taking part in Pin the Tail on the World Map at lunchtime. Organised by the Student Union, students added pins to a world map to indicate where they are from and to demonstrate how wonderfully diverse Varndean Sixth Form College is.

Great to welcome Dr Dexter Govan to Varndean Sixth Form College's Politics Society today - discussing the UK Constitution, reform of the House of Lords, protection of rights under codified constitutions, voting systems and skills employers would be looking for in students. #skills

Over 45 Year 1 Business Studies students attended a day of talks hosted by Brighton University's Business Department this week. Students were challenged to pitch a business idea to an audience. It gave the students a great insight into studying Business and Economics at university.

Wishing all our students, parents/carers and staff a very restful, enjoyable and healthy holiday season, and we look forward to seeing our students and staff again in the New Year. 🎊🎉
Festive ecard credit: Year 2 students Isobel Steele, Martha Phillips & Ruby Walker #varndeansixthformcollege

A Level & IB Spanish students are currently enjoying an enriching cultural trip to Madrid, where they are fully immersing themselves in the language, history, & vibrant culture of Spain, whilst also experiencing the city’s festive atmosphere.

Congratulations to Year Two students Isobel Steel, Martha Phillips, and Ruby Walker, who are the 2025 joint winners of our Festive eCard design competition. The design is being used as this year’s official Varndean Sixth Form College ecard and the winners each received a well-deserved gift voucher.

The work of Varndean English Literature tutor and Aspire Programme Coordinator, Jacob Lund, has again been published in the English Association journal, The Use of English. He was also commissioned by The Tablet, the international Catholic weekly, to write a feature on the subject of his new work.

Congratulations to Year 1 A Level Photography student, Ella Linscott, who has had her football image used by the Sussex Express. Ella is delighted that she has now been asked to take more photos for the reporter.

#varndancollege
#varndeansixthformcollege
#alevelphotography
#brightonandhovealbion

Varndean Foundation Year Students Begin Work Experience and Social Action Programme

Last week, Varndean Sixth Form College’s Foundation Year students took part in their first day of Work Experience and Social Action activities.

Yesterday, we welcomed the wonderful Vanessa Marr back to College to view the work our Textiles students had created in response to her Domestic Dusters project. It's been an absolute privilege to get involved with this project and the more students learn about it the more special it has become.

Another day, another competition and another trophy for Rosie! Congratulations again to Year 2 Film Production student, Rosie Merat Brandwood who has recently won her age category in the YOUKI International Youth Media Festival in Austria, for her documentary ‘The Freedom of the Sea’.

Last week, 28 Geography and Environmental Science A Level students returned from an exciting four-day trip to Iceland! They were able to visit waterfalls, volcanoes, rift valleys, a glacier, a geothermal power station, as well as iconic locations such as the Black Sand beach and the erupting Geysir.

November saw Varndean Sixth Form College hold its annual STEM FEST. Speakers included a veterinary surgeon, an A&E consultant, Sussex Police, and an end-of-life nurse. The event aims to inspire students and showcase potential career pathways.

#varndeansixthformcollege #varndeancollege #STEM

College Principal, Donna-Marie Janson, 12 International students & International Manager, Shaun Clark, were invited by James MacCleary MP to the Houses of Parliament. They took part in discussions on the challenges facing UK universities, expert panel talks, a Q&A, & tour of the House of Commons.

Final year Sussex University law students from the 'StreetLaw Clinic' team were delighted to work with Varndean A Level Law students on a bespoke 'Practical Legal Skills: Law in Context' programme. Full story on www.varndean.ac.uk/news/

We were incredibly fortunate to welcome inspirational artist, Vanessa Marr, to Varndean Sixth Form College this week. Vanessa introduced her ‘Domestic Dusters’ project to our A Level Textiles students and truly inspired everyone present. #VarndeanCollege #varndeansixthformcollege

Explore our latest AUTUMN UPDATE 2025 to read about the incredible achievements of our students and staff last summer term and this term! Read more on our website at: www.varndean.ac.uk/varndean-upd...
#varndeansixthformcollege #VarndeanCollege

Computer Science students visited Thales, a global leader in defence, aerospace, cyber & digital technology. They received an introduction to the company & a tour, met apprentice software engineers with a talk about apprenticeships, completed problem-solving exercises, plus a mock Assessment Day.

Come along and discover what an exceptional place Varndean Sixth Form College is, at our OPEN EVENING on THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER, from 4pm - 8pm.
No advance booking necessary.
For full details, visit our website at www.varndean.ac.uk/events/

We were delighted to welcome Lib Dem MP, James MacCleary to Varndean's Politics Society. Sudents asked questions on topics from AI to what the Lib Dems stand for, social mobility & education. Thank you taking time to come and visit us. #varndeansixthformcollege #alevelpolitics #GlobalPolitics

Last week was Freshers' Week, organised by our Student Union for new students. Events included Movie Monday, Twinning Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Table Thursday and Fest Friday. Yesterday, was then our Freshers' Fair with information available from a wide range of external local organisations.

We were delighted to welcome such an overwhelming number of prospective students & their families to our Open Day on Saturday. The event was an outstanding success. If you missed it, there will be a further opportunity to visit at our OPEN EVENING on Thurs 6 Nov, 4-8pm. No advance booking needed.

Come along and discover what an exceptional place Varndean Sixth Form College is to study at ... at our OPEN DAY on SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER, from 11am - 2pm. No advance booking necessary.
For full details, visit our website at www.varndean.ac.uk/events/

30 Year 2 A Level & IB Politics students attended a conference titled "Politics in a Changing World" at the University of Sussex last week. They engaged in lectures on Corruption in the UK, Populists in Power & the Psychology of Protest. A truly stimulating & thought-provoking day was had by all.

Varndean College is celebrating another phenomenal year of exam success, as students achieve outstanding A Level & vocational results. These impressive outcomes are a testament to the unwavering commitment, talent, and hard work of both students and staff. Full story at www.varndean.ac.uk/news/

Varndean College is proud to announce another exceptional year of achievement for students on the IB Diploma Programme. The May '25 cohort has once again demonstrated the dedication, curiosity, and resilience that define our thriving IB community.

Read full story at www.varndean.ac.uk

As part of Green Week 2025, staff & students helped plant the Varndean Community Orchard! We've been donated 10 apple trees as part of Thatchers Community Orchard Project, to help community groups, schools & charities plant more trees. @thatcherscider.bsky.social #thatcherscommunityorchardproject