Information for Ex Students Applying to University

Varndean Sixth Form College provides references for ex-students up to 2 years after leaving. After this period, the reference is considered out of date by universities.

Deadline Dates

UCAS deadline for Oxbridge & Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry – 15th October 2025

UCAS main deadline – 14th January 2026, 6pm

Varndean Sixth Form College internal deadline for Oxbridge & Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry – 8th October 2025

Varndean Sixth Form College internal deadline for other applications – 28th November 2025

If your application is completed after 28th November 2025, we cannot guarantee it will be processed by the main UCAS deadline.

Completing the UCAS Application Form

Please follow these instructions very carefully

Go to: https://accounts.ucas.com/account/login
Select ‘Register’
Fill in the ‘REGISTER’ form using a personal email address and click ‘Register’
Verify your account (code will be sent to email address) – next
Welcome page – ‘let’s go’
Where do you Live? Select country, add address – continue
More Info About You – add DOB, undergraduate study, select interests, choose year (2026)
Connect to your School or College – add Varndean College, consent to share data? ‘YES’ for support during the process
Your Interests – add subjects, university, industry options – continue
Add your preferences – save
‘Welcome to Your Hub’ – go to my Hub
Confirm application for undergraduate courses in 2026 – no changes to year
Start Application – select ‘start 2026 application’
Are you applying through a college? Select ‘No’
Your application will open
Under Application Status – if applying through a centre, add Buzzword, click on ‘Add Buzzword’
Proceed with linking to centre for application checks and reference
Enter buzzword: Varndean2026
Confirm Varndean College, Surrenden Road details
Select group ‘Ex-Students’
College will accept linked applications up to 2 years after leaving

Sending your Completed UCAS Application Form

Ensure all sections are saved and marked complete before paying and sending.
Paying does not send your application to UCAS immediately – avoid sending close to 6pm on January 14th, 2026. It goes to Varndean Sxith Form College first for checks and reference addition.
Submit and pay from 2nd September 2025, and check emails frequently for any required amendments.
Once received, Varndean aims to process and send to UCAS within 10 working days. Confirmation email from UCAS will follow.
January is extremely busy; please ensure submission by 28th November 2025 to meet the January 14th deadline.

Useful Resources

Please use the following links to help you with your application.