Student Stories
Lana Orlova
Studied: Photography A Level – Grade B, History of Art A Level – Grade C , Travel and Tourism BTEC – Distinction
Progression: University of Surrey – International Airline and Airport Management
“My two years at Varndean gave me so much more than just education. During my time here, I grew in confidence, independence and learned how to face new challenges on my own. I am especially grateful for all the support I received from the International Office. Knowing that there were always people I could turn to for advice and support made a huge difference to my experience! I feel very grateful for everything these two years have given me and for how much I have grown as a person. My advice to future students would be: Don’t be afraid to take initiative or try something new. If you stay open to different experiences and opportunities, the right path will find you when you least expect it. Thank you, Varndean!”
Rita Di Feo
Studied: Spanish A Level – Grade A*, French A Level – Grade A, Sociology A Level – Grade B
Progression: University of Bristol – Spanish and International Business BA with the aim to go on to MSc in Latin American Studies at the University of Oxford
“I’ll be forever grateful to Varndean Sixth Form College, especially to the International Department for all the support they gave me throughout my studies there. What I remember most of all is the teachers, they really motivated me, believed in me and encouraged me every step of my journey. I can honestly say that they were my first supporters, their kindness and encouragement made a lasting impact on me. The advice I would give to future students is to embrace the privilege you have to study abroad and to always have big aspirations as what you are doing at such a young age is already very admirable!”
Roberta Nabulya Seruwu
Studied: History Modern A Level – Grade B, English Language and Literature A Level – Grade C, Law A Level – Grade C
Progression: Nottingham Trent University – Social Work
“Choosing Varndean Sixth Form College was one of the best decisions I ever made. Moving from Uganda to the UK was a huge step, and adjusting to a new country and education system wasn’t always easy. However, my time at Varndean helped me grow into an independent, confident, and resilient person. What I enjoyed most was the incredibly supportive environment my teachers, friends, and the international team created making me feel at home. One of my proudest moments was receiving my A Level results, seeing my hard work was something I was genuinely proud of. Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for my time at Varndean. I grew as a person, made meaningful memories and gained the confidence to take my next step. To future international students: give yourself time to adjust, make the most of every opportunity, try new things and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The international team was genuinely one of the sweetest and most supportive teams I’ve met. Most importantly, believe in yourself,embrace the journey and make the most of your two years at Varndean.”
Alex (Sangwoo) Kwon
Studied: Maths A Level – Grade A, Further Maths A-Level – Grade B, Physics A Level – Grade B, EPQ – Grade B
Progression: A Gap Year followed by attending The University of Sheffield Uni – Chemical Engineering
“During my two years in Brighton, I have found that it is a wonderful place for international students to communicate, make friends and share experiences with people from different backgrounds and cultures. I have experienced some difficult and stressful times. However, the staff at Varndean Sixth Form College were always there to support me and help me through these challenges. What I appreciated about Brighton and Varndean is how welcoming they are to everyone. This is something I have strongly felt throughout my time here. Whenever students face difficulties, the college staff are willing to listen, support and work together with you to find a solution. Overall, my experience has shown me that Brighton and Varndean are places where international students can feel welcomed, supported and part of a diverse community.”
Haesol Park
Studied: Maths A Level – Grade A*, Sociology A Level – Grade A*, English Language and Literature A Level – Grade A
Progression: King’s College London – International Relations BA
“I chose Varndean Sixth Form College because I had always wanted to experience living by the sea, and Brighton felt like the perfect place to do that. One of my biggest challenges was loneliness, especially in my final year after many of the exchange students left and my social circle became smaller. Looking back, I am most grateful for the friends who interrupted my study plans, took me outside and made me have fun. They gave me some of my best memories. My two years at Varndean were personally very eventful, but studying abroad taught me that it is not just about overcoming difficulties, it is about proving to yourself what you are capable of. To future students: study as hard as you can, and have as much fun as you can.”
Seowon Jung
Studied: Physics A Level – Grade A*, Maths A Level – Grade A*, Chemistry A Level – Grade A*, Further Maths A Level – Grade A-,
Progression: University of Cambridge – Natural Science
“I chose Chemistry and Physics as I could do lots of experiments which I’d never had the chance to do in South Korea. I was awarded silver in the CSL6 competition and gold in the Chemistry Olympiad. I also achieved awards in Maths Challenges and Kangaroo. I have met and made friends with so many students from other countries and found Brighton a lovely place to live. When I first came here I was scared, as I’d never been abroad before. However, the international department were super helpful and supportive and it made me feel relaxed.”
Ava Kennedy
Studied: Film AS Level – Grade A, Photography A Level – Grade A, English Language and Literature A Level – Grade B, History Early Modern A Level – Grade C
Progression: University of Glasgow – Art History
“Being at Varndean Sixth Form College gave me the opportunity and skills to prepare for university, I received offers from all five of the universities to which I applied. I have also met people here that I consider friends for life,and I never would’ve met them had I not come here. Varndean Sixth Form College allowed me to grow in my education and take control of my studies and I will be forever grateful for the two years I’ve spent here.”
Vittoria Arsuffi
Studied: The International Baccalaureate – 31 pts
Progression: Milan University – Art History
“I chose Varndean College because it’s one of the best colleges offering the IB in the UK, not only academically but also for the support it gives to students. At Varndean I got guidance throughout the entire university application process and I now feel ready to study architecture in Milan which holds one of the best unis in the world. When I first arrived at Varndean College I felt disoriented and scared, but I soon got a very warm welcome from the college and its various departments.”
Seokhan (Casey) Lee
Studied: 3D Design A Level – Grade A*, Maths A Level – Grade A*, Further Maths A Level – Grade A, Physics A Level – Grade C
Progression: UCL Bartlett School of Architecture – Architecture and Engineering
“My time at Varndean has been an important part of my journey, not only because of the opportunities I was given, but also because of the environment in which I was able to grow. Located in the beautiful coastal city of Brighton, Varndean offered me the chance to experience the UK in a way that felt both exciting and welcoming, particularly as an international student.
What I valued most was the support and encouragement from the tutors and international team, whose thoughtful guidance gave me the confidence to explore the interests and reach my potential. I was especially inspired by the strength of the arts subjects and the teachers who helpfully supported me to think beyond what I thought I am capable of.
Looking back, I would simply advise new students not to be afraid of unfamiliar experiences. Speak up, take opportunities whenever it is there.”
Jiwon Song
Studied: 3D Design A Level – Grade A*, Graphic Design A Level – Grade A, Maths A Level – Grade B
Progression: Deferred University entry
“At first, I felt unfamiliar adjusting to the new environment and way of studying, but meeting different people and gaining various experiences became an opportunity for growth. I was especially glad to meet a kind host family, which helped me feel more connected to life in the UK. With the support of the Varndean teachers and their lessons, I was able to achieve good results and gain valuable improvement. To the students good results and gain valuable improvement. To the students coming to Varndean Sixth Form College, I would like to encourage them not to be afraid and to take chances to build meaningful experiences.”
Find out more
How to Apply
International Policies & Documents
Four great reasons to choose Varndean College
1. Excellent results
• Varndean is in the top 10% in the UK for ‘added value’ – this means that Varndean students perform better than 90% of all other schools/sixth forms in the country compared to students with the same GCSE grades on entry. This confirms the high quality teaching support, care and guidance that takes place here
• Our IB results are officially world class and are 4 points above the global average
2. A wide choice of subjects to study
• We offer an usually wide choice of 56 subjects of A level and BTEC vocational subjects
• We are the only college on the south coast of UK offering the International Baccalaureate
3. Excellent location
• We have a beautiful campus with fields and views of Brighton. Our students love the vibrant life in Brighton which is on a 15 min bus ride direct from the college
• We are 45 mins from Gatwick and 1hr 45 mins from Heathrow airports and 1.5hrs direct train line to London
4. International team support for welfare for all international students
• We have a dedicated International team, who support the students throughout their entire time at Varndean. We are renowned for our welfare support and many students recommend us due to our commitment to enabling them to have the best time here possible
• We select, monitor and support our team of local host families to provide a ‘home-from-home’ experience for our students. We have a dedicated Host Family Co-ordinator for support, and the International team monitor a 24/7 emergency phone line
• We run a very well-received Induction week at the start of the programme which is designed to give a warm welcome, build friendships and settle everyone into the new college, home and UK environment. It includes cultural trips out in the first week and throughout the first year
“Varndean College is an amazing environment for young people. All of the teachers are here to help students, especially Internationals. The International team have been a pleasure to know and have taught me so many things that I will bring outside the school grounds and into my adult life.” (Agnese, Italian 2024)
For all Application enquire please contact Shaun Clark at scl@varndean.ac.uk or telephone 0044 (0)1273 508011 ext 418
For Host family enquire please contact Siobhan Winney at international@varndean.ac.uk or telephone 0044 (0)1273 508011 ext 114