Varndean plays host to teacher trainees from Gothenburg
This week saw Varndean Sixth Form College play host to 11 teacher trainees from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The trainees were in the UK for a short time studying at the University of Sussex, during which time they had the opportunity to visit Varndean in order to observe English A Level and GCSE lessons, […]
Celebrating LGBT+ History Month – Science & Innovation
Throughout February, Varndean Sixth Form College is celebrating LGBT+ History Month. This year’s theme is Science & Innovation and Schools OUT, the founders of UK LGBT+ History Month, has chosen five scientists and innovators recognising the contributions of LGBT+ people to the field: • Barbara Burford – Medical researcher who helped establish NHS equality & […]
Exploring justice through theatre
As part of their A Level Law and BTEC Criminology studies, students recently had the opportunity to attend a theatre trip to see Prima Facie, starring Jodie Comer, at the Richmond Theatre in London. This critically acclaimed play explored the complexities of the criminal justice system, particularly the handling of sexual assault cases, the role of legal ethics, […]
Former Student Returns to Inspire 3D Design Students
This week, our 3D Design students welcomed back former student Jack Pattison. Having studied 3D Design at Varndean Sixth Form College four years ago, Jack went on to complete a degree in Product & Furniture Design at Plymouth University. During his visit, he shared his experiences of university life, talked through his design journey since […]
Textiles students explore Dirty Looks exhibition at the Barbican
Our textiles students had an amazing time at the Dirty Looks exhibition at the Barbican Centre this week. The exhibition explores how dirt and decay have been used to defy beauty standards. As a counterpoint to glossy digital perfection, these artistic practices point us to a new way of thinking about a sustainable future for […]
Varndean hosts visitors from Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education in Korea
On Thursday 15 January, Varndean Sixth Form College played host to 24 Korean visitors who came to learn more about the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme and how we implement the qualification as the only state-funded provider in Sussex. The delegation consisted of Principals, Head Teachers, teaching and admin staff from various middle and elementary schools […]
Students attend inspiring Sociology Conference 2026
Our sociology students attended the A Level Sociology Conference 2026 at UCL this week. They heard a variety of talks by eminent sociologists including: Being young, male and Muslim in Luton; Smartphone moral panics; How students are ‘othered’ in schools though intersections of gender, race and class; and How mothers help intergenerational mobility. The students […]
Festive eCard Design Winners
Congratulations go to Year Two students Isobel Steel, Martha Phillips, and Ruby Walker, who are the 2025 joint winners of our Festive eCard design competition. Isobel (formerly of Durrington High School) is studying A Levels in Classical Civilisation, Early Modern History and Philosophy, Martha (formerly of Davison High School) is studying Computer Games Development, Classical […]
STEM Fest 2025
This week saw Varndean Sixth Form College hold its annual STEM FEST, a week-long programme designed to inspire students through direct engagement. The event saw talks from leading professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Specialist guest speakers included a representative from the Royal Astronomical Society, a veterinary surgeon, an A&E consultant from Worthing Hospital, […]
Varndean Sixth Form College celebrates Green Careers Week
Varndean Sixth Form College celebrated Green Careers Week from 10th-14th November, with students encouraged to consider how the knowledge and skills gained from their courses could lead to planet-saving careers. The first event of the week saw a large group of students, including many members of the Carbon Literacy enrichment, attending a talk from […]