Working For Us
Executive Assistant to the Principal, Senior Management and Clerk to the Governors
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Band 5, point 15 – £30,960 pro rata per annum
Hours: 25 – 37 hours per week (negotiable), 43 weeks per year – (term time plus three weeks)
Closing date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Become an Executive Assistant in a Wonderful College Environment
Are you a highly skilled and proactive Executive Assistant looking for a pivotal role where your expertise truly makes a difference? Come join our wonderful and dynamic College environment as the go-to person for our Principal and Senior Management, where you’ll provide outstanding administrative, operational, and governance support.
This is more than just an assistant role; you’ll be a vital right-hand to our leadership team, providing a crucial backbone for their success and contributing directly to the vibrant atmosphere of our College.
About the Role
As our strategic Executive Assistant to the Principal, Senior Management & Clerk to Governors, you will be at the heart of our College’s leadership, working closely with the Principal, Deputy, and Vice Principals. You’ll play an indispensable role in ensuring the smooth operation of executive functions and critical governance processes, all while contributing to a harmonious and productive environment.
What you’ll be doing:
- Empowering Leadership: Provide comprehensive, high-level executive support, expertly managing complex calendars, orchestrating meetings, and preparing sensitive documents that set the benchmark for College-wide communication. You’ll be a key ‘gatekeeper,’ strategically managing access to the Principal and SLT to optimize their valuable time.
- Fostering Connections: Act as a primary liaison, managing communications with professional judgment and cultivating strong relationships with staff, students, parents, Governors, and external partners to enhance our College’s reputation and foster a positive community spirit.
- Driving Efficiency: Work collaboratively with our busy Senior Leadership Team, anticipating their administrative needs, handling correspondence, tracking actions, and ensuring momentum on strategic initiatives. You’ll actively contribute to refining our office procedures for even greater impact.
- Ensuring Robust Governance: Provide robust administrative support to the Clerk, meticulously managing meeting papers, maintaining governance records, and assisting with critical board and strategic meetings, including preparing comprehensive board packs.
- Orchestrating Key Events: Lead the logistical planning and execution for executive and College-wide events, ensuring seamless delivery that reflects our vibrant atmosphere.
- Central Communication Hub: Manage central College communications, ensuring prompt and accurate responses.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a proactive, discreet, and highly organised professional with exceptional interpersonal skills. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess a strong sense of initiative.
You’ll bring:
- Proven experience providing high-level strategic and confidential executive support to senior leadership.
- Exceptional IT proficiency, including advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Superior secretarial and administrative skills, with the ability to manage complex diaries and information systems.
- First-class communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to foster a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere.
- A strong record of planning, developing, and monitoring work, meeting deadlines, and performing effectively under pressure.
- Absolute reliability, integrity, and the ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
- A proactive, client-focused mindset, dedicated to anticipating needs and providing outstanding service.
- A calm and measured temperament, offering a reassuring presence to a busy SLT.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a natural inclination to take initiative.
Experience in an educational or public sector environment is a plus, as is a relevant qualification.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a supportive and dynamic team within a truly wonderful College environment. This is an unparalleled opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and make a tangible impact on the success and reputation of our College community.
Ready to be a vital part of our College’s success? Apply today and join our wonderful team!
The College is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All staff are required to have an enhanced DBS check. We value the diversity of our staff and students and we particularly welcome applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
To Apply:
For further information please see the candidate information pack. Completed applications must be received by the closing date below. Please apply via our partner website, TES Jobs by clicking on ‘Apply here’. We cannot accept CVs unless accompanied by a completed application form.
Interviews: 11th/14th July 2025
To start 1st September 2025
Suitable candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
Marketing Administrative Assistant
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Band 3, point 7 – £24,953 pro rata per annum, actual salary £13,610 per annum
Hours: 22 hours per week, 42 weeks per year – (term time plus three weeks)
Closing date: Monday 7th July 2025
Varndean College is a thriving and successful sixth form college with an excellent reputation for high outcomes, providing an inspirational student experience and adding value to our community. Based in the city of Brighton and Hove, we transform lives through exceptional education. We are proud of our dynamic culture, inclusivity and reputation as trailblazers.
We are seeking a Marketing Administrative Assistant to support the Director of Marketing within the busy Marketing office at Varndean College. This will include event support, communication and liaison. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, professional and comfortable communicating with students and members of the College staff at all levels. Successful candidates must be willing to occasionally work evenings and weekends for events such as Open Events, Results Day, etc.
The College is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are required to have an enhanced DBS check. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and we particularly welcome applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
We can offer:
● A supportive, communicative and consultative working environment.
● A commitment to the ongoing professional development of our staff.
● The opportunity to join our Corporate Memberships to Freedom Leisure or the Brighton Gym, use of the College Fitness Suite and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
● A salary sacrifice Techscheme.
● The use of an Employee Assistance programme offering unlimited 24/7 support on a range of topics, issues and matters.
● Annual health screenings, flu shots and free eye tests, and free exercise/well-being classes.
● Access to Staff Welfare services on a referral basis.
● Free use of the College Library resources.
● Regular staff social events throughout the year.
To Apply:
For further information, please see the candidate information pack. Completed applications must be received by the closing date below. Please apply via our partner website, TES Jobs, by clicking on ‘Apply here’. We cannot accept CVs unless accompanied by a completed application form.
Interviews: 10th/11th July 2025
Suitable candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
Student Progress Tutor
Contract: Permanent
Salary: NSP 0-5 of SFCA Teaching Pay Spine – currently £26,420 – £39,590 pro rata per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: Part/Full time 27 – 34 periods per week (0.8 – 1.0 FTE)
Closing date: Monday 7th July 2025
To start: 1st September 2025
Varndean College is a thriving and successful sixth form college with an excellent reputation for high outcomes, providing an inspirational student experience and adding value to all of our community. Based in the city of Brighton and Hove we transform lives through exceptional education. We are proud of our dynamic culture, inclusivity and reputation as trailblazers.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, proactive, and student-focused Student Progress Tutor to join us in September 2025. This pivotal role is instrumental in ensuring that students receive comprehensive and effective support and guidance throughout their educational journey at the College.
The primary purpose of this role is to provide high-quality pastoral care and personal development support to students within a designated academic school. The postholder will play a critical role in fostering a positive student experience and contributing to student outcomes. Key responsibilities include: Delivering a structured and impactful tutorial curriculum to enhance students’ personal, social, and academic development and the monitoring and promotion of student attendance, punctuality and engagement, identifying any concerns at an early stage, and implementing appropriate interventions.
The Student Progress Tutor will serve as the primary point of contact for parents, carers, and key internal and external stakeholders. They will work collaboratively with academic and support teams to identify students at risk of underachievement and play an active role in developing and implementing targeted intervention strategies to promote sustained student success and progression.
The College is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are required to have an enhanced DBS check. We value the diversity of our staff and students and we particularly welcome applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
We can offer:
- A supportive, communicative and consultative working environment.
- A commitment to the on-going professional development of our staff.
- The opportunity to join our Corporate Memberships to Freedom Leisure or the Brighton Gym, use of the College Fitness Suite and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
- A salary sacrifice Techscheme.
- The use of an Employee Assistance programme offering unlimited 24/7 support on a range of topics, issues and matters.
- Annual health screenings, flu shots and free eye tests, and free exercise/well-being classes.
- Access to Staff Welfare services on a referral basis.
- Free use of College Library resources.
- Regular staff social events throughout the year.
To Apply:
For further information please see the candidate information pack. Completed applications must be received by the closing date below. Please apply by via our partner website TES by clicking on ‘Apply here’. We cannot accept CVs unless accompanied by a completed application form.
Suitable candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
Interview date: 10/11th July 2025
Wellbeing Mentor and International Students Welfare Lead
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Band 4, point 11 – £27,532 pro rata per annum. Actual salary £14,040 – £23,613 pa.
Hours: Full/Part time – 22 – 37 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year)
Closing date: Friday 11th July 2025 (12.00 pm)
To start 1st September 2025
Varndean College is a thriving and successful sixth form college with an excellent reputation for high outcomes, providing an inspirational student experience and adding value to all of our community. Based in the city of Brighton and Hove we transform lives through exceptional education. We are proud of our dynamic culture, inclusivity and reputation as trailblazers.
We are looking to recruit a driven and enthusiastic person as Wellbeing Mentor and International Student Welfare Lead. This role will act as the lead professional for welfare provision for international students while supporting the wider student body with wellbeing support. They will support students’ integration, engagement, and well-being throughout their college journey by offering short-term interventions, coordinating support, and collaborating with internal teams. It includes responsibility for monitoring attendance concerns among students with well-being and mental health needs, helping them develop the strategies and resilience they need to succeed.
The successful candidate will need to work well in a team and independently in a high pressure environment, have an open and friendly approach along with excellent communication skills, and have experience working with international students or individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The College is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are required to have an enhanced DBS check. We value the diversity of our staff and students and we particularly welcome applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
We can offer:
- A supportive, communicative and consultative working environment.
- A commitment to the on-going professional development of our staff.
- The opportunity to join our Corporate Memberships to Freedom Leisure or the Brighton Gym, use of the College Fitness Suite and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
- A salary sacrifice Techscheme.
- The use of an Employee Assistance programme offering unlimited 24/7 support on a range of topics, issues and matters.
- Annual health screenings, flu shots and free eye tests, and free exercise/well-being classes.
- Access to Staff Welfare services on a referral basis.
- Free use of College Library resources.
- Regular staff social events throughout the year.
To Apply:
For further information please see the candidate information pack. Completed applications must be received by the closing date below. Please apply via our partner website, TES Jobs by clicking on ‘Apply here’. We cannot accept CVs unless accompanied by a completed application form.
Suitable candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
Interviews: Tuesday 15th July 2025
School's Choice PGCE with QTS
Subjects offered: Biology (1 or 2), English, Business Studies, Art and Design, Maths
Age range: 14 to 19
Qualifications: QTS with PGCE
Study Pattern: Full Time
Closing Date (for starting in September 2025): 30th June 2025
Varndean College is a thriving and successful sixth form college with an excellent reputation for high outcomes, providing an inspirational student experience and adding value to all of our community. Based in the city of Brighton and Hove we transform lives through exceptional education. We are proud of our dynamic culture, inclusivity and reputation as trailblazers.
We currently have vacancies for applicants to be part of The Sixth Form PGCE and to train with us. This will involve the student teacher doing their first placement in a College (from the last week of September to February half term) and the second placement will be in a KS4 school setting, (February to June). The first three weeks, students will be offered an induction at the University of Sussex. Afterwards students will be spending four days in their placement and one day at the University. This course allows you to apply directly to your chosen College, and this means the College can select their own student teachers. As with the regular PGCE courses, you will be introduced gradually to teaching by your mentor who will help you to build up your teaching time over the course of the year as you grow in confidence and competence. The course is completed in June 2026 when student teachers following the programme will be recommended for QTS awarding. Student teachers completing the Sixth Form PGCE will be awarded 60 master’s level credits towards a part-time MA in Education, should you wish to do so.
To Apply:
This training pathway allows you to apply directly to us and a successful outcome will be determined by an interview with Sussex University and a second interview by a panel of two at Varndean College.
For more information about the courses please visit the Sussex University site – click on ‘Sussex University’.
Please apply via the DFE website – click on ‘Apply here’.
We are positive about disability! We are committed to the principles embedded within the disability confident scheme and welcome applications from anyone who has a disability.
We will interview all applicants who declare a disability and evidence in their application that they meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy.
If you would like further information about any of the positions available, please contact Human Resources:
Email: hr@varndean.ac.uk
Tel: 01273 546637
The college is committed to equality of opportunity and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. All staff employed by Varndean College are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We value diversity and welcome applications from applicants from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community which are currently under represented at the College, including BAME and applicants with disabilities. Please note we will not use any personal information relating to your background at any stage of the application process. We are also prepared to make our standard application forms available in other formats to help any disabled candidates to apply. Please email/call to request.
We are always looking for new talent. If you would like to join the College but can’t see any relevant vacancies to apply for, why not send us a copy of your CV. We would love to hear from you.