Varndean College is a IB school in Brighton, United Kingdom. Founded in 1975. Annual tuition ranges from $24,816 to $30,671 USD.
Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Financial support for 16–19 year olds includes four categories: Bursary, Free College Meals, Discretionary Learning Grant, and Awarded Discretionary Learning Grant. Eligibility is means-tested based on household income and requires evidence of income. The Discretionary Learning Grant can cover travel costs, course fees, and educational trips. The college can also assist with Bus Key Cards or Railcards.
Means-tested bursaries are available. Contact the school admissions office for details.
Academic Performance
Key facts
About
Varndean College is a state-funded, coeducational day school located in Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom. Authorized by the International Baccalaureate since November 2007, the school offers the IB Diploma Programme with instruction in English. The college provides comprehensive subject offerings including mathematics, sciences, languages, humanities, and the arts.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Only local Sixth Form College in Brighton to be an IB World School. Features a £2.9 million STEM Centre with four laboratories and six teaching rooms. Offers the Aspire Programme providing bespoke university preparation support including Oxbridge applications. Campus is set on a hilltop with sea views and an outdoor amphitheatre. Runs the Varndean Football Academy as part of its Enrichment Programme.
University Destinations
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| IB Year 1 | GBP 24,150~$ 30,570 |
| IB Year 2 | GBP 20,780~$ 26,304 |
| Short Year | GBP 19,540~$ 24,734 |
| A-Level Year 1 | GBP 20,920~$ 26,481 |
| A-Level Year 2 | GBP 19,880~$ 25,165 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: £19,540 - 24,150.
Admissions Process
- 1Apply online; application window opens September 27, 2025; Priority Deadline December 5, 2025. 2. Acknowledgement email sent on submission. 3. Invited to admissions interview from December 2025 to January 2026. 4. Interview assesses course suitability; coordinated with Accord Colleges. 5. Accept offer within 10 days of receiving it. 6. New Students' Day on July 9, 2026. 7. Final Enrolment Meeting in late August 2026 following GCSE results. 8. Induction Day September 7, 2026; Teaching starts September 8, 2026.
Admissions Details
Student Life
No uniform requirement; students are expected to dress reasonably and sensibly.
The College Cafeteria is in the Hone Room on the first floor and serves a range of hot meals, salads and snacks. Opening hours are 8:30 am to 2:10 pm Monday to Friday during term time; vending machines are available.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
Health and Wellbeing services are provided through the Additional Learning Support (ALS) department.
Host families undergo safety checks including a police check; guardianship services for international students include safeguarding checks, monitoring, welfare check-ins and emergency accompaniment.
Student Demographics
School Background
public
Does not apply