Varndean School

URN: 114579 • Brighton BN1 6NP

Overview

Name
Varndean School
URN
114579
Type
Community school
Phase
Secondary
Status
Open
Gender
Mixed
Religious
Does not apply
Admissions
Non-selective
Trust
Private
No
Ofsted rating
Good
Ranking score
64.7 / 100
School thumbnail

Leadership & Contact

Headteacher
Shelley Baker (since 2025) , Headteacher
Telephone
01273561281
Website
Visit
Address
Balfour Road, Brighton BN1 6NP

Summary

Varndean School, located in Brighton, is a mixed community secondary school with a current enrolment of 1,497 students, just shy of its capacity of 1,500. The school is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where individuality is celebrated, and students are encouraged to achieve their potential through a strong community approach to wellbeing. Varndean is structured into five smaller schools, each named after influential figures, which allows for a more personal learning experience akin to that of a primary school.

The curriculum at Varndean School is designed to provide a wide range of learning experiences, promoting both academic success and personal development. The school places a strong emphasis on attendance, highlighting its critical role in student achievement and wellbeing. Parents are encouraged to support their children in maintaining a minimum attendance of 95% to ensure they benefit fully from their education.

Varndean School also prioritises community engagement and offers various programmes and events that foster collaboration and support among students, families, and the wider community. This commitment to inclusivity and personal growth is central to the school's ethos. For more information, parents can visit the school's website at http://www.varndean.co.uk.

Key details

LA
Brighton and Hove
Age range
11 - 16
Boarders
No boarders
Sixth form
Does not have a sixth form
Trust
Capacity
1500
Pupils
1497
Boys
720
Girls
777
FSM %
20.40
Open date
Close date
Last Ofsted
2022-10-06
Next inspection
Data snapshot
2025-07-14
County
East Sussex

Trends

DatePupilsBoysGirlsCapacityFSM%
2025-07-14 1497 720 777 1500 20.40
2024-09-11 1490 703 787 1301 20.60
2023-09-11 1466 705 761 1301 17.30
2022-09-11 1466 705 761 1301 17.30
2021-09-11 1419 681 738 1301 16.50
2020-09-11 1390 673 717 1301 14.50

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Add a review

Please sign in to post a review. Go to login

Are you the school owner?

Claim this profile to reply to reviews and add details.

Requires login