Varndean School
Decision summary
This summary combines published school data and is designed to help you decide what to check next. It does not guarantee a school place or replace official admissions guidance.
Attainment 8 of 48.8 is close to the national average of around 46.
- Attainment 8:
- 48.8
- 5+ Eng & Maths:
- 69%
- Academic year:
- 2024/2025
Pupils made above-average progress compared with similar pupils nationally. The confidence interval is entirely above zero, which is strong evidence of added value.
- Progress 8:
- +0.42
- Confidence interval:
- [0.26, 0.59]
Admissions realism depends on your home postcode and the school's published allocation data. Enter your postcode on this page to get a more specific assessment, and always verify the latest policy on the school's official admissions page.
This is a selective school. Admission usually requires passing an entrance test. Check the school's admissions policy for test registration deadlines.
- Selective admissions: an entrance test (usually the 11+ or equivalent) is required. Check registration and test dates well in advance.
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Performance over time
Attainment 8 over time
Progress 8 over time(not available 2024/25)
Historical results
| Year | Pupils | Att8 | P8 | 5+ E&M | EBacc % | EBacc APS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 | 299 | 48.8 | — | 68.9% | 67.6% | 4.5 |
| 2023/2024 | 293 | 53.5 | +0.42 | 75.1% | 65.5% | 5.0 |
| 2022/2023 | 293 | 54.5 | +0.36 | 78.0% | 59.0% | 5.0 |
| 2021/2022 | 264 | 57.3 | +0.41 | 81.0% | 64.0% | 5.3 |
Nearby and similar schools
Other secondary schools in Brighton and Hove for local comparison.
School information
| URN | 114579 |
| Local authority | Brighton and Hove |
| Region | South East |
| Phase | Secondary |
| Type | Community school |
| Gender of entry | Mixed |
| Age range | 11-16 |
| Headteacher | Headteacher Shelley Baker |
| Trust | — |
| Admissions | Non-selective |
| Religious character | Does not apply |
| Postcode | BN1 6NP |
| Latest pupils | 299 |
| FSM eligible | 20.4% |
Contact and identifiers
Balfour Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6NP
http://www.varndean.co.ukView local authority page1273561281| DfE number | 4012 |
| UKPRN | 10015965 |
| Opened | — |
| GIAS updated | 29 Jan 2026 |
Data sources and freshness
| Official record updated | 29 Jan 2026 |
| Latest KS4 year | 2024/2025 |
| Latest KS2 year | — |
| Ofsted published | 15 Nov 2022 |
Latest Ofsted inspection
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
| Inspection type | S5 Inspection |
| Category of concern | — |
| Inspection date | 5 Oct 2022 |
| Publication date | 15 Nov 2022 |