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Varndean School
Goodgraded 05/10/2022Ages 11–161,497 pupilsDoes not apply
Varndean School is a secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 16 in Brighton, within the Brighton and Hove local authority. The school has around 1,497 pupils on roll. At its most recent graded Ofsted inspection in 05/10/2022, Varndean School was judged Good. Recent GCSE results show above-average progress (a Progress 8 score of +0.5), an average Attainment 8 score of 54 and 66% of pupils gaining a grade 5 or above in English and maths. Families comparing secondary schools in Brighton can view Varndean School's Ofsted rating, GCSE results and exact location free on NestScope.
Ofsted — sub-judgements
Quality of educationGood
Behaviour & attitudesOutstanding
Personal developmentOutstanding
Leadership & managementOutstanding
Last inspected 05/10/2022
Attendance & staffing
Attendance90.0%England avg 91.0%
Pupils per teacher17.7England avg 17.6
Persistent absence
Teachers with QTS
DfE — absence & workforce, 2025/26
Pupil intake
Free school meals23.0%England avg 28.6%
English not first language8.9%England avg 18.3%
DfE school census, 2025/26
GCSE results — Key Stage 4
Attainment 848.8
Progress 8+0.5
Grade 5+ English & maths56%
Grade 4+ English & maths
EBacc entry
EBacc average point score
DfE, 2024/25
Nearby schools in Brighton
All schools in Brighton →Balfour Primary SchoolGood · 0.2 miDorothy Stringer SchoolGood · 0.3 miVarndean College0.3 miDowns Junior SchoolGood · 0.8 miDowns Infant School0.9 miCentral Hub BrightonGood · 0.6 mi
See the full area report for BN1 6NP →