INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ GUIDE WELCOME TO VARNDEAN COLLEGE
ABOUT THE COLLEGE WHERE WE ARE
• Long history, founded in 1884. • • Welcomes 16–19 year olds. • • Study A Levels, BTECs or the International • Varndean College is a sixth form Yanlei is studying A Level Maths, Further Maths and Baccalaureate Diploma. • college in the north of Brighton, Chemistry at Varndean from 2018-2020. She won • Study for 3, 6, 9 or 18 months – entry points are one of the most vibrant cities • September or January. in the UK. The College campus a Gold medal in the UK Senior Maths Challenge • is beautiful with its green and with a score of 102 points, the highest score of all • Internationally recognised qualifications • including preparation for IELTS. spacious grounds and an original Year 1 students, winning her a place in the British • 1930s building. Students enjoy this • 1800 students per year, 100 international Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1). After • stimulating learning environment students from around 14 different countries. • and have a rich, wide-ranging and Varndean College, Yanlei hopes to study Maths with • You will have the opportunity to study and share enjoyable experience throughout Statistics at the University of Oxford, followed by a postgraduate degree clubs/activities with UK students. • their time studying here. in the UK. Yaniei from Zhejiang Province, China • An International Department offering advice and • Varndean’s aim is to develop support to all international students. • Varndean College is located in the city of Brighton • Participate in any of our clubs, sports and students into well-rounded, Runshi attended Varndean from 2017-2019 and & Hove on the south coast of England. confident and free-thinking societies including Art, Badminton, Basketball, received a Distinction in BTEC Level 3 Business • Brighton has just over 11 million visitors a year. individuals, who are aspirational Creative Writing, Fitness, volunteering in various (www.brighton-hove.gov.uk). and excited to move on to the next Studies and was offered a place at Queen Mary’s projects, Netball, Funk Band, Origami, Poetry, • Brighton’s population is vibrant and diverse, with stage of their lives. Politics Society and many more. You will take part College, University of London to study Accounting 41% of residents aged 20-44 who are either in these activities alongside British students. and Finance. We have 1800 UK based students students or young professionals enjoying the and a small International Runshi from Shanxi Province, China cutting edge entertainment and opportunities on section of 100 students from 14 offer because of its proximity to London. • Near the UK’s international airports - London countries across the world. We Erjia attended Varndean from 2017-2019 and offer 30 A Level subjects and Gatwick ( 40 mins) and London Heathrow the International Baccalaureate received a Distinction* in BTEC Level 3 Dance and (1hr 30mins). Diploma as full two-year was offered a place at the prestigious London programmes. We also offer shorter School of Contemporary Dance. ‘Study Abroad’ programmes for three months, six months or nine Erjia from Fenjtai District, China months. 2 3 COURSES AT VARNDEAN A great choice of three subjects you can study, plus IELTS English classes – see the link for entry requirements https://varndean.ac.uk/courses
A Levels (Level 3) Vocational Courses (Level 3) • Art (Fine Art) • Media Studies • Biology (Applied) THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION PROCESS • Biology • Music Technology • Business Studies • Philosophy • Childcare & Education • Business Studies You can apply directly to [email protected], or you can apply through an agent. • Chemistry • Photography • Computer Games Development • Classical Civilisaton • Physics • Creative Media Production 1 Look at the information on our website 3 . You will receive a Conditional Offer. 5. Apply for your visa 7. You will receive an • Politics https://varndean.ac.uk/international Please send the deposit within one (if applicable). Orientation Pack one • Computer Science • Criminology month. month before you arrive. • Design - 3D • Psychology • Dance • Design - Graphic Design • Sociology • Engineering • Spanish • Environmental Sustainability • Drama & Theatre Studies 2. Download and complete the application 4. On receipt of the deposit, you 6. Pay the full fees 8. Your first day will • Economics • Statistics • Health & Social Care form. Email it, together with all documents will receive an Unconditional Offer at least one month be an Orientation needed to [email protected] and a draft CAS if applicable before arrival. Day. • Film Studies • Textiles • Information Technology • French • Law (Applied) • Geography • Performing Arts WHAT ARE OUR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS? • German • Psychology (Applied) • History - Early Modern • Science (Applied) A Levels • History - Modern • Sport & Exercise Science • Law • Travel & Tourism IELTS 5.5 and grades of C or above in your current school report for the subjects you wish to study • Maths International Baccalaureate International Baccalaureate Diploma Diploma (Level3) IELTS 6.5 and grades of B or above in your current school report for the subjects you wish to study An exciting alternative to A Levels recognised worldwide. High School Programme A two year course where students choose six subjects, one from each of the subject IELTS 5.5 and grades of B or above in your current school report for the subjects you wish to study areas shown opposite, as well as the Core Programme.
4 5 STUDENTS FROM 14 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
Country Total UNIQUE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT Brazil 13 16% Chile 1 1% How we support you Clubs & Activities Varndean College tutors China 19 24% • International students study • Chemistry Society are always looking after you, I feel I have had a chance to breathe. I really Czech Republic 3 4% alongside British students. • Christian Union seeing that you are alright loved studying three subjects in depth, instead France 1 1% • We offer a weekly tutorial with • Community Links and help you to make the of the twelve subjects we study at home. I love Germany 2 3% an experienced International • Creative Writing right choices, the IB allows the hands-on practical lessons in Biology, and Hong Kong 2 3% tutor - 2:1 ratio. • Environmental Committee I feel I’ve really learnt a lot academically. But Italy 14 18% • Feminist Society you to do many interesting • The International Office team also, I feel more confident because I have been Japan 6 8% • Languages things in addition to your treated like a person not a number, like in my offer advice and support for the Korea 9 11% • Maths Challenge subjects.” school in Italy.” International students. Norway 1 1% • Med/Vet/Dent Programme IB student Rebecca from Italy B from Italy on High School Programme, • College progress and • Mentoring Jan-May Semester Russia 2 3% attainment reports are issued • Music Slovakia 5 6% 3 times a year. • Outdoor Pursuits Switzerland 1 1% • Online ‘real time’ student • Oxbridge Support management system (STS) • Duke of Edinburgh I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come, my father sent me, saying it was an experience I didn’t want to miss. which parents can access for • Performing Arts I didn’t believe him. I have waited until the last day to say how I feel, but now I know I am transformed. To academic information about • Politics Society be honest I was a little lazy – my parents did everything for me. Now I have learnt to look after myself in so many ways. I really like the way the teachers at Varndean talk to you like a person, and want to know their child. • Rainbow Alliance your opinion. This is very different for me, and it took some time to really believe it! I love walking past the • Host families service managed • Raspberry Pi Club Victorian houses in Brighton, with balconies and trees and the sea, it’s magical! This experience has opened by Varndean College. • Sport & Fitness my eyes to the world of travel. And to myself. “ • Visual Arts • The support of a ‘Student B from Slovakia on High School Programme, Jan-May Semester Buddy’ network within college. • Zareen Society • The College Additional Support team for welfare and I am really happy for the year. I have had lots of time to reflect, and feel more mature and expansive. I wellbeing. have been able to reflect on my future path and my relationship with people at home. I want to go home and https://varndean.ac.uk/support engage with them better. I don’t feel so shy. My English accent has improved.” L from Switzerland on High School Programme, Sept-June – three terms
6 7 FEES
A Level or International Baccalaureate Programme : 2020-2021
Total cost: Total cost: Deadline for Deadline for A Levels tuition & admin tuition, admin & entry full payment only accommodation 1st year Fri 4 Sept 2020 to Wed 14 Jul 2021 £8,830 £15,390 1 July 2020 1 Aug 2020 2nd year Mon 6 Sept 2021 to Wed 13 Jul 2022 £8,700 £15,260 1 July 2020 1 Aug 2020
ACCOMMODATION Total cost: Total cost: Deadline for Deadline for International Baccalaureate tuition & admin tuition, admin & entry full payment only accommodation • The International team offer a Host Family finder service. 1st year Fri 4 Sept 2020 to Wed 14 Jul 2021 £9,830 £16,390 1 July 2020 1 Aug 2020 • All our host families are visited by us and the houses and student rooms need to 2nd year Mon 6 Sept 2021 to Wed 13 Jul 2022 £9,700 £16,260 1 July 2020 1 Aug 2020 be of a high standard. • All members of the host family aged 18+ are police checked for safeguarding High School Programme : September 2020-July 2021
with a DBS check. Total cost: Total cost: Academic Year 2020 – 2021 Deadline for Deadline for tuition & admin tuition, admin & • We choose hosts who live within a maximum walking distance of thirty minutes September 2020 start entry full payment only accommodation from College. There are also many buses which can take you to and from your 1 term Fri 4 Sept 2020 to Wed 16 Dec 2020 £4,430 £6,770 1 June 2020 1 Aug 2020 host family and into Brighton. Semester Fri 4 Sept 2020 to Fri 22 Jan 2021 £5,230 £8,290 1 June 2020 1 Aug 2020 • We ask the students to tell us if they would like a family with or without 2 terms Fri 4 Sept 2020 to Thu 1 Apr 2021 £6,630 £11,090 1 June 2020 1 Aug 2020 children, with or without pets and what their hobbies are, so that we can match 3 terms Fri 4 Sept 2020 to Fri 28 May 2021 £7,430 £13,010 1 June 2020 1 Aug 2020 students to appropriate families.
• The cost is included in the overall fees quoted. Total cost: Total cost: Academic Year 2020 – 2021 Deadline for Deadline for tuition & admin tuition, admin & January 2021 start entry full payment • It is a very successful programme and our students are very happy. only accommodation 1 term Mon 4 Jan 2021 to Thu 1 Apr 2021 £4,430 £6,350 1 Nov 2020 1 Dec 2020 “They are really friendly always keen to help. They treat you like a proper member of the family. They let you Semester Mon 4 Jan 2021 to Fri 28 May 2021 £5,230 £8,270 1 Nov 2019 1 Dec 2019 be responsible and don’t tie your down a lot. They trust you. We talk all the time, they help me when I need something.” Nina, Slovakian
“It’s a very friendly and caring host family. They like to communicate with me, ask questions, give advice. My hosts like to help me with English, if there is something wrong with my pronunciation. They are very funny and like to joke quite a lot.” Laura, Russian
“They always cook good meals. Also they have a lovely cat and an amazing garden.” Ziyi, Chinese
“They are accustomed to having international students, so they are able to give you all the space you need and they are not strict. The dog, Bella, is beautiful.” Roberto, Italian
“This is a very kind family with lovely children. I have a very big room and the food the host mom cooks is really good. I always feel free to ask anything and that makes me feel like home. I play with the children and walk the dog.” Nina, Swiss 8 9 There are several theatres hosting weekly touring Transports Links productions, as well as the The Brighton Centre, The city is served by two main railway companies, a 5000 seat arena which holds a wide range of Southern Rail and Thameslink, with direct trains major concerts, sporting events, conferences and from Brighton to London Victoria station taking exhibitiions. approximately 1 hr or to London Bridge station 1hr 10 It is also easy to go out into nature and the mins. countryside by visiting beautiful parks on the BRIGHTON, THE COSMOPOLITAN CITY BY THE SEA … London Gatwick Airport is just a 30 minute train edge of the city, such as Stanmer Park and journey or 45 minute drive away. Preston Park, or travelling a short journey away to the South Downs and Devil’s Dyke, areas of Brighton is a cosmopolitan seaside resort on the British Airways i360 outstanding natural beauty. South coast, an hour south from London by train.
It’s a popular destination for holiday makers, day- Royal Pavilion trippers and international students, as well being a centre for many national and international conferences. It has a wide shingle beach and a lively seafront with Regency-era buildings. There is never a dull moment in Brighton and there are many things to do, which include The Brighton Pier (with many fairground rides, amusement arcades and food kiosks), the British Airways i360 and also the Brighton Marina. The spectacular and Stanmer Park majestic Regency place, The Royal Pavilion, once home to the Prince Regent, George IV, is also an interesting place to visit. ORIENTATION PROGRAMME Brighton is famous for its wide range of shopping, which includes the Bohemian style North Laines, the quaint historic area called The Lanes and a During your first term we organise several large indoor shopping centre Churchill Square. activities and trips which familiarise you with It is also known for its colourful nightlife, arts Brighton and give you the opportunity to visit scene, outdoor events (e.g. Veteran Car Run, many famous UK landmarks. Brighton Marathon, National Speed Trials) and These include: a city tour of Brighton; a visit to various festivals, notably The Brighton Festival London which includes a walking tour around which takes place throughout May every year and famous places such as Buckingham Palace, the Brighton Pride in August. Houses of Parliament, No 10 Downing Street, plus a Thames river cruise; a trip to the famous city of Oxford when you can walk around the historic streets and colleges; a visit to the Harry Potter Studios where you can see behind the scenes and some of the cinematic secrets are revealed; an evening at LaserZone where you can shoot each other with lasers!; a coach tour to the Roman city of Bath and the ancient monument of Stonehenge; ice skating at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion and a ‘flight’ on the British Airways i360 tower on Brighton seafront, the tallest moving observation tower in the UK. We are very proud Brighton Pier of our orientation programme which is always 10 highly rated by our students. 11 WHY COME TO VARNDEAN COLLEGE?
Impressive academic results Superb location on the South Coast A Level Results • In 2019, the overall pass rate at A level was 97.2% • Situated in the vibrant city of Brighton & Hove. with 48% achieving A*-B and 72% achieving • An hour’s train journey from the capital city of A*-C. London. • 94% of Visual Arts students achieved A*-C. • Good transport links, close to Gatwick Airport.
Our IB Results - far exceeding the UK average Our students go on to study at the • Varndean College’s average in 2018 was 36. UK’s top universities • The UK average in 2018 was 34.39. • The world average in 2018 was 29.78. • 355 students with university offers in 2018. • 82 students went to Russell Group universities Ours is a pattern of success in 2018. • Our three-year average 2016-18 was 36.
Most importantly, it’s what our students say about their time here “The overall atmosphere at Varndean is truly something to admire.” “This experience has opened my eyes to the world of travel. And to myself.” “Everyone at Varndean is incredibly friendly and I have made numerous friends. I will leave with the fondest of memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am incredibly happy I came to Varndean.” “I had the most amazing time at Varndean, the support and inspiration were definitive in my success. Also the help that I received from my host family was so special, I even invited my host mum to my university graduation ceremony.” “I chose Varndean because I really liked the energy of the place. I also liked how they do not choose students purely on academic achievements and really work on bringing out the best in everyone.”
For further information contact: The International Team [email protected] Varndean College Surrenden Road Brighton, BN1 6WQ Tel: +44 1273 546646 APPLY NOW! The Application Form is available on www.varndean.ac.uk www.varndean.ac.uk/international