This is the part of transition that understandably causes the most anxiety to families. When creating tutor groups we take a number of considerations into account. We prioritise matching siblings in our smaller schools so that existing relationships can be continued with families and the School Base pastoral teams. We will also note the information you give in your registration form along with the information we gather from your child’s current school. Rest assured we always aim for your child to join with someone they know and learn well with. 

We have a diverse range of clubs from sports teams, art clubs and even a Warhammer club! A full list of our available clubs can be found on the Extra-curricular, Enrichment and DofE page on our website. We as a school are also the biggest participators in the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Brighton, with a huge number of students completing the award every year. 

On the first day at Varndean Year 7s will be given a timetable, a map and will also have a tour of the school. Senior Students will also be on hand to help Year 7s settle in on their first day, and will be the only other students in school on that day. After the first day there are always plenty of staff and other friendly students on hand to help direct new students to their classrooms.