Varndean College principal Philip Harland has praised students and staff after sixth formers achieved “exceptional” A-level results.
The college said: “We are delighted with the success of our students who have once again maintained an impressive Advanced Level record.
- Overall pass rate at A level was 98.4 per cent with 56.4 per cent achieving A* to B and 81.4 per cent achieving A*to C grades
- More than two thirds of all A-level subjects had a 100 per cent pass rate
- The college also recorded a high AS pass rate of 86.7 per cent
“Visual arts courses (fine art, graphic design, 3D design, textiles and photography) were particularly impressive with all subjects achieving 100 per cent A-level pass rates and over 92 per cent of students achieving A* to C grades.
“This follows on from last year’s excellent results and the ‘outstanding’ grade for visual arts from Ofsted when the college was last inspected.”
Dr Harland said: “Varndean College looks set to have outstanding value-added again this year, as students achieve higher grades than their previous GCSE results predict.
“Our students have done incredibly well in achieving these exceptional results while also getting involved in the many other activities on offer at Varndean College.
“They have worked hard and thoroughly deserve their success. I would also like to thank my staff for their enthusiasm, dedication and inspirational teaching which has helped students to achieve these excellent results.”
The college said: “The A-level success follows equally impressive International Baccalaureate results in July.
“Varndean College is the only college designated by the government to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Brighton and Hove and is now in its eighth year of running this highly respected advanced level programme.
- The average International Baccalaureate point score was 36.02, which is the equivalent of three A grades at A level
- Overall pass rate was 98 per cent
- 16 of our 43 students achieved 40 points or better, with one individual scoring the full 45 points.
IB co-ordinator Sean McEvoy was delighted at another fine set of results. Dr McEvoy said: “Varndean College is the country’s highest-performing IB College.
“With around 50 students in each year group, we are now one of the largest IB centres, but still small enough to feel like a real community of students who love learning.”
Among the students to receive their A-level results today (Thursday 18 August) Jess Pallone said: “I think college was a pivotal experience for me, when discovering my future. Varndean College has been a good experience with regards to both education and providing a welcoming ambience.”
She plans to study law at Sussex University after achieving two A* grades, an A and a C.
Ella Wood earned two A* grades and an A. She is already a professional film-maker and was runner up for a national award.
She said: “I’ve been allowed to progress in a supportive atmosphere where I’ve developed my creative potential.”
After a gap year she plans to study film production at Gloucestershire University.
