Varndean College students were preparing to celebrate their A-level and International Baccalaureate results this morning (Thursday 13 August).
The college said: “We are delighted with the success of our students who have once again maintained an impressive Advanced Level record.”
The overall pass rate at A level was 98 per cent, with 52 per cent achieving A* to B and 78 per cent achieving A* to C grades. The AS level pass rate was 87.4 per cent.
Some 460 students sat at least one A level and took 1,045 A levels between them.
The college said: “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 90 per cent of students achieving A* to C grades.
“This follows on from the ‘outstanding’ grade for visual arts from Ofsted when the college was last inspected.”
The college’s principal Philip 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 outstanding results while also getting involved in the many other activities on offer at Varndean College.
“They have worked hard and thoroughly deserve their success.
Dr Harland said: “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 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. It is now in its eighth year of running this highly respected advanced level programme.
The average International Baccalaureate (IB) point score was 35.5 which is the equivalent of 3 A grades at A level.
Fifteen of our 43 students achieved 40 points or better, with four students achieving 44 out of 45 points in this year’s examinations.
IB co-ordinator Dr Sean McEvoy was delighted at another fine set of results. He 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.”
