IMPORTANT: Weather Disruption and College Arrangements

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please see the email below that has just been sent to all students regarding our operational changes for tomorrow, Wednesday 24 June, and Thursday 25 June.

Due to the extreme heat forecast and severe disruption to the rail network, we have made the decision to cancel all in-person lessons and move scheduled progress reviews online. The college will remain open for any students who wish to utilise our cooler workspaces, but working from home is fully supported. We expect to return to completely normal operations on Friday 26 June.

I apologise for the short notice and any disruption this may cause, we have had to respond to the National Rail travel warnings and the reality of extreme temperatures inside some of our classrooms. Our priority is student well-being; because so many of our students depend on the rail network to travel to us, drawing a clear line now avoids unnecessary travel chaos and ensures everyone stays safe.

Full logistical details regarding online timings, postponed trips, and college access can be found in the student message below.

We hope that you and your families keep safe and well during this extreme weather, and we thank you for your support in keeping our community safe and cool.

Best wishes,

Donna-Marie

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Dear Students,

With extreme temperatures forecast over the next 48 hours and a Red Heat Health Alert issued across the South East, National Rail has advised passengers to only travel if absolutely necessary on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June.

Because Varndean Sixth Form College is situated very close to the red alert area and many of you rely on rail transport, we have made the decision to adapt our operations for the next two days. We want to provide absolute clarity for you and ensure you aren't forced to undertake a heavily disrupted or dangerously hot commute.

Therefore, on Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June, your lessons will be cancelled and your planned progress reviews will move online. However, the college will remain open if you would like to come in and work here in one of our cooler spaces, including our air-conditioned library and IT rooms.

Further details:

1. Lessons & Progress Reviews

• In-Person Lessons Cancelled: All your formal, in-person lessons on campus are cancelled for both Wednesday and Thursday.
• Progress Reviews Moving Online: Your scheduled progress reviews will still go ahead, but they will be conducted entirely online. Your tutors will be in touch directly via email before the end of the day to confirm your specific online time slot and provide the digital meeting link.
• Personal Statement Writing Day (Thursday) Postponed: The universities will provide another date for your planned personal statement drop-ins.
• All College Trips Postponed: If you have signed up for a college trip on either day, it will no longer be possible for us to run these. Your teachers will be in touch with you directly.

2. College is Open (If you want to come in)

• Cooler Workspaces Available: The college buildings will remain open for you if you wish to come in to utilise our cooler workspaces. However, coming onto campus is entirely optional.
• The College Canteen: If you choose to work in College, cold food and drink provisions will be available in the canteen.
• IT and Technical Support: If you run into technical difficulties accessing your online progress reviews from home, our IT helpdesk will remain active and you can reach them remotely via the standard college support email.

3. Return to Normal

• Friday 26 June: The Red Heat Health Alert is due to lift late on Thursday night. Therefore, all lessons, events, and timetables will return entirely to normal on Friday, and you will be expected back into college as usual.

We appreciate that changing plans at short notice can be challenging, but your safety, comfort, and well-being must come first.

Please ensure that you check your college emails this afternoon for your specific progress review times. Stay safe, stay cool, and keep hydrated.

Best wishes,

Donna-Marie