Dear Students, Parents, and Carers,

I am writing to inform you about further upcoming industrial action being taken by the National Education Union (NEU) on the following dates:

• Tuesday, 3 December
• Wednesday, 4 December

As you will be aware the college has a significant number of teaching staff who are members of the NEU, which is taking action over pay and funding for Sixth Form Colleges. For further information, you can find the NEU's letter to the Secretary of State  here. 

Impact on College Operations

As a result of this industrial action, the college will be closed on both 3th and 4th December.

During these closures, lessons may be conducted online where possible. For students who need a warm, productive space to study, the library and other study areas will remain open. If you wish to make use of these spaces, please email: information@varndean.ac.uk so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Some lessons may still go ahead online if delivered by teaching staff who are not participating in the industrial action. Students will be notified on an individual basis by their teachers. Please note that we are unable to confirm in advance which lessons will occur, so we kindly ask you not to contact staff directly about this matter.

Parents' Evening

Due to the disruption caused by the industrial action, there will now be only one Year 1 and Foundation Student Parents/Carers Evening, to take place on Thursday 12th December. The planned Parents/Carers Evening on Wednesday, 4 December, will not take place as originally scheduled. Please see FAQS here. 

Apologies and Further Updates

I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by these closures and the impact this has. We will continue to keep you updated with any changes as soon as they arise.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Best wishes,
Donna-Marie Janson
Principal