May 2026

Dear Foundation Year Students, Parents and Carers,

Well done for all your hard work this year - we hope you're proud of what you've achieved. As we move towards the end of term, it's important to stay focused on finishing coursework, completing exams, and planning your next steps.

Key Dates

• Vocational lessons run until Friday, 22 May - full attendance is expected, and all coursework should be completed. Check with your teacher if lessons continue beyond this.
• GCSE lessons continue until after your final exam.
• After 22 May, you only need to come into college for exams, scheduled lessons, study, or pre-arranged meetings.

Exams

• Check your exam timetable on My Varndean (Learning tab " Exam Results).
• Make sure you attend all exams - it's your responsibility.
• Any Questions? Email your Personal Tutor or the exams team: exams@varndean.ac.uk

Returning Next Year

If you plan to return to Varndean Sixth Form College next year, you should already have applied and received an offer letter via email.

• Any Questions? Email your Personal Tutor or the Admissions team: Email admissions@varndean.ac.uk

Before You Finish your Foundation Year

• Return any library books or equipment
• Complete all exams and coursework
• Use My Varndean ('Next Steps') for careers advice

GCSE Results Day

• Thursday 20 August, from 8:00am on My Varndean

Enrolment Meetings

You'll be written to with an appointment for your Enrolment Meeting. You must attend this. You should:

• Attend at your allocated time
• If you can't attend, contact Admissions as soon as possible.

Your place depends on meeting the Progression Criteria outlined in your offer letter:

• Good attendance
• Strong vocational performance
• Grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths
• Positive references and effort grades
• Clear progress if previously on Amber/Red

If you're worried about your results or progression, please contact us - we're here to help. Careers Information, Advice and Guidance will also be available during enrolment.

Final Note

The college closes on Wednesday 15 July and reopens for A Level Results Day on Thursday 13 August and GCSE Results Day on Thursday 20 August. If you have any questions before then, please get in touch.

Good luck with your exams, and have a great summer.

Yours sincerely,
George Marshall & Helen Chong
Head and Assistant Head of Foundation Year