Dear Parent / Carer(s),

In the new year, we will be inviting all Foundation Year (GCSE / Level 2) students to submit an internal application to continue their studies at Varndean Sixth Form College from September 2026.

As the young person in your care enrolled on a Foundation Year programme at the start of this academic year, they will need to:

• complete an internal application form via MyVarndean (not the College website), and
  
• attend a progression interview to be considered for an Advanced Level programme.

Students will be fully supported through this process during tutorial sessions at College. Further details are outlined below.

Applications and Deadlines

Please note that demand for places for September 2026 is exceptionally high. In line with our Admissions Policy, applications received after the internal priority deadline for Foundation Year students will only be considered if places remain available, and some courses may become oversubscribed.

It is therefore essential that applications are submitted as early as possible and no later than 23:59 on Friday 6 February 2026.

Progression to Advanced Level Study - Progression Afternoon

All Foundation Year students have been invited to attend a compulsory Progression Afternoon on Friday 16 January 2026, held at Varndean Sixth Form College. Final timings and locations will be confirmed after the Christmas break.

During this event, students will:

• hear from our Careers team about progression pathways and future options,
  
• receive guidance on Advanced Level 3 courses and entry requirements,
  
• complete their internal application form with expert support.

This event provides an important opportunity for students to make informed choices that align with their future goals.
The internal priority deadline for applications to return to Varndean Sixth Form College for Advanced Level study is 23:59 on Friday 6 February 2026.

Progression Interviews

Once applications have been submitted, students will be invited to attend a progression interview with a senior member of staff. Students will receive individual communication confirming their interview date and time.

Progression Criteria

To progress onto an Advanced Level study programme, students must meet the following criteria by the end of the academic year:

• 90%+ attendance
  
• Minimum of Merit grades in Vocational Studies (CTEC / BTEC)
  
• Minimum Grade 4 in GCSE English Language (if taken)
  
• Minimum Grade 4 in other GCSE subjects
  
• Positive teacher and tutor references
  
• Good effort grades on reports
  
• Students on Amber or Red Action Plans must demonstrate significant progress against agreed targets
  

You can monitor the progress of the young person in your care via the Parent Portal:
https://parent.varndean.ac.uk/

Following progression interviews, successful applicants will receive a conditional offer. Final confirmation of places will be dependent on Foundation Year results and will be issued after results are published in late August.

Students who are currently at risk of not meeting the progression criteria will be offered additional support through appointments with the Head of School or Assistant Head of School for the Foundation Year.

We recommend that students explore Advanced Level courses and entry requirements on the College website in advance of the Progression Afternoon:
https://www.varndean.ac.uk/courses/

If you have any questions or concerns about this process or about student progress, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Wishing you and your family a restful winter break.

Yours sincerely

Admissions Team

Varndean Sixth Form College