Dear Parents and Carers,

A very warm welcome to Varndean College from myself, the Principal. I am delighted to introduce you to our vibrant community and extend my sincere thanks for entrusting us with your young person's educational journey. I hope that they are beginning to settle into college life, which can feel quite different from school. Rest assured, we are here to support them every step of the way until the College feels like their second home.

It seems so early to talk about life after College but we think it's really important to start planning for and understanding the next steps open to young people post college, whether that be University, apprenticeships or the world of work. In the coming weeks and months, we will host a number of important events designed to support both students and families navigate the next stages of education together. Our first major event, the New Parents Progression Evening at the University of Sussex,will take place onThursday 10 October. We are excited to partner with the University of Sussex for this event, which will feature a series of talks on both university and apprenticeship pathways. Parents and carers of our new Year 1 students will gain valuable insight into the support we offer to help students plan their progression beyond Year 2, including key information on post-college routes. The letter and how to secure a place ishere.

In addition to this event, we provide a comprehensive range of support through our Careers Team, including guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, work experience placements, and university applications. We aim to ensure that all students are well-prepared for their next steps, whether they choose to pursue higher education, apprenticeships, or enter the workforce directly. Further details of what to expect this year arehere.

You should have also received our Parent Carer Guide 24/25, which provides essential information on how to best support your child during their time with us. I encourage you to refer to it as a valuable resource throughout the year.

Additionally, we are currently seeking nominations for Parent Governors to join our Governing Body. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the college and help shape the future of our community. If you are interested, please don't hesitate to get in touch. For more details and how to apply, clickhere.

Please do not hesitate to keep in touch with myself and the Senior Leadership Team on:parents@varndean.ac.uk or for general enquiries: information@varndean.ac.uk.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to working together to ensure a fulfilling, happy and successful experience for your young person at Varndean College.

Best wishes

Donna-Marie Janson
Principal

September 2024