Dear Parent / Carer(s),

Further to the email sent on 17 December, this is a reminder that the deadline for Foundation Level (GCSE/Level 2) students to submit an internal application to continue their studies at Varndean Sixth Form College from September 2026 is this Friday 6 February

As the young person in your care enrolled on a Foundation Year programme for 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 no later than 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 their 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.

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

With best wishes

Admissions Team

Varndean Sixth Form College