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catchment.school

Varndean School Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

Varndean School is a community secondary school in Brighton, Brighton and Hove , serving pupils aged 11–16, with 1497 pupils, and a capacity of 1500 places. The school is operating close to capacity — catchment area boundaries apply when the school is oversubscribed.

11–16

Age range

1,497

Pupils

1,500

Capacity

100%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2022

Varndean School Catchment Area Information

Secondary school places at Varndean School are allocated by Brighton and Hove using ranked oversubscription criteria. Catchment area residence is typically among the highest priorities after looked-after children and siblings, and the boundary is reviewed each year.

Operating near capacity: 100% of places are currently filled. Catchment boundaries are likely to apply when the school is oversubscribed at the next intake.

The official admissions policy — including the catchment boundary map — is published by Brighton and Hove before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Brighton and Hove catchment area documents →

Varndean School — School Information

Full address
Balfour Road, Brighton, BN1 6NP
Local authority
Brighton and Hove
School type
Community school
Phase of education
Secondary
Age range
11–16 years
Admissions policy
Non-selective
Free school meals
20.4% of pupils
DfE URN
114579

Other Secondary Schools in Brighton

If Varndean School is oversubscribed, these secondary schools in Brighton are the next closest alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions — Varndean School

Is Varndean School oversubscribed?

Varndean School is operating close to its capacity of 1500 places (100% full). Catchment boundaries are likely to apply when the school is oversubscribed at the next intake.

What is the admissions policy for Varndean School?

Admission to Varndean School is managed by Brighton and Hove. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does Varndean School cover?

Varndean School is a secondary school in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, serving pupils aged 11–16. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for Varndean School?

Varndean School was rated Good by Ofsted in 2022. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.