Open State Secondary Mixed

Varndean School

Balfour Road, Brighton, BN1 6NP
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Varndean School
Brighton, BN1 6NP
1,497 Pupils
1,500 Capacity
11–16 Age Range
20.40% FSM %
720 Boys
777 Girls
About Varndean School

Varndean School is a mixed-gender Local authority maintained schools located in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, in the South East region of England for pupils aged 11–16 with a Does not apply character. It currently has a status of Open.

It has 1,497 pupils on roll. School capacity: 1,500. Current headteacher: Shelley Baker.

This profile is based on official data from the Department for Education (DfE) Get Information About Schools (GIAS) register, updated March 2026.

School Details
Establishment Type Community school
Type Group Local authority maintained schools
Phase of Education Secondary
Status Open
Local Authority Brighton and Hove
Region South East
Administrative District Brighton and Hove
Parliamentary Constituency Brighton Pavilion
Ward Preston Park
Urban / Rural Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Admissions Policy Non-selective
Religious Character Does not apply
Gender Policy Mixed
Boarders No boarders
Sixth Form Does not have a sixth form
Nursery Provision No Nursery Classes
UKPRN 10015965
URN 114579
Data Last Updated 29-01-2026
Governors & Trustees (12)
NameRoleAppointedTerm EndsAppointing Body
Mr Ian Rodgers Chair of Governors 09/12/2024 09/12/2028 Appointed by GB/board
Mrs Teresa Dee Governance Professional - Local Authority Maintained School 01/09/2008 — N/A
Ms Alison Ali Governor 26/04/2022 25/04/2026 Elected by parents
Headteacher Shelley Baker Governor 01/05/2021 — Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal
Mr Julian Benkel Governor 20/09/2024 19/09/2028 Appointed by GB/board
Mr Jon Dee Governor 20/09/2024 19/09/2028 Appointed by GB/board
Mr Alan Gunn Governor 04/07/2024 03/07/2028 Nominated by LA and appointed by GB
Mr Sam Harvey Governor 24/11/2022 23/11/2026 Appointed by GB/board
Ms Dulani Kulasinghe Governor 01/09/2021 31/08/2025 Elected by parents
Caroline Mann Governor 01/09/2025 31/08/2029 Elected by parents
Mr Alex Marsh Governor 25/04/2020 24/04/2028 Appointed by GB/board
Ms Emma McCrae Governor 02/10/2023 01/10/2027 Appointed by GB/board
Schools Nearby
Balfour Primary School
0.29 km • Brighton
Other
Dorothy Stringer School
0.47 km • Brighton
Other
Varndean College
0.47 km • Brighton
Other
Central Hub Brighton
0.99 km • Brighton
Other
St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
1.02 km • Brighton
Other
Hertford Primary School
1.03 km • Brighton
Other
Frequently Asked Questions
Varndean School is a Community school (group: Local authority maintained schools) in Brighton, Brighton and Hove.
Varndean School has 1,497 pupils, with a capacity of 1,500.
Varndean School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16.
The admissions policy at Varndean School is: Non-selective.
The Headteacher at Varndean School is Mrs Shelley Baker.
Varndean School is at Balfour Road, Brighton, BN1 6NP, in the Brighton and Hove local authority, South East.
Sixth form at Varndean School: Does not have a sixth form.
Varndean School is currently open.
Contact
Headteacher
Mrs Shelley Baker
Balfour Road, Brighton, BN1 6NP
01273561281
www.varndean.co.uk
Location
BN1 6NP  ·  Google Maps
Official Links
View on DfE GIAS Ofsted Report Compare this School Check Catchment Chances Similar Schools in Brighton and Hove School Website
Quick Summary
URN 114579
Status Open
Ofsted —
Data from DfE GIAS Mar 2026
© 2026 Schools in England. All rights reserved — Open Government Licence.
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