Carden Nursery and Primary School vs Varndean School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South East, England, 1.6 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Carden Nursery and Primary School
Brighton · Local authority primary · Ages 3–11
359 students
Varndean School
Brighton · Local authority secondary · Ages 11–16
1,487 students
| Measure | Carden Nursery and Primary School Brighton, South East | Varndean School Brighton, South East |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 25 Lower 50% | 68 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #2157 of 2,471 | #227 of 679 |
| National rank | #13159 of 15,697 | #1106 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Local authority | Local authority |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 3–11 | Ages 11–16 |
| Students | 359 | 1,487 |
| Pupils on roll | 359 | 1,487 |
| Free school meals | 37.9% | 23% |
| Capacity filled | 85.5% | 99.1% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | 50% | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | 5% | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | – | 48.8 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | – | 55.9% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | – | 72.9% |
| EBacc average points | – | 4.54 |
| A level points per entry | – | – |
| town | Brighton | Brighton |
| region | South East | South East |
| Website | www.carden.brighton-hove.sch.uk | www.varndean.co.uk |
The verdict
- •Varndean School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (68.1 vs 25.1).
- •Varndean School is the larger school with 1,487 students compared with 359.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Carden Nursery and Primary School better than Varndean School?
On the Success Index (England), Varndean School ranks higher (68.1 vs 25.1 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Carden Nursery and Primary School and Varndean School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Brighton and Brighton in South East.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Carden Nursery and Primary School: 359. Varndean School: 1,487. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Carden Nursery and Primary School and Varndean School rank in South East?
Carden Nursery and Primary School is 2157th of 2,471 and Varndean School is 227th of 679 among primary schools in South East on the 2025 Success Index (England).