Patcham High School vs Varndean School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South East, England, 1.4 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Patcham High School
Brighton · Local authority secondary · Ages 11–16
1,074 students
Varndean School
Brighton · Local authority secondary · Ages 11–16
1,487 students
| Measure | Patcham High School Brighton, South East | Varndean School Brighton, South East |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 54 Top 50% | 68 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #321 of 679 | #227 of 679 |
| National rank | #1788 of 4,090 | #1106 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Local authority | Local authority |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–16 | Ages 11–16 |
| Students | 1,074 | 1,487 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,074 | 1,487 |
| Free school meals | 26.3% | 23% |
| Capacity filled | 95.5% | 99.1% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 45.5 | 48.8 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 45.4% | 55.9% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 66.1% | 72.9% |
| EBacc average points | 4.33 | 4.54 |
| A level points per entry | – | – |
| town | Brighton | Brighton |
| region | South East | South East |
| Website | www.patchamhigh.brighton-hove.sch.uk/ | www.varndean.co.uk |
The verdict
- •Varndean School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (68.1 vs 53.8).
- •Varndean School is the larger school with 1,487 students compared with 1,074.
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 Patcham High School better than Varndean School?
On the Success Index (England), Varndean School ranks higher (68.1 vs 53.8 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 Patcham High School and Varndean School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Brighton and Brighton in South East.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Patcham High School: 1,074. Varndean School: 1,487. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Patcham High School and Varndean School rank in South East?
Patcham High School is 321st of 679 and Varndean School is 227th of 679 among secondary schools in South East on the 2025 Success Index (England).