On Thursday, 4th June 2026, Varndean School turned 100!
Varndean School students and staff have been building up to this historic milestone with a series of celebratory events:
- Celebration of 100 years since the laying of the foundation stone on 22nd October 1924 - we visited The Keep to look at historical documents and items
- Formation of a Senior Student 'birthday' committee who planned and executed a range of events
- An art competition
- A poetry competition
- Tutor group fundraising through bake sales, competitions and more
- A time capsule - items have been collated and the capsule will be buried in its secret location later this term
- A book to hold memories of Varndean and a snapshot of school life today contributed by alumni, staff and current students
- Celebratory assemblies
- A birthday cake! We reinstated the school birthday cake tradition with a beautiful large cake and specially decorated cupcakes for all students and staff
- A celebratory birthday picnic on the field featuring singing from school bands, soloists and guest performers Brighton Gay Men's Chorus who led us all in a specially written happy birthday Varndean song!
- Celebratory tea party for alumni ambassadors, senior students, staff past and present and ambassadors from our local community
Thank you to everyone who has contributed, from baking to balloons, organising to singing, podcast recording to poetry writing, you are the heart of our community.
With so many changes over 100 years, please take a moment to look at our history and alumni page, where you will find a more in depth look at Varndean School.
