Ellis School's desire to focus on sporting, artistic and cultural education alongside academic success was born from the inspiration of our visionary namesake and former Headteacher, Ethel Ellis. Miss Ellis was the first Headmistress of Varndean School and took the first step towards creating the school you see today. She became Headmistress of Varndean School in 1909 when it was still called 'York Place School' and was situated at a site opposite St Peter's Church. Miss Ellis had a vision to move the school to a site where the students could enjoy wide open spaces and thus, moved the school to our current site and renamed it 'Varndean School'. Miss Ellis's passion for sport, art and cultural education has flowed through the school ever since and continues to be the pillars of which Ellis School is founded upon. She valued individuality as,
one of the greatest things in the world, upon which the fineness and quality of which so much depends.
Head of School - Ms S Knights
London born and Midlands bred, I moved from Northamptonshire to Brighton University after finishing my A levels. I have lived and worked in Sussex ever since…it’s where my heart is! After finishing my degree in History and English I spent time travelling around Europe trying to decide my future. Finally, after flirting with journalism and contemplating law, I enrolled on a PGCE course at Sussex University to train to teach history. I have never looked back.Deputy Head of School - Ms N Wright
Bio coming soon...
School Leader - Miss C Ball
I started working at Varndean in 1998 and worked in a number of different administration roles before starting as the Ellis School Leader in September 2012.
I am the first point of contact for students, parents and staff to come to for enquiries and concerns covering a wide range of issues including uniform, behaviour and attendance.
School Leader - Mrs D Mills
I started working at Varndean in September 2006 and have worked in a few different roles including Student Supervisor and FDA in Performing Arts before starting in Ellis School Base as School Leader in September 2018.
I am the first point of contact for students, families and staff to come to for enquiries and concerns covering a wide range of issues including uniform, behaviour and attendance.
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