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 - Mrs L Fairbank
I grew up in Brighton and having completed my A levels in Geography, Economics, Biology and English, I moved to Leeds to study Geography at The University of Leeds. Once I completed my degree, I was straight back to Brighton before heading to South America to travel and work in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. On my return, and after a short stint working in finance, I enrolled in the PGCE course at Sussex University. Having completed my training, I moved to London and worked as a Geography teacher and eventually as Head of Humanities at a secondary school in Hackney. I couldn't stay away from the seaside for too long though and I moved back to Brighton, joining Varndean as Assistant Head Teacher.
Deputy 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.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 I have worked in a few different roles this has been a Student Supervisor an 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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