Varndean College or BHASVIC

[Schwein]

I’ve name changed for this so I can keep my sweary threads separate!

I’d really like to hear from parents of children who have attended either BHASVIC or Varndean College recently. There are some older threads on here but, I’d like to to hear some more recent experiences.

My DS is deciding at the moment and as he’s autistic, I’m keen to know about the pastoral support rather than how many Oxbridge offers students receive.

Hasn't bhasvic got the highest Oxbridge offers in the uk? I think I spotted this in a newspaper article in the summer and it stuck out as I had a boyfriend who went there.

Hi@emanonsah, yes, BHASVIC students receive a high proportion of Oxbridge offers. I’m wondering if that comes at a cost.

Bumping in the hope someone has recent experience of either of these colleges to share.

Hello,
I realise at this is probably irrelevant, due to the date of the post, but thought I would add my experience. I had one child attend Varndean, who had various issues, and found their pastoral support to be extremely good. I also had one child with autism and adhd attend BHASVIC for a year. Their support felt well meaning, but secondary. The individual who was on the support team was kind, but there didn't seem to be a lot that they could put in place - however, we did not use the support team for long as it quite quickly became apparent that my child needed a complete break. This was 2019.
I wonder where your child did go, in the end, and how you found it? I have invested interest because my third child is just applying and is thinking of BHASVIC, but I am quite concerned as dsylexia is an issue, and potentially adhd, and am worried that it would not 'fit' with BHASVIC's uber academic environment.

How far away from those colleges do you live? Travel from all areas into Brighton for the early starts BHASVIC in particular insists on,is a nightmare

My son just finished two years at BHASVIC and I don't remember any unusually early starts?

I've had one son attend BHASVIC and totally agree with the point that their focus on getting Oxbridge places is definitely at the detriment to other pupils. Honestly, throughout COVID they properly stitched the kids up. Didn't teach them the whole curriculum then told them last minute that they'd be doing full A level exams. Even though most of the county were being given their predicted grades. They didn't want to ruin their reputation by not sitting exams. So so much stress for the kids having to teach themselves and having full-on exams with very little notice. A lot of parents protested at their approach but just got a rude stock reply...basically saying 'we don't give a shit'.
My second son achieved a place there and decided to not go because of how the kids had been treated the year before. I have nothing positive to say for the college I'm afraid. If you need a high level of pastoral care, I really wouldn't bother!

My son had to be there at 8.30 most days. All fine if the trains are running. Big 'if' these days. There were many days I had to drive 40 minutes to get him there. It would be a nightmare now with the train strikes.

That is interesting information, TeeBee, thank you, and sorry that your son had such a hard time.
We are not in Brighton but in the surrounding area, and there are bus and train (when working!) options.

I think my son would agree it's grueling at BHASVIC, and very much sink or swim in the early days. In my experience with DS and his friends, they all swam (eventually). They all did well, but it's definitely a lot of work -- but that's not necessarily a bad thing, depending on the temperament and aims of your child.

Agreed that getting anywhere along Old Shoreham at rush hour is horrendous!

Interesting thread to pop up from a zombie but my oldest DD went to Varndean and I think their pastoral support was rubbish. They told her not to bother applying for Uni, offered little support as she was being assessed and then diagnosed with ADHD and generally let her down, but that was during lockdown and ADHD and remote learning to do go well together.
Youngest DD is at BHASVIC and has various issues which they have been supportive with but I did have to email a few times to say how she was struggling. She has access to a classroom space where she can go in non time tabled time and get support if needed. She is awaiting assmt from CAMHS currently re possible ADHD/ Autism but also has an exam for Oxford this week. I had no idea there was a BHASVIC push for Oxbridge.... thought it was my daughter's idea. I will check that out with her.

Obviously the ADHD comes from me as I should have been in bed hours ago!!! My kids get to Hove by train so do not have to face Dyke road too often. I do drop her on a Friday but later. On her early starts she had to be on a train by 7.50 which can be a bit painful.