Best 3 Secondary schools in Brighton – comparison
Comparison of secondary schools: Dorothy Stringer School (Secondary) in Brighton; Varndean School (Secondary) in Brighton; Patcham High School (Secondary) in Brighton — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.
At a glance
This page compares Dorothy Stringer School, Varndean School and Patcham High School. They are secondary phase and community school type located around Brighton, East Sussex. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Dorothy Stringer School), published Nov 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Dorothy Stringer School (Nov 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,400, combined total ≈ 4,200, typical FSM 20–25%, range 20–25%–20–25%; all under Brighton and Hove local authority.
| Attribute |
Dorothy Stringer School
BN1 6PZ
|
Varndean School
BN1 6NP
|
Patcham High School
BN1 8PB
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase / Type | Secondary • Community school | Secondary • Community school | Secondary • Community school |
| Location |
Brighton East Sussex BN1 6PZ |
Brighton East Sussex BN1 6NP |
Brighton East Sussex BN1 8PB |
| Latest Ofsted | 2 20 Nov 2023 | 2 15 Nov 2022 | 2 6 Dec 2017 |
| Ofsted report | — | — | — |
| Pupils (roll) | ≈ 1,650 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 1,500 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 1,100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils |
| FSM % | 20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % |
| Capacity | 1650 | 1500 | 1125 |
| Capacity utilisation | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % |
| Age range | — | — | — |
| Gender | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
| Admissions policy | Non-selective | Non-selective | Non-selective |
| Trust / Local authority | Brighton and Hove (846) | Brighton and Hove (846) | Brighton and Hove (846) |
| Website | dorothy-stringer.co.uk | www.varndean.co.uk | www.patchamhigh.brighton-hove.sch.uk |
| Telephone | 01273852222 | 01273561281 | 01273503908 |
| SEN provision | None reported | None reported | None reported |
| Profile | View profile | View profile | View profile |
Dorothy Stringer School
BN1 6PZ
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Community school
- Location
- Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 6PZ - Ofsted
- 2 20 Nov 2023
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,650 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Brighton and Hove (846)
- Website
- dorothy-stringer.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01273852222
Varndean School
BN1 6NP
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Community school
- Location
- Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 6NP - Ofsted
- 2 15 Nov 2022
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,500 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Brighton and Hove (846)
- Website
- www.varndean.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01273561281
Patcham High School
BN1 8PB
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Community school
- Location
- Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 8PB - Ofsted
- 2 6 Dec 2017
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,100 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Brighton and Hove (846)
- Website
- www.patchamhigh.brighton-hove.sch.uk
- Telephone
- 01273503908
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Map of compared schools
How are these comparisons built?
We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date
when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.
What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?
Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it.
We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.
Why can’t I see exact numbers?
To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users.
Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.
How should I choose a school?
Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs.
Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s
admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.
What should I look for when comparing schools?
Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context;
scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority
for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.