Starting college or sixth form in Brighton is an exciting transition. Whether you are travelling to BHASVIC on Dyke Road, Varndean College on Surrenden Road, or Brighton MET on Pelham Street (Central Brighton) or Wilson Avenue (East Brighton), college life offers greater academic focus and personal independence.
Many 16- to 18-year-old students choose to take on a part-time job to cover transport costs, college materials, social activities, or family contributions.
However, moving from GCSEs to A levels, T levels, or BTECs brings a significant increase in independent study. Finding a balance that protects your academic progress while providing steady earnings is key.
Workload Guidance: A One-Shift-a-Week Starting Point
When looking for employment, taking on too many hours early in the term can lead to fatigue and missed coursework deadlines.
Brighton PartTimer suggests a one-shift-a-week starting point (typically a single 6- to 8-hour shift on a Saturday or Sunday) as a practical benchmark for full-time sixth form and college students.
College Workload Advice
Colleges encourage students to be realistic about employment commitments:
- BHASVIC Guidance: In its student guidance (including the BHASVIC Day in the Life guide and A-Z Student Guide), BHASVIC notes that up to 8 hours of paid work per week can be a manageable option, while cautioning that working more hours may negatively impact studies. Students are encouraged to speak with their personal tutor if work commitments begin to clash with academic deadlines.
- Reviewing Your Schedule: Treat the first month as a trial period. Review your energy levels, attendance, coursework progress, health, and travel times before considering any additional hours.
If you are exploring weekend options, read our guide to weekend part-time jobs in Brighton.
Hourly Rates and Realistic Earnings
Under the UK National Minimum Wage framework (effective from 1 April 2026, published on GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates), statutory minimum rates vary by age:
| Age Group | Statutory Minimum Rate | Example 7-Hour Shift Earnings (Gross) | Approximate Monthly Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 16 to 17 | £8.00 / hr | £56.00 | ~£243 / month |
| Ages 18 to 20 | £10.85 / hr | £75.95 | ~£329 / month |
| Age 21 and over | £12.71 / hr | £88.97 | ~£386 / month |
Note on Calculations: Monthly approximations are calculated as weekly gross earnings multiplied by 52 weeks and divided by 12 months, assuming all 7 hours are paid. If your employer deducts an unpaid 30-minute rest break, your gross pay will be based on 6.5 hours of working time.
Many employers in Brighton pay above the statutory minimum, meaning your actual take-home pay may be higher depending on the employer.
Student Tax and National Insurance
Understanding how your wages are taxed helps prevent unexpected deductions:
- Tax-Free Personal Allowance: For the 2026/27 tax year, the standard UK Personal Allowance is £12,570 for most eligible residents (see GOV.UK Income Tax rates). If you work one weekend shift earning £56 to £80 per week, your annual income will stay well below this limit, meaning you should not pay income tax.
- HMRC Starter Checklist: When starting a job, complete the GOV.UK Starter Checklist for PAYE accurately. This helps HMRC assign the correct tax code (commonly 1257L for an only job, as explained on GOV.UK tax codes).
- National Insurance: Under-18s do not pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions. Workers aged 18 and over only pay National Insurance if their weekly earnings exceed the primary threshold (£242 per week in 2026).
For a detailed breakdown of tax codes and payslip deductions, read our guide on student tax and National Insurance in Brighton.
Managing Your Schedule Between Lessons
College timetables include study periods and non-timetabled hours during the week.
1. Utilise Daytime Study Facilities
- On-Campus Resources: Complete homework and revision during daytime free periods in college study centres, such as the BHASVIC Copper Building, the Varndean Library, or study spaces across Brighton MET (see Brighton MET campus details).
- Keep Weekday Evenings Clear: Finishing assignments during the college day protects your evenings for relaxation, sports, or family time.
2. Protect One Weekend Day
If you work a Saturday shift, keep Sunday dedicated to revision consolidation and rest, ensuring you arrive at college refreshed on Monday morning.
Communicating with Employers: Exams and Deadlines
Maintaining open communication with your shift manager prevents scheduling conflicts:
1. Provide Advance Notice of Key Dates
Share your college assessment dates with your manager well in advance:
- Winter mock exams (typically December or January)
- Coursework submission windows (March to April)
- Summer exam periods (May to June)
Giving three to four weeks' written notice allows managers to plan rotas accordingly. Remember that study or exam leave is a request that employers may grant or decline depending on your contract, available holiday allowance, and operational needs.
2. Sickness and Absence Reporting
If you are genuinely ill, notify your employer promptly and follow their official sickness-reporting procedure. Never pretend to be ill to cover an avoidable scheduling conflict, as this damages trust with your manager.
Finding Student-Friendly Employers in Brighton
Look for employers that offer clear rotas and respect college commitments:
- Local Bakeries and Cafés: Outlets such as The Flour Pot Bakery and independent coffee shops often recruit weekend counter and floor assistants.
- High Street Food Outlets: Chains like Greggs provide digital rota management and structured part-time shifts.
- Student Vacancies: Browse dedicated student vacancies in Brighton to find roles suited to college schedules.
Before applying, ensure your CV is up to date using our student CV guide for zero experience.
To check current part-time roles across Brighton and Hove, visit the Brighton PartTimer homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my legal hour limits as a 16- or 17-year-old student?
Under UK law, young workers aged 16 and 17 who are above school-leaving age cannot normally work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, and cannot opt out of this cap. Full details are in our 16- and 17-year-old worker guide.
Can college students get paid holiday?
Yes. All statutory workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave pro-rata. Part-time employees accrue holiday entitlement based on the hours they work.
