Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups

16th January 2026

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers

Despite the weather this week, we’ve had some wonderful positives: Box Clever Theatre workshop, some incredible learning and responses from students on Deep Learning Day, and a really well attended, purposeful and productive Year 11 Parents’ Evening last night.  An absolute highlight was on Wednesday, when Year 9 students all wrote and performed a persuasive speech to their peers on topics that were personal and relevant to them – they were amazing!

The big move to Arbor is progressing, and I’m grateful to parents and students for their patience while we iron out some issues that have been emerging.  

I’m also delighted to let you know that we have been awarded Music Mark status which means we are a nationally recognised school with outstanding and ambitious music.  We are fully commited to Arts and Cultural learning, and have exciting plans to continue to strengthen this area. 

Very best wishes

Sara Marshallsay

Change from Edulink/SIMS to Arbor - Mr M. Bradley - Reminder

On Monday January 5th, we switched from Edulink/SIMS to  Arbor. 

As previously communicated, this new system will bring many advantages to the College as Arbor is modern, intuitive, coherent, coordinated, centralised, cloud based and works on all devices.

We shall continue to manage your child’s chromebook and we will still use Google Classrooms (for homework and assignments), SchoolCloud (for parents’ evenings), Parent Pay (for payments), SPARX, Century, Educake, Seneca and some other educational software packages.

We have now opened the Arbor Parent Portal and the Arbor Parent App for you to use.

Please go ahead and log in to the Parent Portal or Parent App by Monday January 19th (when Edulink will be swtiched off) so that you can continue to access information about your child and report absence reasons.

Accessing Parent Portal on a computer:

An Arbor account has been set up for you. 

To finish creating your account, you just need to set a password. 

You can do this by following the instructions sent to you in a recent email.

You can report Absence via the Quicklink>Attendance button

This article provides an introduction to the Arbor Parent Portal for parents and carers, detailing how to log in, navigate the homepage dashboard, and access various features such as attendance statistics, and communication tools. It also explains how to switch between multiple children’s profiles and view detailed information about each child’s academic progress and College activities.

Transition to Arbor update regarding behaviour consequences - Miss B. Brown - Reminder

We would like to commend our students for the maturity and patience they demonstrated while logging onto the system for the first time; it has been a very positive start.
 

As we move forward with Arbor, we are taking the opportunity to refine our behaviour sanctions to ensure they remain fair, transparent, and conducive to a focused learning environment. Please find the key updates below:

1. Uniform: At Uckfield College, we encourage our students to take pride in their appearance as a reflection of their “Respect for All.” To ensure these high standards are maintained, please be aware that incorrectly worn uniform will now result in a break-time detention (previously lunch time). We ask for your support in encouraging your child to model the Uckfield Quality of self-regulation by ensuring their uniform is correct before they arrive at College each morning.

2. Same-Day Detentions: To help us address concerns promptly and ensure that learning can move forward without delay, we are moving to a more immediate detention system.

  • If a teacher sets a break or lunch-time detention before that period occurs on the same day, it will now be a same-day detention.

  • We have spoken to students about their responsibility to check their Arbor calendar regularly and to ask their teachers for clarification if they are ever unsure of the timing.

3. The Arbor Behaviour Point Scale: To ensure our records accurately reflect the choices made within our community, we have introduced a scaled system on Arbor. Rather than all incidents being worth a single point, more serious incidents will now carry a higher number of behaviour points. This allows for a more nuanced and fair reflection of student conduct.

Notification of Absences on Arbor - Reminder

Same-day absence

  • In the App, click the 3 lines on the bottom left side of your screen
  • Click on the Attendance box
  • Click the green bar at the top that says Log Absence 

Please do not use the in app messages for same day absences.

For an absence in the future, eg a hospital appointment

  • In the App, click the Account logo on the bottom right side of your screen
  • Click messages
  • Click the green bar that says Send New Message

Medical Appointments

Please ensure that any notifications of absences for medical appointments are received before the start of the school day, rather than during the day.  If a student has a medical appointment during the school day parents should notify the College before the start of the day so that this can be coded appropriately. 

We also need some information about the nature of the appointment  (e.g. Doctor’s appointment at Meads Medical Centre at 2.40pm), rather than just stating ‘appointment’ or ‘medical appointment’.

Annual Lockdown Procedure Talk Through: Thursday 22nd January - Mr S. Webster - Reminder

On Thursday 22nd January, form mentors will talk through our lockdown procedures with students so that all are clear and can ask any questions they may have in a supported and reassuring environment.  We will also sound the lockdown bell (which is very different to the fire alarm sound) so that the students have heard this and been reminded what it is.  

Examples of potential lockdown situations are that someone is critically ill, there is a natural hazard (e.g. trees falling), there is potential danger from the buildings (e.g. roof tiles in a storm) or a potentially dangerous situation or person in the local area, or on site.

Thankfully, the need to lockdown in school is extremely rare but of course, we want all of our students to be clear on what the procedures are in the event of an emergency situation and this is our usual practice.  If you have any questions about this, please contact Mr S. Webster.

Charlie’s Promise Presentations - All Year groups w/c 19th January - Reminder

All year groups will be attending a presentation from the charity Charlie’s Promise during the times listed below.

Charlie’s Promise is a local charity that works to fight against the rising issue of Knife Crime in Sussex, Surrey and Kent. 

Charlie’s Promise was created in memory of Charlie Cosser, a bright, kind and funny young man whose life was tragically taken by knife violence in July 2023.

Monday 19th January

  • Year 7: 10:00–11:00am

  • Year 8: 11:25am–12:25pm

Tuesday 20th January

  • Year 11: 10:00–11:00am

Wednesday 21st January 

  • Year 9: 10:00–11:00am

  • Year 10: 11:25am–12:25pm

The talk lasts approximately 1 hour, including time for a Q&A session at the end.

The talk is informative and educational, presenting a hard-hitting yet age-appropriate perspective on knife crime.If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact Will Roney (Curriculum Lead – Life Learning).

Help Rescue Dogs on Channel 4’s The Dog House

Channel 4’s The Dog House is looking for local families to offer a loving home to a rescue dog and share their reasons why on the show!

If you’re interested, find out more here: https://c4thedoghousetakepart.co.uk or email thedoghouse@fivemilefilms.co.uk

Art of the Week

Creativity is taking flight in the Art Department! 

From a lump of clay to a work of heart! Check out these characterful clay birds created by our brilliant 8K. Each sculpture was designed for someone special to the student.

Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week: Daisy W in Year 10
 
This week’s winning photograph highlights the impressive creativity of our Year 10 cohort. While the class focused on capturing the movement of water, Daisy and her peers pushed the boundaries of the task by introducing soap bubbles to the composition. Well done Daisy!

Did You Know?

Year 7 Notices

Key Dates

Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert 6pm – 7.30pm

Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students

Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students

Breaking Boundaries: Year 7 Cricket Opportunities - Jo Towndrow

Dear Parents,

My name is Jo Towndrow and I work for Sussex Cricket as one of their newly appointed Breaking Boundaries Lead Coaches. My role is to engage, grow, diversify and improve the quality of cricket in Sussex, particularly in state schools. Specifically here at Uckfield College, my job is to introduce cricket to those who are new to the sport, and enhance the skills of the students who have experience in cricket.

This term (Term 3) I am offering a range of opportunities to Y7 students.. The sessions are:

  • KS3 Mixed Participation Club – Wednesdays 3:25-4:30pm (first session on Jan 14th)

  • Year 7 Boys Elite Nets – Mondays 8:00-8:45am (first session on Jan 19th)

  • Year 7 Girls Elite Nets – Fridays 8:00-8:45am (first session on Jan 16th)

The Participation Club session is aimed at those who are new to cricket or not yet confident using hard cricket balls.

The Elite Nets are aimed at students with cricket experience as hard balls will be routinely used. It would also be highly beneficial for students attending Elite Nets to have either their own kit (pads, gloves, helmet, bat, thigh pad, box – for boys).

If your child is interested in attending either the Participation Club or the Elite Nets or you have any questions, please send me an email with the subject ‘Year 7 Cricket’ to j.towndrow@uckfield.college. 

KS3 Science Cycle Tests - Mr J. Guest (KS3 Science Lead) - reminder

The first round of Cycle Tests are fast approaching and it is after these points that group changes for Science may occur.

All students have access to the KS3 Science Study Support Guide to assist with preparation (in Google Classroom) and details are as follows:

Year Group:
7
8
Dates of Test:
Week commencing 26th Jan
Week commencing 2nd Feb
Topics being assessed:
(highlighted in the Study Support Guide)
1: Passport
2: Cells
3: Matter 1
4: Forces 1
5: Bioenergetics 1
1: Health & Lifestyle
2: Statics (Forces)
3: Matter 2
4: Electricity 2
5: Bioenergetics 2

Some lesson time will provide opportunities for students to revise and prepare, but it is also important that they prepare for themselves independently outside of school.

If students need any advice or assistance, please do encourage them to ask their Science teacher and/or myself and we will be more than happy to help.

Contact: j.guest@uckfield.college

Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee - reminder

Year 8 Notices

Key Dates

Thursday 22nd January – Year 8 Parents’ Evening – Remote Online (We will hold some appointments on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st January with part-time staff)

Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert  6pm – 7.30pm

Thursday 5th February – Year 8 Habits of Champions Evening/Options Evening – attendance necessary for all Year 8 students and parents/carers 4.30pm – 7pm

Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students

Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students

Parents' Evening Booking System - Martin Bradley

The Year 8 Parents’ Evening is on Thursday 22nd January starting at 4.30pm and finishing at 7.30pm.  This will be held as online, remote meetings using the School Cloud system.

Some staff will hold their parents’ evening on Tuesday 20th or Wednesday 21st instead of Thursday 22nd January.   Parents will be able to book appointments from Monday 5th December 7.30am to Tuesday 20th January at 10pm This information sheet gives details of how to book an appointment. This video shows how to join the online meeting

KS3 Science Cycle Tests - Mr. J. Guest (KS3 Science Lead) - reminder

The first round of Cycle Tests are fast approaching and it is after these points that group changes for Science may occur.

All students have access to the KS3 Science Study Support Guide to assist with preparation (in Google Classroom) but I am also providing you with details as follows:

Year Group:
7
8
Dates of Test:
Week commencing 26th Jan
Week commencing 2nd Feb
Topics being assessed:
(highlighted in the Study Support Guide)
1: Passport
2: Cells
3: Matter 1
4: Forces 1
5: Bioenergetics 1
1: Health & Lifestyle
2: Statics (Forces)
3: Matter 2
4: Electricity 2
5: Bioenergetics 2

Some lesson time will provide opportunities for students to revise and prepare, but it is also important that they prepare for themselves independently outside of school.

If students need any advice or assistance, please do encourage them to ask their Science teacher and/or myself and we will be more than happy to help.

Contact: j.guest@uckfield.college

Year 9 Notices

Key Dates

Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter  Concert 6pm – 7.30pm

Tuesday 10th February – Year 9 Vaccinations

Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students

Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students

Year 9 Assessment Week W/C 26th January

Please see the image attached for the timetable of the Year 9 Assessment Week. The expectation on students is that they are currently following a completed revision timetable to prepare for their assessment week. Please do check-in on your children to ensure that they are preparing effectively at home. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Child’s Form Mentor. 
 
Assessment Week Protocols

The BIG FUTURES Show for all Year 9 students - Tuesday 28th April 2026

 
We have an exciting opportunity for students to visit The BIG FUTURES Show in Eastbourne, the largest employability, skills and jobs event in East Sussex.  Please read this linked letter for more information and we do hope your child will be able to join us for this brilliant event.  We would like every single Year 9 to attend if at all possible!

DofE Parent/Student Meeting- Monday 2nd February 2026 - Luke Sidwell

We would like to invite you to attend an important Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) parent information meeting for Bronze  students on Monday 2nd February 2026.

The meeting will be delivered by AAP E3 Adventures, who run the DofE expeditions on behalf of Uckfield College. It will be led by Bryn Beach, Company Director, and is extremely informative for both students and parents. The session will cover all key aspects of the expeditions for Bronze, Silver and Gold participants.

We strongly recommend that both students and parents/carers attend this meeting. Students have already been notified via their DofE Google Classrooms.

Meeting details:

  • Date: Monday 2nd February
  • Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
  • Location: Theatre, Uckfield College

Consent forms will be printed and available on the evening. Please note that all students must have a completed consent form before they are able to begin their expeditions.

If you wish to complete this in advance of the meeting and kindly bring a printed consent form with you, the link to the consent form is attached here. 

We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for your continued support of the DofE programme.

Students enjoy Box Clever's 'A Christmas Carol'

We were delighted to host the renowned Box Clever theatre company this week for a high-energy, modern adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This fantastic supercurricular opportunity was designed specifically for our Year 9, 10, and 11 students to enrich their understanding of classic literature through a contemporary lense.

The performance was a masterclass in total participation. Rather than being passive observers, our students were transfixed and fully engaged, with many invited to participate directly in the production.

Following the performance, students took part in a dynamic Q&A session and workshop led by the professional actors.

It was wonderful to see our students leaving the theatre with such enthusiasm.

“I enjoyed the audience interaction, especially when I played a part and when Scrooge jumped at me!

“I liked Bob (played by a student) – very good acting.”

“I liked the saxophone – it sounded really good.”

“I liked the staging – it was done very smoothly and you couldn’t tell the cast were changing the scene.”

“I really enjoyed the performance – it was so good!”

You can find a link to the Box Clever Youtube channel here

Year 9 Tetanus, Diptheria, Polio and Meningitis ACWY Vaccination Programme: important information for parents and carers - Reminder

The Immunisation Service is coming into College to offer your child the Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination(s).

Please find the Td/IPV & MenACWY parent letter here which contains information about the upcoming vaccination session and instructions on how to complete the online consent form.  If there are any medical queries on the submitted consent form and we are unable to contact you to discuss them, we may have to delay vaccination and invite you to attend one of our clinics.

If you are unable to open the links within the attached document, please follow the links below:


– For information about the Td/IPV & MenACWY vaccines and frequently asked questions: https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/resources/patient- resources/tetanus-diphtheria-and-polio-and-meningitis-vaccinations
– To complete a consent form:https://www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/Forms/DTP

You will need the school code found within the attached parent letter to complete a consent form.

Year 10 Notices

Key Dates

Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert  6pm – 7.30pm

Tuesday 10th February – Vaccination catch up session

Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students

Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students

Students enjoy Box Clever's 'A Christmas Carol'

We were delighted to host the renowned Box Clever theatre company this week for a high-energy, modern adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This fantastic supercurricular opportunity was designed specifically for our Year 9, 10, and 11 students to enrich their understanding of classic literature through a contemporary lense.

The performance was a masterclass in total participation. Rather than being passive observers, our students were transfixed and fully engaged, with many invited to participate directly in the production.

Following the performance, students took part in a dynamic Q&A session and workshop led by the professional actors.

It was wonderful to see our students leaving the theatre with such enthusiasm.

“I enjoyed the audience interaction, especially when I played a part and when Scrooge jumped at me!

“I liked Bob (played by a student) – very good acting.”

“I liked the saxophone – it sounded really good.”

“I liked the staging – it was done very smoothly and you couldn’t tell the cast were changing the scene.”

“I really enjoyed the performance – it was so good!”

You can find a link to the Box Clever Youtube channel here

Important information: Outstanding Td/IPV and MenACWY vaccinations - Reminder

The Immunisation Service is coming into school for a Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination catch-up session on Tuesday 10th February 2026 to offer these vaccines to students in years 10 and 11 who have not yet received the Td/IPV &MenACWY vaccinations, which are routinely offered in year 9.

If this applies to your child and:
– You have already completed and returned a consent form; the Immunisation Service will offer this vaccination at the upcoming catch-up session in school. Where a consent form was submitted in a previous school year, your local Immunisation Team will contact you prior to offering this vaccination.
or
– You consented for your child to receive this vaccination at a different school, and it is still outstanding; please contact your local Immunisation team on 01273 696011 x 4931 so that they can update your child’s consent form.
or
– You have not yet consented and would like to do so, please click this link for consent information.
 
For information about the Td/IPV & MenACWY vaccines and frequently asked questions visit: Frequently Asked Questions | Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio and Meningitis (sussexcommunity.nhs.uk)
 

Year 11 Notices

Key Dates

Monday 19th – Thursday 22nd January – Engineering NEA

Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st January – MFL Trial Speaking Exams

Thursday 22nd – Friday 23rd January – GCSE Dance Exam

Monday 26th – Thursday 29th January – Design Technology NEA

Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert  6pm – 7.30pm

Thursday 4th – Friday 5th February – Dance Trial Exam

Tuesday 10th February – Vaccination catch up session

Monday 9th – Friday 13th February – Year 11 Trial Exams 2

Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students

Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students

Monday 23rd – Friday 27th February – Year 11 Trial Exams 2

Supporting Students with Anxiety from 'Action Your Potential'

This is a  Webinar Course for parents and carers delivered live on the last Tuesday of each month
 
Adam and Andy, who run #NeuroNinja Primary Programme also create a weekly podcast – One Brain at A Time  or watch the  weekly podcast here.    The podcast develops themes and key ideas covered in our workshops and our coaching sessions.  You can also follow their  weekly substack newsletter here.   
 

Deep Learning Day: Year 11 had a visit from the Tax Department!

During the deep learning day on Financial Literacy, students built on work in life learning lessons on budgeting, credit, saving, fraud and tax. Sessions were delivered by College Staff as well as experts from HSBC bank and HMRC. 
 
The attitude and knowledge of our students was highly commended showing their great aspiration.
 
In addition, Uckfield College has been awarded the HSBC Smart Money award for the third consecutive year for our committment to Financial Education and literacy in Life Learning lessons. 

Students enjoy Box Clever's 'A Christmas Carol'

We were delighted to host the renowned Box Clever theatre company this week for a high-energy, modern adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This fantastic supercurricular opportunity was designed specifically for our Year 9, 10, and 11 students to enrich their understanding of classic literature through a contemporary lense.

The performance was a masterclass in total participation. Rather than being passive observers, our students were transfixed and fully engaged, with many invited to participate directly in the production.

Following the performance, students took part in a dynamic Q&A session and workshop led by the professional actors.

It was wonderful to see our students leaving the theatre with such enthusiasm.

“I enjoyed the audience interaction, especially when I played a part and when Scrooge jumped at me!

“I liked Bob (played by a student) – very good acting.”

“I liked the saxophone – it sounded really good.”

“I liked the staging – it was done very smoothly and you couldn’t tell the cast were changing the scene.”

“I really enjoyed the performance – it was so good!”

You can find a link to the Box Clever Youtube channel here

Important information: Outstanding Td/IPV and MenACWY vaccinations

The Immunisation Service is coming into school for a Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination catch-up session on Tuesday 10th February 2026 to offer these vaccines to students in years 10 and 11 who have not yet received the Td/IPV &MenACWY vaccinations, which are routinely offered in year 9.
 
If this applies to your child and:
– You have already completed and returned a consent form; the Immunisation Service will offer this vaccination at the upcoming catch-up session in school. Where a consent form was submitted in a previous school year, your local Immunisation Team will contact you prior to offering this vaccination.
or
– You consented for your child to receive this vaccination at a different school, and it is still outstanding, please contact your local Immunisation team on 01273 696011 x 4931 so that they can update your child’s consent form.
or
– You have not yet consented and would like to do so please click this link for consent information.
 
For information about the Td/IPV & MenACWY vaccines and frequently asked questions visit: Frequently Asked Questions | Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio and Meningitis (sussexcommunity.nhs.uk)
 

Sixth Form Notices

Key Dates

Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert  6pm – 7.30pm

Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students

Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students

KPMG, Student and Parent Insight Evening - Online, Wed 28th Jan 5:00PM - 6:00PM - Reminder

This event is designed for students in Year 12 andYear 13 who are interested in learning more about KPMG and the range of career opportunities available. Parents or carers are also welcome to attend to gain insight into the programmes and support available for their child’s career development.  More details on the link:

https://uptree.co/events/kpmg/3495379039/?mc_cid=85842fb463&mc_eid=8c5dbdfa11 
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