Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups
23rd January 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers
Total Participation
This week and last, I have visited a large number of lessons across the different year groups, and it has been an absolute pleasure to see our students enjoying their learning, achieving and working hard.
Our ‘Total Participation’ strategies are increasingly embedded across classrooms, meaning students are more engaged and thinking harder. I’ve had some brilliant conversations with our ‘Learning Leaders’ from each lesson, and been particularly impressed by the growing confidence to speak and read aloud across the school.
We have also had several interviews this week, and the candidates from other schools have been universally positive about the culture in the College: “This school is a breath of fresh air; it’s calm but vibrant and your students are amazing!”
We are continuing to iron out issues with the move to Arbor – thank you again for your patience.
Many congratulations too to our Year 13 students who are receiving exciting offers from apprenticeship schemes and universities, including five from Oxford and Cambridge. We are really proud of them all.
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
Charlie's Promise Talks
Students at Uckfield College were visited by Martin Cosser from the Knife Crime Charity ‘Charlie’s Promise’ this week. 
Security Arch - Martin Bradley
We recently presented Charlies’ Promise to all students – a talk about the dangers of knife crime.
We are working with Sussex Police – along with all other local secondary schools – to deliver awareness around knife crime and exploitation and we have planned with the police to set up a security arch later this term at the entrance to the college as an educational activity.
The security arch is similar to those used at
airports, concert venues and sports stadiums. In schools, a security arch is used to highlight the issue around what is safe to carry or not carry and to get students thinking about the topics to be discussed.
Neighbourhood Youth Officers are NOT using it as an enforcement tool. This is about reassurance and education, allowing students to talk to the police and of course, college staff, about any concerns and highlight issues that they may come across whilst out in the community.
The security arch will NOT be in place every day, but may very occasionally be present as students arrive at school in the morning.
As is always the case, our wider Leadership team and other staff will be on the gates supervising student entry, but our Neighbourhood Youth Officers will also be present whenever the security arch is in use.
If you have any questions regarding this initiative please contact me via m.bradley@uckfield.college
Fundraising events and help for the PTA - Vanessa Wilson-Best
We have two lovely music events coming up, both with a PTA bar. They are important fundraisers for both music and the PTA.
Could you possibly help?
We need more bar staff for the PTA at the next two events and also help with door at both events. They are both on dreary Wednesdays and will be lovely, bubbly fun events with a fabulous team, supporting our young musicians. Please email v.wilson-best@uckfield.college and I will connect the dots.
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’.
Art of the Week
We are so impressed by this week’s featured artist! A massive congratulations to Amelia T (Year 10) for this incredible piece.
The level of detail and intricate shading shows exactly why Amelia is our standout creator this week. We love seeing our students push their creative boundaries!
Keep up the amazing work, Amelia!
Photo of the Week
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 - reminder
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: Passport2: Cells3: Matter 14: Forces 15: Bioenergetics 1 | 1: Health & Lifestyle2: Statics (Forces)3: Matter 24: Electricity 25: 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 8 Notices
Key Dates
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
Hove Lagoon - Enrichment Week 2026
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: Passport2: Cells3: Matter 14: Forces 15: Bioenergetics 1 | 1: Health & Lifestyle2: Statics (Forces)3: Matter 24: Electricity 25: 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 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.
The BIG FUTURES Show for all Year 9 students - Tuesday 28th April 2026
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.
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).
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.
– To complete a consent form:https://www.
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
Important information: Outstanding Td/IPV and MenACWY vaccinations - Reminder
– 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.
Year 11 Notices
Key Dates
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
Two Online workshops on what the future of work could look like and how to prepare for it: 3rd and 10th February, 6pm.
Supporting Students with Anxiety from 'Action Your Potential' - reminder
Important information: Outstanding Td/IPV and MenACWY vaccinations
– 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.
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
Two Online workshops on what the future of work could look like and how to prepare for it: 3rd and 10th February, 6pm.
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: