
Dear Parents/Carers
Welcome back to the new term, and a big well done to Year 10, who have navigated the first week of their trial exams with impressive perspective and focus. This morning, I visited several Year 11 lessons, with every single student working hard, and doing their best – wonderful to see!
Uniform
We are noticing some students are repeatedly wearing their uniform incorrectly, which in turn creates peer pressure for others to do the same. We are setting out to address this issue over the next few weeks, and will be sanctioning students more consistently, as well as rewarding those who get it right.
Students may wear one small stud in each ear and a (non-connectivity) wristwatch. Rings, bracelets (except medical), and additional piercings are not allowed. All piercings must be removed for PE. Skirts and ties must be worn correctly (skirts should be approaching knee length and not rolled over). Fake tan, nail polish, acrylic nails, and false eyelashes are also not allowed; students in Years 7-11 should not wear these to College.
The vast majority of our students wear their uniform smartly, and we find that it makes a real difference to a positive learning environment. Thank you for your support in maintaining our high standards.
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
The Department for Education (DfE), together with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), have published new resources on the ‘Kids Online sSafety’ website to help parents and carers understand and get support for online bullying and gaming.
These new sections are designed to help families and give them more confidence in talking to their children about what they’re doing and experiencing online.
The updated content includes:
There are also links to trusted charities and expert organisations where families can find specialist support, including helplines and further advice.
Please find the updated Kids online safety website here.
During Term 5, members of SLT will be issuing students in Years 7-11 ‘Golden Tickets’. The tickets will be issued to those students who, during their lessons, display a superb commitment to their learning.
Alongside this, students who wear their uniform perfectly will also be in line to receive a Golden Ticket. Each Golden Ticket will result in 5 Achievement Points being awarded.
Students will then have the option of handing their Golden Ticket in at Reception, or at their Year Team office. A Prize Draw will take place, alongside our weekly Attendance Rewards Wheel, on Friday 22nd May. The Golden Ticket winner will be given the option of choosing from a range of prizes, including:
Adidas World Cup Football
Cinema tickets
Realms VR Crowborough tickets
Pizza Express vouchers
Leisure Centre pass
The Performing Arts team is thrilled to be staging our upcoming full-scale production of Little Shop of Horrors, running from 24th–26th June. This ambitious project features over 70 talented students and is set to reach an audience of more than 450 community members.
To celebrate the occasion, we are producing high-quality, professional programmes (A4, full-colour, glossy) and are inviting local businesses to sponsor the production through advertising.
Advertising Spaces:
Full-page advert: £75
Half-page advert: £50
Space is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing you to select your preferred position within the booklet.
All proceeds will directly support future productions, helping us continue to build a thriving performing arts culture for our students.
Interested? Please contact James Alexander at j.alexander@uckfield.college to secure your spot and for further details.
Ariel Drama Academies are offering a free 90-minute workshop at Uckfield College on Monday 27th April from 3.15-4.45pm in the Drama Studio, open to all year groups. To sign up please contact Mrs Harriyott or students can look out for the sign-up sheet on Google Classroom.
Ariel Drama Academies have been providing excellent, affordable theatrical training for young people since 2004. A family business that has grown steadily from one small drama class into seven highly respected drama academies throughout Sussex.
They teach across all 3 disciplines (Drama, Singing & Dance) and stage an annual showcase for each academy.
They are also offering a two week free trial for Uckfield College students at their Saturday morning Academy here at Uckfield College from 9.45am – 12.45pm every Saturday.
To sign up for the free two week trial please complete the registration form: Ariel Drama Academies Enquiry Form
Our ‘Art of the Week’ features a stunning portrait of a world-renowned scientist whose legacy continues to inspire.
Well Done to Lily in Year 9.
This week’s winner was taken by Ollie in Year 13, as part of his response to the exam project in Photography.
We loved his thoughtful use of framing and composition, and the mirroring of the figures in the foreground and background.
Great shot Ollie!
Monday 4th May – Bank Holiday
Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students
Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students
As we settle back into the summer term, I wanted to commend the Year 7 students on 4 successful terms through the darker, colder winter months. Their energy and positivity has remained high throughout!
Before the Easter break, our focus was on resilience. We spent time talking to the students about the idea that making mistakes isn’t just okay, it’s actually a vital part of learning.
A massive congratulations to 7U, who managed to collect the most resilience achievement points last term. As a reward, they’ve won the “PDT Takeover.” This means that next week, the students in 7U will be the ones calling the shots, deciding exactly how the entire year group spends a PDT session. I’m slightly nervous (but mostly excited) to see what they have in store for us!
I also have some record breaking news to share. Since starting in September, Year 7 has collectively earned over 72,700 achievement points.
This is the highest number of points ever awarded to any year group in the history of the College! Even with the large cohort, the average points per student is higher than we’ve ever seen. It’s a record-breaking start, and our new challenge is to set the bar as high as possible so that this year group can hold onto that record for years to come!
Monday 4th May – Bank Holiday
Tuesday 5th May – HPV Vaccinations
Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students
Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students
As we enter Term 5, we are focusing on ‘Curiosity’. With the transition to GCSE courses in Year 9 fast approaching, we are encouraging every student to think hard, ask deep questions, and engage fully in every lesson. We want our Year 8s to be active and in control of their own education, ensuring they aren’t just present, but fully prepared for the academic rigour ahead.
This preparation will also come into play during the Year 8 assessment period coming up at the end of this term. May 11th to May 22nd will give our students the opportunity to show off what they have learnt so far, as well as develop their revision skills and exam techniques. Over the next few weeks, we will be teaching Year 8, in assemblies and PDT, the best revision and wellbeing strategies they can utilise for their assessments.
As shared before half term, Year 8 will be participating in the “Take Your Child to Work Day” on Tuesday, 23rd June. This is a great opportunity for our students to step into a professional environment and see how their current “decisions” translate into future careers. Our goal is for as many students as possible to experience the world of work firsthand. More details on how to coordinate these placements are shared below.
Year 8 continues to lead the way across the school. Following our outstanding Term 4 performance, where 190 of our students hit the Aspiration target, I have no doubt that Year 8 will embrace the Curiosity Challenges set this term with the same elite standard.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we help these students transition from Year 8 into their GCSE journey.

We are delighted to inform you that Tuesday 23rd June is Year 8 ‘Take Your Child to Work’ Day. This exciting opportunity will allow students to spend a day in a real workplace, accompanied by a parent/carer or an emergency contact listed on Arbor.
It will give the students valuable experience of the world of work, which in addition to preparing them in the long term for their entry into the workplace, will also prepare them for their Year 10 work experience. We hope that as many Year 8 students as possible will be able to accompany their parents/carers on this day. There are also important dress rehearsals for the school production of Little Shop of Horrors on this day as well, unfortunately this means any Year 8 students involved in the school production will not be able to take part in the Take Your Child to Work Day as they must be in college for rehearsals on that day.
Many UK secondary schools successfully run similar initiatives, and feedback consistently highlights the positive impact on students’ confidence, motivation and understanding of the world beyond school. Drawing on best practice from these programmes, we believe this experience will offer our students a range of valuable benefits.
With all such days there are legal formalities that need to be followed. To this end, we would be grateful if you could complete the attached Google Form.
By completing this, you are stating that your child will be under your supervision or the supervision of a close family member during the day in question.
Students can only go on visits with parents/carers who are listed as contacts on Arbor and are required to be with their parent/carer at all times. It is the parent/carer’s responsibility to arrange the visit for their child, not the careers department, and the parents responsibility to get agreement from the employer and check the relevant insurance and risk assessments are in place.
Please see guidance from East Sussex County Council:
The approval and liability for this work placement does not sit with ESCC or the school, but the parent / carer needs to check with their Employer as to whether the supervised child can A) is permitted to be present at the work place and B) that there is adequate Liability insurance in place under the Employers own insurance to cover the activity. There may be some work placements unsuitable for an under 18. The school or ESCC insurance would not cover this in any event and the employer / employee needs to ensure that there is adequate Public Liability insurance in place.
Obviously, you will have to acquire the permission of your employer to have your child with you on that day. Should this not be forthcoming or should there be another reason why you do not feel that your child should take part in this scheme, then please indicate this on the attached form and we will make an alternative provision for those students on the day, which will comprise of work related learning activities. The school needs to know in advance all students taking place in this activity so that attendance can be coded correctly. Any students not in school on that date that have not informed the school in advance of their placement will have an unauthorized absence. The deadline for completing the form is May 5th 2026.
We really hope that your child will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
Tuesday 28th April – The Big Futures Show
Monday 4th May – Bank Holiday
Tuesday 5th May – HPV Vaccinations
Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students
Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students
This term we are focusing on Curiosity. Aside from exploring the neuroscience behind curiosity in assembly and raising its profile in lessons, Year 9 will be conducting a research project over the coming weeks about characters who have shaped society through the virtue of Curiosity. The students have been given creative freedom on how to present their research piece. Some have suggested recording a podcast, others have mentioned documentaries and writing a journal. We are very excited to see what they come up with. Monday 4th May – Bank Holiday
Tuesday 5th May – HPV Vaccinations
Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students
Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students
The Year 10 trial exams are now well underway and I am incredibly impressed with how the year group has conducted themselves. The students have been brilliant – approaching their assessments with maturity, focus, and a real sense of purpose. It has been a pleasure to see them taking this milestone so seriously.
To support our students during this exam period we have launched our “Blank Answers are Wrong Answers” challenge. We are encouraging every student to attempt every single question on their papers, regardless of how difficult they might find them.
Developing the resilience to “have a go” is a vital exam skill. To add a bit of friendly competition, the mentor group with the fewest blank answers across the trial exam period will win a prize! Please do encourage your child to leave nothing blank – every mark counts.
Our focus for the ‘Habits of Champions’ this term is Curiosity, Intellectual Respect and a Love of Learning for Life. We are encouraging students to ask deep questions, value the perspectives of others and find joy in discovering new information beyond the curriculum.
Key Dates for the Diary:
13th – 24th April: Year 10 Trial Exams (Note: The second week is conducted in normal lessons).
24th April: Bronze DofE Practice Expedition.
4th May: Bank Holiday (College Closed).
11th May: GCSE PE Rock Climbing Event.
25th May: Half Term Begins.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our Year 10 students thrive during this busy and important term.
We are approaching an important milestone for our Year 10 students as they prepare for their first set of trial exams starting Monday 13th April. This will be the first time many students experience formal exam conditions, and it is vital they treat this experience seriously to ensure they are fully prepared for their GCSEs next year.
Exam Schedule and Attendance The first week of exams (Monday 13th April to Friday 17th April) will be held under formal exam conditions:
Morning Session 1: Students must line up by 9:00 am. They must be in College by 8.50am.
Morning Session 2: Students must line up by 11:20 am.
Line-up Location: Students should line up in alphabetical order outside the exam hall or their designated access arrangements room 15 minutes before the exam begins.
Normal Lessons: When not in an exam, students will follow their normal College timetable and must attend their regular classes.
Required Equipment: To ensure a smooth start to every session, please ensure your child arrives at school with a clear pencil case containing all necessary equipment:
Pens (Black or Blue ink—please bring spares)
Pencils and Eraser
Ruler
Calculator
Protractor and Compass
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students prepare for these important assessments.
Good Luck Year 10!
If you’re trying to find a work experience opportunity this is the webinar for you!
60 minutes of really practical advice to help young people connect with employers and find GREAT work experience opportunities.
TUESDAY 21ST APRIL – 6.30PM
We will be covering:
At the end of the session, you’ll have a list of things that you can do that will really help you find a great placement……and you’ll be able to get straight to work!
Click the link below to book your FREE ticket:
Monday 4th May – Bank Holiday
Tuesday 5th May – HPV Vaccinations
Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students
Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students
I hope this finds you well and you have all enjoyed the Easter holidays.
It was wonderful to see so many of the Year 11 students accessing the revision study sessions during the second week of the holidays. I’m sure there was plenty of well supported work completed at home too.
As with Term 4, Term 5 is particularly short and it is absolutely imperative that we once again acknowledge that ‘every second will count’. All students need to be in College every day where possible. As we all approach the Summer Exam period I’d like to share the following:
Interventions,study support and opportunities to meet with staff will continue to help in the revision process to ensure that every student fulfills their potential. It is equally important that the students are realistic with their revision plans – take regular breaks, enjoy time with friends and family, eat/sleep well and get out doors for fresh air and some form of exercise, all of which reduce stress and enhance performance.
As a year team we are here to support, guide and alleviate as many of the concerns and pressures that many students experience. Please do encourage your children to speak to classroom teachers, their form mentors and the Year 11 Team if they feel they need any additional support.
Key Dates:
Monday 13th April – Return from the Easter Holidays
Monday 20th April – GCSE PE Practicals
Thursday 23rd April – Edquas Music Exam
Monday 21st – Friday 1st May – MFL Speaking Exams
Monday 4th May – BANK HOLIDAY
Thursday 7th May – Majority of GCSE Exams Start
Friday 22nd May – End of Term 5
Our ‘Habits of Champions’ focus for Term 5 is:
Curiosity/Intellectual Respect
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” Albert Einstein
‘You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.’
Maya Angelou
As always, should you have any concerns during Term 5, please do reach out to your son/daughter’s Form Mentor, Subject Teachers, Pastoral Leader or myself.
Students can opt to buy a copy of the Year 11 Yearbook which will hold some wonderful memories of their 5 years at Uckfield College. The cost of this is approximately £18 and can be purchased directly through All YearBooks (not through parent pay) using the link that I will share in Term 5 when the yearbook is ready to print. Both the hoodie and yearbook are optional items but are lovely keepsakes and normally very much desired by students.
The Year 11 Prom takes place on Thursday 25th June 2026 at the AMEX stadium and I anticipate that the whole year group will attend. Please note that the event is by invitation only, and students with poor behaviour may not be invited. This will include outstanding detentions and any antisocial behaviour in social times. In such circumstances we reserve the right to cancel a student’s invitation to the prom up to the date of the event. The cost of the Prom this year is now confirmed at £62. This will be available on ParentPay from Monday 16th March and the deadline for this payment is Monday 1st June 2026. In cases of financial difficulty please contact the finance office to see what support we may be able to offer (finance.info@uckfield.college). This is a one off payment of £62, however if it is not possible for you to pay this in one go then payment options can be discussed by contacting the finance team as above.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Year Team.
The Students’ Guide to University 2026 is now available to support students considering university and is ideal for Years 11–13.
This popular 112-page publication features professional advice from over 80 university experts and is designed to help students make informed decisions about higher education. Inside, they can explore open day travel scholarships, learn how to access funding and free money, understand changes to the UCAS personal statement and gain valuable application tips from current university students.
The guide can be downloaded for free from this link: https://www.unitasterdays.com/university-support-for-students/students-guide-to-university-brochure/
Thursday 23rd April – Year 12 Preparation for Higher Education Evening, 6pm
Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students
Friday 22nd May – Year 13 Leaver Prom
Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students
Firstly, we hope all our students had a good Easter break. The next few weeks will be hugely important for Year 13 students and we are now only three weeks away from the Year 13s starting their study leave. It is, therefore, vital that their attendance and approach to their studies is at the very highest level to ensure they are successful in the summer. To help students with their preparation for the exams, the 6th Form team is providing revision breakfasts in the SFSA from 8am in the weeks beginning 27th April and 4th May.
Those students applying to UCAS must submit their firm and insurance choices to UCAS by 6th May and the recommended student loan application deadline (to guarantee funds will be in bank accounts in time for the start of the academic year) is 15th May. All Year 13 students have been sent their exam timetable and they should note that they must arrive in good time for their exams; this means they must be at their exam venue at least 15 minutes before the exam is due to start. The Year 13 prom is at East Sussex National on Friday 22nd May and will cost £58. The deadline for payment is Monday 27th April.
All Year 12 students should be receiving their March trial exam results and should use these results to inform their preparation for the progression exams in the week commencing 15th June. Students must do well enough in the June exams to progress to the second year of their courses (students need to achieve at least a D grade in A level courses and at least a Merit in Vocational courses such as BTEC. It is therefore very important that they maintain a strong focus on their studies in the coming weeks. After the progression exams, the Year 12 students can look forward to Enrichment Week where they will participate in a Model United Nations General Assembly, start work on UCAS applications / prepare for careers and there will also be a trip to Thorpe Park at the end of the week.
Finally, we would like to remind everyone again that students must be wearing their lanyards and college ID at all times whilst they are on the college site.
I write with details of this year’s (The Class of 2026) Leavers’ Prom which will take place on Friday 22nd May at the East Sussex National Hotel, Uckfield. The arrangements are set out below:
19.00 Reception drink at venue and photo opportunities
19.30 3 course meal (see googleform for options)
21.00 Award Ceremonies: Subject Oscars and Class of 2026 Prom Awards
21.15 Dancing the night away
23.00 Depart
The cost of the evening is £58.00 which includes venue hire, DJ, photo booth, table decoration, arrival drink and a 3 course meal.
As this is very much a special occasion we request formal wear for the evening. I believe we shall have a splendid time and very much hope all Year 13 students will attend.
I will speak in assembly against the consumption of alcohol before leaving for the venue: we really do not want anything to mar the enjoyment of such a memorable event, and on the evening of the prom students of 18 years of age will be allocated with a wrist band which will allow them to purchase drinks from the bar. If students are under the influence of alcohol before the start of the evening, they will not be permitted to attend the prom, with no refund being given. College staff will be in attendance all evening, but parents will remain responsible for students and may be called to collect their child if necessary.
Confirmation of attendance and payment for this event should be made through ParentPay by Monday 27th April. By submitting payment you are confirming your consent for your child to attend this event which should be visible on ParentPay when you click on the “items for payment” button. If you require a copy of your log-in details, please contact the finance office.
Once payment has been made students will be able to make their choice of starter, main course and dessert and indicate any dietary requirements via the Google Form that will be shared with them on the Year 13 Google classroom and is hyperlinked in the schedule for the evening above.
Here’s to a lovely evening!
The University of Brighton is running free online subject taster sessions for students considering university. The sessions are going to be held on MS Teams and are a great way to help students decide which subjects they might want to study at university. All of the sessions are between 5pm and 6pm.
Further details can be found at: https://www.brighton.ac.
For those students going to university in 2026, applications for Student Finance (tuition fee loans and maintenance loans) open on Monday 23rd March.
A guide to Student Finance can be found here.
The Students’ Guide to University 2026 is now available to support students considering university and is ideal for Years 11–13.
This popular 112-page publication features professional advice from over 80 university experts and is designed to help students make informed decisions about higher education. Inside, they can explore open day travel scholarships, learn how to access funding and free money, understand changes to the UCAS personal statement and gain valuable application tips from current university students.
The guide can be downloaded for free from this link: https://www.unitasterdays.com/university-support-for-students/students-guide-to-university-brochure/
As part of our programme aimed at informing your child about their Higher Education or gap year options, we have arranged a Higher Education Information Evening at College on Thursday 23rd April 2026, for both students and parents. The 6th Form Team and a representative from the University of Sussex will talk through the UCAS process and the reasons why students might wish to consider Higher Education. The talk will start promptly at 6.00pm. This is a most important, valuable and informative evening for both you and your child, and attendance is encouraged.
If you are intending to join us for the evening, we would be grateful if you could complete the attached Google Form in order to give us an indication of numbers.