Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups
10th July 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers
Enrichment Week
We have had a fantastic week, full of engaging and fun activities, trips and courses both on the College site and further afield. With a wide variety of activities on offer, from the Model United Nations General Assembly and Lego Robotics, to Taskmaster Uckfield and Rock School there has been something for everybody. We have also already had some very positive reports from Year 10 students on work experience. It has been inspiring and rewarding to see students trying new opportunities, testing themselves and working with different students and staff. New friendships have been formed and relationships further enhanced. Many thanks to the staff team for providing such a rich and varied experience for our students and well done to all those students who have achieved something new this week!
Attendance until the end of term
We are continuing high quality teaching and learning until the very end of term; please ensure your child attends as usual. Every day remains significant to their confidence and academic progress. This is particularly vital for Year 10 and 12 students, who will be completing especially important preparation for their upcoming examination years.
Temporary Uniform Arrangements in Warmer Weather
With the current spell of hot weather set to continue, students in Years 7-10 may wear their Uckfield College PE kit instead of their usual uniform until the end of term on Wednesday 22 July. They are also welcome to use their usual uniform
As always, PE kit must be worn in accordance with our uniform policy. We appreciate your support in ensuring your child meets this expectation, and we will follow up with any students who are not wearing the correct kit.
A reminder for students to bring anything they would usually keep in their blazer pockets, such as locker keys and bus passes.
Please also ensure your child brings a refillable water bottle and wears sunscreen before coming to school. We are encouraging hydration breaks throughout the day to encourage students to drink plenty of water, and we will continue to encourage the use of shaded areas at break and lunchtime to help everyone stay as cool and comfortable as possible.
Wishing you a great weekend!
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
Principal
Being on site by 8.50am - Mr Webster
At Uckfield College, we believe how a day starts sets the tone for a student’s entire day. To ensure every child begins their learning feeling calm, prepared, and supported, we are reminding students of the need to be on-site by 8:50am for a prompt 9:00am start.
Being on site for 8.50am offers your child several significant advantages:
- Arriving early allows students to catch up with friends and settle into the College environment, reducing the ‘rushed’ feeling that can cause feelings of being unprepared.
- By being on-site at 8:50am, students have the time to organise their equipment and ensure their uniform is correct and be seated in their lesson by 9.00am. This means that when the lesson starts at 9:00am, they are ready to learn immediately.
- Being on the College site earlier provides a useful window to ask quick questions about the day, or eat breakfast in the Refectory.
- By addressing any uniform issues at the main entrance, we ensure that Period 1 is dedicated entirely to teaching, making every second count.
- It minimises disruption, as arriving late can disrupt the learning of others and wastes valuable teaching time.
- The Psychology of Routines – establishing strong morning routines helps put logistics on “autopilot” for our students. By removing the stress of rushing or arriving late, we reduce their cognitive load, freeing them to focus entirely on learning from 9am.
Punctuality and Late Procedures
To maintain a positive and productive learning environment, all students must arrive at their Period 1 lesson in good time.
- Late to college detentions: Students who arrive at Period 1 after 9:00am without a valid reason will be marked as late on the register and will be issued a late to college detention.
- The “Green Slip” System: We understand that occasional emergencies or transport delays occur. If a student has a valid reason for being late, they must sign in at Reception. Staff will issue a green slip to the student; when presented to the teacher, this ensures the student is not marked as late and no sanction is issued.
We appreciate your support in helping your child aim for an 8:50am arrival to give them the very best start to their day.
Being fully prepared for uniform in September - Mr Webster
At Uckfield College, we believe that positivity can be generated by taking pride in yourself, your environment, and your appearance. Our uniform plays a key role in maintaining high standards, encouraging a sense of equality, and building a positive team spirit where students feel a true sense of belonging.
As students travel to and from the College, they are highly visible ambassadors for our community. Therefore, we expect them to wear their uniform correctly at all times, adhering to the following clear appearance standards:
Trousers must be secured and worn at the natural waistline, entirely covering underwear and any base layers. Wearing trousers below the hip is not permitted, as it leads to visible underwear or shorts. Furthermore, layered gym shorts, jogging bottoms, or sports branding worn underneath school trousers are not permitted due to health, hygiene, and safeguarding concerns. Shirts must also be fully tucked in around the entire circumference of the waist.
It is clear that wearing trousers below the natural waistline causes frequent rips and forces families to continuously replace uniform items. Ensuring trousers are worn correctly at the waist helps prevent unnecessary damage and the time wasted in college, supporting students with broken trousers that they cannot wear.
Skirts must be worn at their intended length (nearing the knee) and must not be rolled up at the waistband. Skirts must not be deliberately altered so that they are higher than this.
Hair dye must be natural in colour; non-natural tones or vivid dyes are not permitted. Fake or colour varnished nails are not permitted.
Facial piercings and additional earrings beyond one pair of stud earrings in the earlobe are not allowed. We strongly advise that new piercings are completely avoided during the summer holidays, as they may not be fully healed by the start of term and cannot be worn at College.
Please use the time over the summer to ensure that there are no issues at the start of the new academic year, including the length of skirts, so that every student can focus on making a positive start. Students who attend College in incorrect or improperly worn uniform will face clear sanctions. This may include being placed in detention, Restore, or being sent home to change.
If you require any support with your child’s uniform, please contact their Year Team in the first instance. We are committed to working with families to ensure all students are set up for success.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.
Evie Shines!
Well done to Evie for competing in the Speak Out Challenge Sussex Final last night at The Old Market Theatre in Brighton.
She delivered a highly engaging speech on stage fright, brilliantly topical for the competition!
Collection of Medication
At the end of the College year all medication that we hold for your child must be taken home and either you or your child should come to Reception to collect it before 12pm on Tuesday 21st July 2026.
Any medication not collected after that time will be disposed of.
Changes to Free School Meals
As you are probably aware, the Free School Meals eligibility criteria will change from 1 September 2026, and the transitional protection rules will cease at the end of this academic year.
All families in receipt of Universal Credit will now qualify for free school meals. However, there will be two categories of benefits-based free school meals:
- Targeted FSM– This will continue to be based on the existing threshold and will cover pupils from households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. In addition to receiving free meals, pupils eligible for targeted FSM will attract pupil premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools.
- Expanded FSM– This is a new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit. Pupils eligible for expanded FSM will receive meals only and will not qualify for pupil premium or other associated benefits.
What do I need to do?
My child currently receives Free School Meals and is in Year 7 to 10 and Year 12
From 1st June East Sussex County Council will be checking the eligibility of all students against the new criteria. ESCC will only contact parents if they no longer meet the criteria for Free School Meals or to check personal data so please keep a look out for e-mails from them. Please DO NOT reapply as this will delay the process. They will not contact you if you move from Targeted to Expanded except in specific cases.
My child currently receives Free School Meals and is in Year 11
Your student’s Free School Meal eligibility will be cancelled at the end of the school year. If your student is rejoining our 6th form, please reapply using this link. If your student is joining another +16 education setting, please contact the admissions department of that school or college for information.
My child does not currently receive Free School Meals
If you believe your student may be eligible for Free School Meals under the Expanded FSM programme, please apply using this link. from 1st June. Please DO NOT apply before then as your application will be rejected.
If you believe your student may be eligible for Free School Meals under the Targeted FSM programme, please apply using this link. at any time.
If you have any questions, please contact the finance team at finance.info@uckfield.college or the East Sussex County Council FSM team on Phone: 0300 330 9472 (10 am to 3 pm)
Summer Hamper Raffle
Sporting and Other Special Acheivements: Years 7 - 10 - reminder
We would love to hear about any sporting or other special achievements your child has accomplished outside of College this year, whether big or small.
If your child has achieved something they are proud of, please let us know by completing this Google Form. We’d love the opportunity to recognise and celebrate their success during our final Celebration Assemblies of the year.
Uckfield College Sports Day 2026 - Mr Sidwell - Reminder
We are excited to inform you that our annual Total Participation Sports Day will be taking place this year across two days, and we want to ensure that all students are well-prepared and dressed appropriately for the event.
- Wednesday 15th July – Year 7 & Year 8
- Thursday 16th July – Year 9, Year 10 & Year 12
On their respective Sports Day, students should come into school wearing their full College PE kit. We would like to remind you of our school’s guidelines regarding appropriate PE kit for participation.
Sports Day Attire / School PE Kit:
- Uckfield College PE T-Shirt
- Students should wear plain black, non-branded shorts/skort, track pants, or sports leggings that allow for easy movement. Please ensure that bottoms are of an appropriate length (minimum 7-inch length). Students who attend Sports Day wearing shorts shorter than this will not be allowed to compete and will be asked to change into appropriate kit or into their full school uniform, even if this means going home to do so.
- Students should wear sports shoes or trainers suitable for running and participating in various sporting activities. (For Year 10 students participating in football on the 3G, this will include football boots).
- Students should not wear any jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, during Sports Day for safety reasons.
- If the weather is expected to be sunny, we recommend that students apply sunscreen before the event and bring a hat or cap to protect themselves from the sun. All students should have a bottle of water with them
- Y12 students should wear clothing appropriate for sports participation but are of course not expected to be in Uckfield College PE kit.
We kindly request your support in ensuring that your child arrives at school with the appropriate PE kit for their Sports Day. Suitable attire not only promotes safety but also allows students to fully participate and enjoy the activities to the best of their abilities.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding PE kit or arrangements for Sports Day, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to two fantastic days filled with team spirit, total participation, and fun.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Communications Survey for Systems Development - East Sussex County Council
We would like to hear your thoughts on how East Sussex County Council Education Services currently communicate with you as parents and carers.
Your feedback will help us share information in a way that works best for you.
The survey should only take around 15 minutes to complete, and we really appreciate you taking the time to help us improve.
Gyso Family Roller Disco - Friday 17th July at Uckfield Civic Centre
Friday 17th July 2026 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
£10 per person
Get Your Skates On (GYSO) offers the best Roller Disco & Roller Skating entertainment across East and West Sussex.
GYSO are a family-run business that has now been operating for over 15 years. They currently host events at sites across the county and offer almost 30 Roller Discos every single month.
Roller Skating is not just great fun, it is also an amazing way of staying fit! At a Roller Disco, you can burn up to 600 calories per hour. Roller Skating works most muscle groups, including Glutes, Quads, Abs, Calves and Arms! Skating builds strength and increases muscle endurance, and skating causes 50% less stress to joints than running!
All GYSO Roller Disco sessions have a live DJ who takes song requests. They also play a wide range of (safe) games that are fun for all ages and give away prizes!
No Skates? No problem! GYSO stock skates that range from a child’s size 8 to an adult’s size 12. They also provide protective pads.
Grab your tickets for the event via our Eventbrite link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gyso-roller-disco-tickets-1982978132976
Please be aware of our new Refund Policy, which can be viewed here: Civic Centre Uckfield – Refund Policy
Weald on The Field - Saturday 8th August
Luxford Field – FREE Event
We are delighted to confirm that Weald on the Field will be returning for its 10th edition on Luxford Field on Saturday 8th August 2026.
Save the date, and stay tuned for some BIG announcements in the months ahead
Sponsors and Stallholders
For all sponsorship enquiries, please contact townclerk@uckfieldtc.gov.uk or phone 01825 762774.
For all food and drink stall enquiries, please get in touch wit
h Food Rocks. Their email address is info@foodrockssouth.co.uk and their website is: https://foodrockssouth.co.uk/weald-on-the-field/
Family Fun Day - Thursday 13th August
On: Thursday 13th August – from 11am to 12.30pm (with a picnic lunch afterwards)
At: Victoria Pavillion, Victoria Pleasure Ground, Uckfield TN22 5DJ
There will be inclusive sports, creative activities, refreshments and a tombola
FREE to attend – all ages welcome
A link to the booking form is here:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/DTO0MH/
For more information about the Family Fun Day please email: youngcarers@cftc.org.uk
Uckfield Scarecrow Competition 2026
Uckfield Town Council is delighted to announce the return of the popular Uckfield Scarecrow Competition for 2026.
Following the success of the first edition opened to all Uckfield residents in 2025, we are retaining the format of having three categories; the Household Competition, the Under-12s Competition and the Business Competition.
Previous editions of the competition had only been open to allotment holders, but last year’s success proved that inviting the entire town was the future of the competition.
Please find more information and details on how to enter here
Easy Fundraising for Uckfield College
Did You Know?
Year 7 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm)
Wednesday 2nd September – PLD Day 1 (Inset Day College Closed to all students)
Thursday 3rd September – Start of term for Years 7, 11 and 12
Friday 4th September – Start of Term for Years 8, 9, 10 and 13
Year 8 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm)
Wednesday 2nd September – PLD Day 1 (Inset Day College Closed to all students)
Thursday 3rd September – Start of term for Years 7, 11 and 12
Friday 4th September – Start of Term for Years 8, 9, 10 and 13
A message from the Sussex Immunisation Service - Years 8 to 13
The Immunisation Service delivers the school-based vaccination programmes for Flu, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and Td/IPV & MenACWY (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio and Meningitis ACWY) vaccinations, for eligible students.
Please see the attached information which contains details on the vaccinations your child should have received by the end of each year group, and what to do if they have missed any of these. Catch up clinics are running at various locations across Sussex throughout the summer.
If your child has missed any of these vaccinations, and you would like to book an appointment at one of the community catch-up clinics, please follow one of the two options below:
- Option 1 – If you have previously completed a consent form for a vaccination and would like to book an appointment:
- Check your emails (including Junk folder) for a ‘Consent Form Submitted’ email from noreply@cinnamondigitalapplications.co.uk This contains your unique booking reference number, which you will need to enter in order to book an appointment.
- Click the following link www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/ClinicBooking/Booking and select the vaccination you are booking an appointment for (this must match the vaccine on the ‘consent form submitted’ email).
- Enter your booking reference number and email address, to view and book an appointment at one of our clinics.
- Option 2 – If you have not previously completed a consent form for the vaccination you would like to book, or you are having any problems booking an appointment, please follow the instructions in this flyer to speak to one of the team and arrange a clinic appointment.
Year 9 Notices
Key Dates
Monday 13th July – Year 9 Celebration Evening, 6pm
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm
Wednesday 2nd September – PLD Day 1 (Inset Day College Closed to all students)
Thursday 3rd September – Start of term for Years 7, 11 and 12
Friday 4th September – Start of Term for Years 8, 9, 10 and 13
Year 9 Locker Clearance - Reminder
Key Stage 3 locker hire runs from the start of Year 7 to the end of Year 9 and so your 3 years of locker hire is now coming to an end.
All Year 9 lockers must be completely cleared of their contents by Friday 17th July and keys, the original and any spares, must be returned to the front office.
Lockers will be inspected on Monday 20th July and any remaining items will be removed and taken to the Year 9 office. Anything not collected by Wednesday 22nd July will be disposed of.
If your child requires a locker for use during Year 10 please email lockers@uckfield.college.
Clinic information for missed Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Meningitis ACWY vaccination(s)
The Immunisation Service recently attended Uckfield College for the Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccinations.
If you have already completed a form and your child wasn’t vaccinated in college you will have received a separate email with clinic booking instructions and do not need to complete another form. Please refer to the ‘How do I book an appointment for my child to be vaccinated’ section in this communication.
If you did not return a consent form, but would like your child to receive this vaccination, it’s not too late. Please see guidance below on how to complete an online consent form and subsequently book an appointment.
How do I consent / refuse to my child having these vaccinations?
- Visit the following website: TDIPV MenACWY Vaccination Consent Form (susseximmunisations.co.uk)
- Enter and confirm your preferred email address – you will receive a confirmation email following submission of the consent form.
- Enter the school code: SX114590
- Complete and submit the consent form, indicating your choice of consent – Please ensure you provide the child’s registered address and GP.
- Book an appointment by following the steps below.
How do I book an appointment for my child to be vaccinated?
- Follow this link: https://www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/clinicbooking/booking to book an appointment at one of our Community Catch up Clinics, for your child to receive the vaccination(s) – You will require your booking reference number which can be found within the email you receive(d) from Cinnamon once your consent form has/had been submitted.
- Arrange for an adult to accompany your child to their clinic appointment.
If you are unable to complete the online form, wish to change your consent or have any trouble booking an appointment, please contact your local Immunisation Team on the appropriate telephone number below:
Speak to a member of the Immunisation Service by calling your local team on 01273 696011: | |||||
Brighton Ext. 3789 | Chichester Ext. 8100 | Crawley Ext. 2043 | Heathfield Ext. 2080 | Uckfield Ext. 4931 | Worthing Ext. 8533 |
A message from the Sussex Immunisation Service - Years 8 to 13
The Immunisation Service delivers the school-based vaccination programmes for Flu, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and Td/IPV & MenACWY (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio and Meningitis ACWY) vaccinations, for eligible students.
Please see the attached information which contains details on the vaccinations your child should have received by the end of each year group, and what to do if they have missed any of these. Catch up clinics are running at various locations across Sussex throughout the summer.
If your child has missed any of these vaccinations, and you would like to book an appointment at one of the community catch-up clinics, please follow one of the two options below:
- Option 1 – If you have previously completed a consent form for a vaccination and would like to book an appointment:
- Check your emails (including Junk folder) for a ‘Consent Form Submitted’ email from noreply@cinnamondigitalapplications.co.uk This contains your unique booking reference number, which you will need to enter in order to book an appointment.
- Click the following link www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/ClinicBooking/Booking and select the vaccination you are booking an appointment for (this must match the vaccine on the ‘consent form submitted’ email).
- Enter your booking reference number and email address, to view and book an appointment at one of our clinics.
- Option 2 – If you have not previously completed a consent form for the vaccination you would like to book, or you are having any problems booking an appointment, please follow the instructions in this flyer to speak to one of the team and arrange a clinic appointment.
Year 10 Notices
Key Dates
Thursday 16th July – Year 10 Celebration Evening, 6pm
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm)
Wednesday 2nd September – PLD Day 1 (Inset Day College Closed to all students)
Thursday 3rd September – Start of term for Years 7, 11 and 12
Friday 4th September – Start of Term for Years 8, 9, 10 and 13
Clinic information for missed Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Meningitis ACWY vaccination(s)
The Immunisation Service recently attended Uckfield College for the Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccinations.
If you have already completed a form and your child wasn’t vaccinated in college you will have received a separate email with clinic booking instructions and do not need to complete another form. Please refer to the ‘How do I book an appointment for my child to be vaccinated’ section in this communication.
If you did not return a consent form, but would like your child to receive this vaccination, it’s not too late. Please see guidance below on how to complete an online consent form and subsequently book an appointment.
How do I consent / refuse to my child having these vaccinations?
- Visit the following website: TDIPV MenACWY Vaccination Consent Form (susseximmunisations.co.uk)
- Enter and confirm your preferred email address – you will receive a confirmation email following submission of the consent form.
- Enter the school code: SX114590
- Complete and submit the consent form, indicating your choice of consent – Please ensure you provide the child’s registered address and GP.
- Book an appointment by following the steps below.
How do I book an appointment for my child to be vaccinated?
- Follow this link: https://www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/clinicbooking/booking to book an appointment at one of our Community Catch up Clinics, for your child to receive the vaccination(s) – You will require your booking reference number which can be found within the email you receive(d) from Cinnamon once your consent form has/had been submitted.
- Arrange for an adult to accompany your child to their clinic appointment.
If you are unable to complete the online form, wish to change your consent or have any trouble booking an appointment, please contact your local Immunisation Team on the appropriate telephone number below:
Speak to a member of the Immunisation Service by calling your local team on 01273 696011: | |||||
Brighton Ext. 3789 | Chichester Ext. 8100 | Crawley Ext. 2043 | Heathfield Ext. 2080 | Uckfield Ext. 4931 | Worthing Ext. 8533 |
A message from the Sussex Immunisation Service - Years 8 to 13
The Immunisation Service delivers the school-based vaccination programmes for Flu, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and Td/IPV & MenACWY (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio and Meningitis ACWY) vaccinations, for eligible students.
Please see the attached information which contains details on the vaccinations your child should have received by the end of each year group, and what to do if they have missed any of these. Catch up clinics are running at various locations across Sussex throughout the summer.
If your child has missed any of these vaccinations, and you would like to book an appointment at one of the community catch-up clinics, please follow one of the two options below:
- Option 1 – If you have previously completed a consent form for a vaccination and would like to book an appointment:
- Check your emails (including Junk folder) for a ‘Consent Form Submitted’ email from noreply@cinnamondigitalapplications.co.uk This contains your unique booking reference number, which you will need to enter in order to book an appointment.
- Click the following link www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/ClinicBooking/Booking and select the vaccination you are booking an appointment for (this must match the vaccine on the ‘consent form submitted’ email).
- Enter your booking reference number and email address, to view and book an appointment at one of our clinics.
- Option 2 – If you have not previously completed a consent form for the vaccination you would like to book, or you are having any problems booking an appointment, please follow the instructions in this flyer to speak to one of the team and arrange a clinic appointment.
Sixth Form Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm)
Wednesday 2nd September – PLD Day 1 (Inset Day College Closed to all students)
Thursday 3rd September – Start of term for Years 7, 11 and 12
Friday 4th September – Start of Term for Years 8, 9, 10 and 13
A message from the Sussex Immunisation Service - Years 8 to 13
The Immunisation Service delivers the school-based vaccination programmes for Flu, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and Td/IPV & MenACWY (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio and Meningitis ACWY) vaccinations, for eligible students.
Please see the attached information which contains details on the vaccinations your child should have received by the end of each year group, and what to do if they have missed any of these. Catch up clinics are running at various locations across Sussex throughout the summer.
If your child has missed any of these vaccinations, and you would like to book an appointment at one of the community catch-up clinics, please follow one of the two options below:
- Option 1 – If you have previously completed a consent form for a vaccination and would like to book an appointment:
- Check your emails (including Junk folder) for a ‘Consent Form Submitted’ email from noreply@cinnamondigitalapplications.co.uk This contains your unique booking reference number, which you will need to enter in order to book an appointment.
- Click the following link www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/ClinicBooking/Booking and select the vaccination you are booking an appointment for (this must match the vaccine on the ‘consent form submitted’ email).
- Enter your booking reference number and email address, to view and book an appointment at one of our clinics.
- Option 2 – If you have not previously completed a consent form for the vaccination you would like to book, or you are having any problems booking an appointment, please follow the instructions in this flyer to speak to one of the team and arrange a clinic appointment.