Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups
2nd October 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Carers
Praise, Recognition and Reward – ‘The Art of Being Brilliant’
We value our positive and aspirational culture highly and it has been fantastic to see so many students being recognised for their efforts. In these first few weeks of term alone, an impressive 43,136 achievement points have been awarded to students across Years 7 to 11. Departments have set up their ‘Brilliant Boards’ to celebrate and exemplify excellent work and our Sixth Form students have been enjoying receiving achievement points to spend in their dedicated shop.
To recognise these achievements, Directors of Year are preparing PDT Golden Time for students who achieve two achievement point shields or more in Term 1. Looking ahead, we will also be bringing back the Shield Shop, where students can exchange their shields for goodies. Finally, teachers across all subjects are currently nominating their ‘Class of the Term’ to highlight and celebrate groups of students who have shown exceptional dedication and effort.
5 weeks into term, there are 1,392 students who have ZERO behaviour points, which is fantastic! Â
Total Participation
We have also had a very positive start to our super-curricular programme this year, and it has been great seeing so many enthusiastic students join a new or existing community. If you have any questions about super-curricular, please encourage your child to talk to their form mentor in the first instance, or contact Mr Harvey at the College: j.harvey@uckfield.college
Parent/Carer Partnership and Survey
It was lovely to welcome so many Year 11 Parents to the information evening last night – we are always keen to work in partnership with you. We are also genuinely very interested in feedback from parents/carers. The College is full of extremely hardworking, committed staff, and it is important that they receive positive recognition where it is due. Equally, we are always interested in improvement and development, and in understanding your perspective to help us do this. If you would like to participate, here is a very short survey regarding Uckfield College.Â
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
Save the Date reminder: Parents and Carers of Young People with SEND Session
We invite parents and carers to join us on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, for our SEND and Inclusion Evening. Whether your child has an identified Special Educational Need or Disability or is showing emerging needs, you are very welcome to attend.
This evening offers a relaxed opportunity to meet Jonathan Pearson, Assistant Principal for Aspiration and Inclusion, alongside Victoria Hopkinson, Leader of Inclusion and Strategic SENDCo. We will outline the tailored support available to help your child thrive and answer any questions you might have. You will also get a tour of the newly renovated Learning Plus, which serves as our dedicated inclusion space.
Working closely with families helps us give every student the exact care, support and provision they need.
The session runs from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Learning Plus in C Block.
Please report to the main reception area when you arrive. Hot drinks will be provided, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Photographs - Extended order deadline
The deadline to order photos for free delivery back to school has been extended to midnight on Sunday, 11th October 2026. To ensure you don’t miss out on purchasing these photos, please place your order through the Tempest website using your unique link that was emailed to you.  If you need any assistance in ordering your photos, feel free to contact Tempest on 01736 751555 (option 5).
Reminder: Chewing Gum
We have recently noticed an increase in students bringing chewing gum into College. We kindly remind all parents and carers that students should not be in possession of chewing gum on the College site.
Chewing gum can create significant issues. When disposed of incorrectly it damages College property and it can spoil the appearance of our shared spaces, making our College less welcoming for everyone. We ask for your support in speaking with your child to ensure they leave chewing gum at home. Students found with gum will be asked to dispose of it immediately and will be issued with a sanction.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our environment clean, hygenic, and welcoming for everyone.
Uckfield College Super Curricular Activities 2026-27 - Mr Harvey
I am delighted to share with you the list of super curricular activities on offer for Uckfield College students in 2026-2027. As a super curricular school, we want all students to take part in at least one weekly activity (they are very welcome to sign up to more than one). These mostly take place during lunchtime, but some are offered before and/or after college.
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Please have a good look at the activities on offer and discuss which students would like to try. This information has also been shared with form mentors, who have been discussing this in PDT. Almost all clubs are now up and running, so students can go along and try out a club; perhaps bring a buddy too!
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We believe that the benefits to students taking part in super curricular activities are huge. They can boost confidence to interact socially with others; provide new skills and abilities; help students develop talents and aspirations; improve literacy, numeracy and oracy skills; make a positive contribution to improving the school and wider society; and offer an important space to have fun and relax.
To celebrate their involvement, students will be awarded certificates later in the year for excellent contribution and engagement, and some activities will have their own awards too! We will also hold an in school celebration of super curricular clubs in November where students can find out about clubs they might like to join.
There is a fantastic range of opportunities, and students will also be given the chance to sign up for term 5 & 6 summer sports activities later in the academic year.
Links for activities lists:
Art of the Week
Lil in year 9 has brilliantly captured the metallic sheen of this Stag Beetle using chalk and charcoal. Mastering high-contrast tonal work is no easy feat—balancing deep, velvety charcoal shadows with luminous chalk highlights requires real patience and a sharp eye for detail.
Fantastic work, Lil!
Photo of the Week
Freddie in Year 13 has been exploring creative approaches to capturing the everyday, lived experience. Combining layers of image, text and colour he’s creating a dreamlike vision of life.
Exciting holiday activities available this October half term
A programme of free holiday activities for children and young people across East Sussex is available this October half term.Â
Funded through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), the programme provides eligible children and young people with a food offer and develops their resilience. It gives them a chance to try new activities, make friends and gives parents and carers the confidence that the children they care for can have cost-effective engagement during the school holidays. Families can explore a wide range of activities through the EEQU booking platform, and bookings will open on 21 September at 8.30am. Information has already been sent directly to eligible families. Â
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Who can take part?Â
The programme is available to children and young people who meet one or more of the following criteria:Â
- Receive benefits-related free school meals (including both the new “targeted” and “expanded” categories)
- Have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)Â
- Are a young carerÂ
- Are on a Child Protection PlanÂ
- Are a Child in Need (CiN)Â
- Are a child we care forÂ
- Have been referred to CAMHSÂ
- Have low school attendanceÂ
- Are a Ukrainian guest living in East Sussex Â
Changes to free school meals eligibilityÂ
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Families may be aware that national changes to benefits-related free school meals came into effect from September. There are now two categories of eligibility: targeted and expanded. However, for this October half-term programme, we are pleased to be able to offer places to children and young people who are assessed as being in either category of benefits-related free school meals, alongside some other locally determined groups of children.
If families would like more information about free school meals eligibility, they can visit the East Sussex County Council website Free School Meals | East Sussex County Council or contact the HAF team at HAF@eastsussex.gov.uk.
Did You Know?
Year 7 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Year 8 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Year 9 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
WWI Battlefields Trip - Enrichment Week July 2027 - Miss Dann
I am thrilled to inform you that the History Department will be running a WWI Battlefields Trip in 2027 and this is open to all current Year 9 students. We will be visiting battle sites in both Belgium and Northern France and the trip offers students a unique chance to take part in the global commemoration of the Great War. It will be of particular interest to those taking GCSE History as it coincides with the unit of study on the Western Front where we specifically examine the trenches, weapons and difficulties faced in the war. The trip will run for two days and one night during enrichment week, departing early morning on Monday 5th July and returning late in the evening on Tuesday 6th July.Â
We have been taking trips to the battlefields for over a decade and they have all been highly successful, with our students’ learning greatly enriched by the visits. During the visit to the Ypres Salient we plan to see Tyne Cot, the largest British cemetery in the world, Sanctuary Wood, an authentic preserved section of the trenches and ‘In Flanders Fields Museum’ which offers an interactive experience of aspects of the First World War.Â
To view the full letter and complete our expression of interest form please click here.
Year 9 Spanish Educational Visit to Seville: Expression of Interest - Miss Brown
I am delighted to write to you with details of an exciting opportunity for our Year 9 students studying Spanish. During Enrichment Week, 5th-10th July 2027. We are planning an immersive educational trip to Seville, Spain, running from Monday to Saturday.
This visit offers a wonderful chance for students to broaden their horizons, gain independence, and truly bring their language learning to life in one of Spain’s most historic and vibrant cities.
To view the full letter and complete our expression of interest form please click here.
Year 10 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Year 10 Work Experience – week commencing 5th July 2027
Year 10 students have now been launched on their Work Experience programme for w/c Monday 5th July 2027 and are encouraged to start approaching employers and securing a placement as soon as possible.
A full information letter has been emailed to parents/carers today and is attached, including key dates, guidance and information on how to support your child.
'Poetry Live' at The Brighton Dome - Monday 1st February 2027
We have an exciting opportunity for Year 10 students to join us on a trip to Poetry Live at The Brighton Dome in February, an event specifically designed for GCSE students studying for AQA’s GCSE English Literature Paper 2 exam.  We strongly encourage as many Year 10 students as possible to attend – it will definitely support them with their English Literature GCSE, and will be a memorable and inspiring experience!Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award - Miss Gilroy
As Uckfield College’s DofE Silver Leader I would like to inform you that Uckfield College offers the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) to students in Year 10.
Whether your child is a direct entrant for the Silver Award or has done the Bronze Award already, DofE is a great chance for your child to broaden their horizons, discover new interests and talents, have fun with friends, develop essential skills for their future and achieve an internationally renowned Award.
For further information please see the full letter here. Enrolment is open until Monday 5th October.
Unifrog University Fair Online Event - 14th October, 4pm to 6.30pm
The Unifrog UK University Fair is a great opportunity to find out all about studying at university, and get all your questions answered by the experts in just two and a half hours! Year 11 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Wednesday 11th November – 6th Form Open Evening – for all Year 11 students and parents/carers
Monday 16th November (2 weeks) – Year 11 Trial Exams
Essential Year 11 Information Evening: Your Key2Success on Thursday 1st October
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Essential Year 11 Information Evening: Your Key2Success. We hope you found it insightful to learn more about what we are putting in place to ensure our Year 11 students know how to revise effectively for their trial exams, and manage the exciting challenge of Year 11.
Essential Information for Parents and Carers
For those who were unable to attend—or if you would simply like to review any of the materials covered—you can access the presentation slides through the links below:
Students who surpassed their target grades: how did they do it?
Stress is a biological superpower
Please feel free to reach out to the Pastoral Team if you have any questions following up from the event. Â
Important! 6th Form Open Evening - Wednesday 11th November 5.30pm to 8pm: Mr McLachlan
In the coming weeks, we will be talking to Year 11 students about the opportunities that are available in the 6th Form at Uckfield College. Every student will be given a 6th Form prospectus. It may seem rather early to be looking at choices for next year, but with the complexity of courses now on offer for 16+, students do need the time to make their initial choices and then, with the data from trial exam results and predicted grades, ‘firm up’ those choices a little more in the Spring term.
Indeed, we believe that the guidance and support we give to our students in choosing their 16+ options here at the College is also very important and believe that this is reflected in our 6th Form students gaining such high standards in their A-level and other post-16 results.
This process really starts in earnest for Year 11 students and their parents/carers at our 6th Form Open Evening on Wednesday 11th November (5.30pm-8.00pm). This is the best chance to find out about all of the courses we offer, as teaching staff and current students will be present to answer any questions.
Students and parents will be given a personalised timetable for the evening. This will include the opportunity to attend: 1, four subject-specific sessions that students will select. 2, a presentation and 3, a session in the “market place”, where there will be a range of different subject stalls for you to walk around, as well as a chance to talk to our pastoral support team about any questions you may have. The four subject sessions will be 15 minute presentations from the subject specialists talking through what is required for their subject and what your son/daughter can expect from the course. To get the most out of the evening, you and your son/daughter should attend the whole evening from 5.30-8pm please.Â
For the letter with full information and the link to our Google form please click here.
Year 11 GCSE PE Trial Exams
Please note that Yr 11 GCSE PE Students have their Practical Trial Exams next week. Exams take place on Monday 5th October, Wednesday 7th October and Thursday 8th October.
For certain exams, students are able to wear PE kit, this must be perfect or students may be asked to go home and change.
Students have had the timings, expectations of exams explained to them during Wednesdays lesson. If they were absent or have any further questions please ask them to contact Miss Hanham.
History GCSE Tip of the Week: Lots of 16 mark questions! Mr Brunson
We are often asked where students should start with their History revision, as the GCSE has many different skills and lots of knowledge to learn! We have provided all of the Year 11 History students with a preparation document on classroom to help them manage their revision, as well as planning specific lessons on revision techniques in the coming weeks.
Year 11 students will be sitting a Paper 1 Medicine and Paper 3 Germany paper for their trial exams this November. Research suggests that students should use resources such as flashcards, mind maps and revision guides by actively and repeatedly testing themselves, to help them develop their long-term memory and then utilising their acquired knowledge by practising exam questions. The preparation document has links to practice papers and past exam questions, notably including lots of judgement questions.
These judgement questions are our longest questions in the GCSE History exam and are worth 16 marks; the best thing that students can do is continually write and rewrite answers to these in timed conditions, checking their responses against the mark schemes and the revision guides and then re-revising content once more. They have two past papers with mark scheme links to help them, as well as help guides for each question in the trial exam.Â
If they do lots of practice and learn to self-review their writing, it can really make a difference!
Year 11 applications to local FE colleges
Any Year 11 students applying to local FE colleges that use the Careers East Sussex website for their applications need a username and password.Â
These are available from either Mr Buntain or Miss Geer.
Spanish Educational Visit to Seville: Expression of Interest - Miss Brown
I am delighted to write to you with details of an exciting opportunity for our Year 11, 12, and 13 students studying Spanish. During Enrichment Week, 5th–10th July 2027, we are planning an immersive educational trip to Seville, Spain, running from Monday to Saturday.
Please note that this visit is open to all students studying Spanish in Year 11, Year 12, and Year 13. While Year 11 and Year 13 students will have finished their final examinations by this point in the summer term, they are still very much welcome and encouraged to join us for this brilliant trip.
This visit offers a wonderful chance for students to broaden their horizons, gain independence, and truly bring their language learning to life in one of Spain’s most historic and vibrant cities.
To view the full letter and complete our expression of interest form please click here.
Free Parent/Carer Information evenings from Young Professionals - Tue 13th & Wed 14th October 6 - 7.30pm.
Young Professionals are hosting two free online information evenings for parents and guardians, led by hiring managers from firms including Slaughter and May, Freshfields, Linklaters, PwC and KPMG. Parents will learn how to support their child with applications, commercial awareness and degree apprenticeships for law and business. More information and registration via this link.
Meet the Russell Group Webinars: Tuesday 20th October - Thursday 29th October 2026
UK University Search are collaborating with the Russell Group once again to bring you popular, informative and inspiring webinars that cover a range of key topics.Â
Taking place from the 20th to 29th October, they have five 90-minute sessions each featuring five or six expert panellists who will offer clear, impartial guidance for students looking at taking the next step in their educational journey.Â
The schedule is as follows:Â
20th October – An introduction to the Russell Group and why choose to study there? 16:45 to 18:00
21st October – Student life at University 16:45 to 18:00
22nd October – Advantages of Going to University & Grad employability 16:45 to 18:00
27th October – Researching university options 16:45 to 18:00
29th October – Personal Statements and applying to a Russell Group university 16:45 to 18:00
Full details and registration are here.
Autumn Series of Free Careers Webinars from My Great First Job
My Great First Job are running a series of free careers webinars on Tuesday evenings over the next three months. The free webinars are designed to support 16-19 year olds. They are on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm and cover useful topics such as:- How to Write Your Great First CV
- How To Develop Your Personal Brand
- How To Absolutely SMASH! Your Interview!
Unifrog University Fair Online Event, 14th October, 4pm to 6.30pm
The Unifrog UK University Fair is a great opportunity to find out all about studying at university, and get all your questions answered by the experts in just two and a half hours! Year 11 Careers Meetings - Mr Simmons - reminder
The Careers meetings for Year 11 start on Monday 14th September and we intend that over the next three terms all Year 11 students will have a careers meeting. The students and their teachers will be emailed in advance about the time and date of their meeting and the students will receive action plans after the meeting.Â
If students are absent on the day they are scheduled for a meeting we will try to rearrange a time they can be seen. It is possible that students will be called from lessons at short notice if another student is absent and there is a spare appointment time.Â
Meetings usually last about 40 minutes.
Sixth Form Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Thursday 15th October – Sixth Form Parents’ Evening in College
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Sixth Form Parents' Evening - Thursday 15th October
Spanish Educational Visit to Seville: Expression of Interest - Miss Brown
I am delighted to write to you with details of an exciting opportunity for our Year 11, 12, and 13 students studying Spanish. During Enrichment Week, 5th–10th July 2027, we are planning an immersive educational trip to Seville, Spain, running from Monday to Saturday.
Please note that this visit is open to all students studying Spanish in Year 11, Year 12, and Year 13. While Year 11 and Year 13 students will have finished their final examinations by this point in the summer term, they are still very much welcome and encouraged to join us for this brilliant trip.
This visit offers a wonderful chance for students to broaden their horizons, gain independence, and truly bring their language learning to life in one of Spain’s most historic and vibrant cities.
To view the full letter and complete our expression of interest form please click here.
Information on A level English Literature and English Language - Mrs Quarton
Please find below useful summaries of key dates and the learning/revision focus for your students for this Autumn Term.
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award - Mr Sidwell
I am pleased to let you know that Uckfield College offers the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) to students starting in Year 12.Â
Whether your child is a direct entrant for the Gold Award or has done the Silver Award already, DofE is a great chance for your child to broaden their horizons, discover new interests and talents, have fun with friends, develop essential skills for their future and achieve an internationally renowned Award. As Uckfield College’s DofE Gold Leader, I wanted to send you some information about what the programme involves, the benefits for your child and how they can sign up.
Please see the attached letter detailing how to enrol students for DofE Bronze. Enrolment opens on Friday 11th September 2026. This is only open to students who are in Y12 from September 2026. For any further questions, please contact Mr Sidwell. It is essential that students partaking in the award are free to complete the expeditions on the dates listed within the letter.
Enrolment will remain open until Friday 9th October 2026. Â
Free Parent/Carer Information evenings from Young Professionals - Tue 13th & Wed 14th October 6 - 7.30pm.
Young Professionals are hosting two free online information evenings for parents and guardians, led by hiring managers from firms including Slaughter and May, Freshfields, Linklaters, PwC and KPMG. Parents will learn how to support their child with applications, commercial awareness and degree apprenticeships for law and business. More information and registration via this link.
Meet the Russell Group Webinars: Tuesday 20th October - Thursday 29th October 2026
UK University Search are collaborating with the Russell Group once again to bring you popular, informative and inspiring webinars that cover a range of key topics.Â
Taking place from the 20th to 29th October, they have five 90-minute sessions each featuring five or six expert panellists who will offer clear, impartial guidance for students looking at taking the next step in their educational journey.Â
The schedule is as follows:Â
20th October – An introduction to the Russell Group and why choose to study there? 16:45 to 18:00
21st October – Student life at University 16:45 to 18:00
22nd October – Advantages of Going to University & Grad employability 16:45 to 18:00
27th October – Researching university options 16:45 to 18:00
29th October – Personal Statements and applying to a Russell Group university 16:45 to 18:00
Full details and registration are here.
Autumn Series of Free Careers Webinars from My Great First Job
My Great First Job are runninga series of free careers webinars on Tuesday evenings over the next three months. The free webinars are designed to support 16-19 year olds. They are on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm and cover useful topics such as:- How to Write Your Great First CV
- How To Develop Your Personal Brand
- How To Absolutely SMASH! Your Interview!
Unifrog University Fair Online Event: 14th October, 4pm to 6.30pm
The Unifrog UK University Fair is a great opportunity to find out all about studying at university, and get all your questions answered by the experts in just two and a half hours!Â