Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups
12th June 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers
We are nearing the end of the exam period, and I commend all our students who have been taking them. It has been a demanding time, but they have consistently shown great determination and great humour and perspective. Their well-deserved summer holiday is finally in sight, and I’m sure many parents/carers will also be relieved they are nearly over. Thank you to you all for supporting your children through this important time.
Confidence Building through Inclusion by Design
Over the last two weeks, leadership teams in the College have been working collaboratively on ongoing plans for improvement. Our Curriculum Leaders (pictured below) have been focussing on the quality of inclusion strategies in our lessons, and on how we can set even more carefully tailored homework. The overarching of all of our development work this year and next is ‘Confidence’ – both for staff and students – and we have some really exciting, innovative work planned.
Habits of Champions – Gratitude
This term, we are focusing with the students on the power of ‘Gratitude’, both for their own positive mental health, and also to benefit others. On the same theme, thank you to all of you who regularly write in to the College recognising good work by our staff – it is greatly valued by us all.
“He is getting on so well, and is coping with College life better than I could ever imagine, and I think this is down to the trust he has in the teachers and the small changes they make for him. He is building up so much resilience it’s amazing.”
Wishing you a great weekend, hopefully in the sun!
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
Principal
Charity Raffle in memory of Scarlett E - please support
In Scarlett’s memory, a group of wonderful friends of hers from Year 9 are organising a series of charity events, including a raffle. If you feel able to support, that would be greatly appreciated.
Deep Learning Day 4 - 23rd June
On Deep Learning Days, students step away from their regular timetable to explore specific themes, skills, and topics in greater depth. Below is a summary of the sessions planned for each year group. All students must attend their DLD experiences, as they form a core part of their curriculum.
Year 7: What is Social Media?
Our Year 7 Deep Learning Day will equip students to navigate social media safely and responsibly by exploring how platforms and influencers operate, evaluating online credibility, and understanding the impact on mental health.
Year 8: Take your Child to Work
Year 8 students whose parents have completed the consent form will spend the day gaining valuable workplace experience alongside them on our Take Your Child to Work Day. A small group of students will remain on-site to rehearse for the upcoming school production, while the remaining students will be in College participating in an exciting “Festival Challenge” enterprise day designed to develop key teamwork and career skills.
Year 9: Wellbeing and Safety Day
This Wellbeing and Safety Day brings the Uckfield ACE vision to life. By partnering with emergency services (Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance, RNLI)) , and other professional( East Sussex Youth Team and Samaritans), we are equipping our Year 9s to be personally knowledgeable, deeply aware of their digital and physical safety (Character), and fully prepared to make a positive contribution to their community (Citizenship).
Year 10: Careers and Finance
Year 10 will be investigating and exploring financial capability through budgeting, calculation of taxation and a variety of career opportunities.
Year 12: Model United Nations General Assembly Preparation
Year 12 students will spend the day preparing for our upcoming Model United Nations General Assembly (MUNGA) on July 7th. Working in teams, students will develop vital communication and collaboration skills while deepening their understanding of global politics ahead of the MUNGA.
EPQ Marketplace
We were incredibly proud to host our recent Year 12 EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) Marketplace, where our students brilliantly showcased months of rigorous, independent research.
The marketplace was a fantastic celebration of independent learning and critical thinking, covering a diverse range of topics, from the hunting adaptations of lamniform sharks to the development of the Jungian ‘Trickster’ archetype from ancient Norse myth to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Huge congratulations to all of our students for their immense dedication and hard work!
National Scientific Thinking Challenge
The National Scientific Thinking Challenge is a competition run by the University of Warwick with the aim of promoting students’ critical thinking and evaluation skills in science. This year over 16,000 students took part from 255 schools, and students at Uckfield College performed brilliantly, with 7 students achieving Gold (which means they are in the top 10% of students in the country), 11 achieving Silver and 13 achieving Bronze. What a fantastic achievement for our brilliant science students!
Gold Certificates (7)
- Benjamin F (92%), Daniel K (83%), Dominic R (83%), Ellie T (78%), Logan H (85%), Nathan B (78%), Torin C (87%)
Silver Certificates (11)
- Charlie D (74%), Emily K (67%), Fae L (72%), Isaac McL (67%), Joel W (72%), Katie P (72%), Lucas O’N (74%), Sofia S (76%), William M (69%), Zachary M-C (67%), Zach R (69%)
Bronze Certificates (13)
- Alex S (58%), Alfie J (60%), Alysia N (58%), Cooper B (60%), Felix S (65%), Harriet M (63%), Jack A (60%), Jacob J (63%), Lily C (65%), Nell H (58%), Oliver W (63%), Samuel W (63%), Theo W-S (60%)
SEND Reforms: Update for Parents and Carers - letter from East Sussex County Council
We have been asked by the Local Authority to tell you about planned national changes to support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Schools, the council, health services and social care are working together to understand the new plans and what they may mean for families. The first step is to put actions in place to prepare for the future changes, which is known as the LA’s ‘local SEND reform plan’. This plan will set out how the LA develop services and support around schools.
Please see the full letter here
Important: Safety around the site when students are arriving or leaving
Please be reminded that parents/carers are kindly asked not to drive down the Drive to drop students off or pick them up please unless there is an agreed medical reason for doing this. With very large numbers of young people arriving and leaving at the same time, we respectfully ask that everyone plays their part in reducing the number of unnecessary vehicles in the area at these times.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Uckfield College Sports Day 2026 - Mr Sidwell
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.
Uckfield College Ski Trip 2027 - Mr Grant
Following the huge success of this year’s Easter ski trip to Austria, we are delighted to have secured a provisional booking for the first week of the Easter holidays 2027.
The booking is with the specialist tour operator Snowslippers for a maximum of 40 students going to the Austrian Ski resort of Alpendorf, near Salzburg. This is in the heart of Austria’s largest ski area, with plenty of runs for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. More information can be found here: https://www.skiamade.com/en/Ski-resorts/Salzburger-Sportwelt/Sankt-Johann-Snow-Space-Salzburg
Our goal has always been for the ski trip to encourage beginners to have a go and, hopefully, discover a love of the slopes. Experienced skiers will have the chance to progress and enjoy themselves at the same time. I would encourage students to speak with those who have taken part in previous ski trips; it really is something very special!
Please see the full letter here
Summer Hamper Raffle
Uckfield College Presents 'Little Shop of Horrors'! - reminder
Tickets for the Uckfield College production of Little Shop of Horrors are OFFICIALLY ON SALE!
Don’t miss out on three nights of exceptional talent, laughs galore, and one very hungry plant.
24th, 25th & 26th June
Tickets available here: http
Essential Online Safety
Easy Fundraising for Uckfield College
Art of the Week
Photo of the Week
Year 9s have been exploring how to create portraits that represent their subject’s character. This is a brilliantly atmospheric example taken by Phillipa H in 9C.
Did You Know?
Year 7 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 3rd July – Rock The Weald Festival – 4.45pm – 8pm
Wednesday 8th July – Year 7 Celebration Evening, 6pm
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm)
Year 8 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th & Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday 1st July – Year 8 Celebration Evening, 6pm
Friday 3rd July – Rock The Weald Festival – 4.45pm – 8pm
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm)
Take Your Child to Work Day - 23rd June
Year 9 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th & Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 3rd July – Rock The Weald Festival – 4.45pm – 8pm
Monday 13th July – Year 9 Celebration Evening, 6pm
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm
YEAR 9 TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, POLIO, and MENINGITIS ACWY VACCINATION PROGRAMME
The Immunisation Service is coming into college on Friday 3rd July to offer your child the Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination(s).
https://www.sussexcommunity.
Year 10 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 3rd July – Rock The Weald Festival – 4.45pm – 8pm
Monday 6th July – Friday 10th July – Year 10 Work Experience Week
Thursday 16th July – Year 10 Celebration Evening, 6pm
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm)
Year 10 6th Form Experience - Ms Fassam - reminder
We are very pleased to inform you that we are inviting all of our Year 10 students to join us on Monday 22nd June for our “Uckfield College 6th Form Experience”.
This event will run from 2.30pm-4.30pm and is designed to help students start thinking about their Year 12 options. There will be a chance to meet the 6th Form Leadership team and also to experience brief introductions to all the Level 3 courses on offer.
At the event, students will be able to take part in mini-activities in a range of different subjects (up to 8 different subjects) to help them consider their Level 3 options. This will be followed, when your child is in Year 11, by an opportunity to attend longer taster sessions in fewer subjects in January, and also attend our Sixth Form Open Evening in November.
This should be a very enjoyable event and we hope that as many of our Year 10 students as possible will be keen to take part, as a way of starting the exciting process of picking their options for their Level 3 study.
If your child would like to take part in this event, then please fill in their details on the Google Form linked here by Friday 12th June.
Important information from the Sussex Immunisation Service - Outstanding Td/IPV and MenACWY vaccinations
If this applies to your child and:
– you have already completed and returned a consent form; the Immunisation Service will offer this vaccination at the upcoming catch-up session in school. Where a consent form was submitted in a previous school year, your local Immunisation Team will contact you prior to
offering this vaccination.
or
– you consented for your child to receive this vaccination at a different school, and it is still outstanding, please contact your local Immunisation team on 01273 696011 x 4931 so that they can update your child’s consent form.
or
– you have not yet consented and would like to do so, please see the information below.
For information about the Td/IPV & MenACWY vaccines and frequently asked questions visit: Frequently Asked Questions | Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio and Meningitis (sussexcommunity.nhs.uk)
Year 11 Notices
Key Dates
Thursday 18th June – Year 11 Celebration Evening (Invitation only), 6pm – 7pm
Friday 19th June – Year 11 Graduation Assembly (students only) – 2pm (arrive from 1.45pm)
Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm
Thursday 25th June – Year 11 Prom, 5.45pm (Arrival) – 11pm
Friday 3rd July – Rock The Weald Festival – 4.45pm – 8pm
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm)
Y11 Notice to Parents/Carers - Mr Prichard
Please find below some finer details regarding our celebration events schedule for the next two weeks.
Key Dates:
Thursday 18th June – Awards Evening (by invitation) 18:00 – 19:00
Invites have been sent out to Parents/carers and students. Please arrive and be seated by 17:50 for a prompt 18:00 start. Full uniform, worn correctly, is required please.
Friday 19th June – Graduation Assembly (all students) 14:00 – 15:15
All Year 11 students will have sat their final exam by this point and will be enjoying the well deserved break. We invite all students to return to College for this ‘final in person’ celebration on the site.
13:45 Arrival – students to wait outside of reception – not on site please.
14:00 Line up with Form Mentors on the terrace.
14:05 Students sat with their Form Groups for the FINAL time!
‘Graduation Assembly’’
15:00 Students will move to the Hall for shirt signing and Yearbook collection
Students do not have to wear their uniform, but are expected to wear clothing appropriate for the College environment. Shirt signing must not take place until after the Graduation Assembly.
Thursday 25th June – Y11 Prom – Amex 18:00 – 23:00
Those students who have decided to attend Prom should arrive at the Amex Stadium – BN1 9BL from 17:45. If students are arriving in anything other than a conventional mode of transportation they must have informed me in advance. Failure to do so will mean that the Stadium staff will not allow access to the car park.
Students will remain at the venue for the duration of the event. 18:00 – 22:45/23:00 (without exception).
All students must be collected from the venue.
As I mentioned in last week’s bulletin, the students have very kindly been organising collections for a small gift to show their appreciation for the pastoral work of their Form Mentors. Should anyone like to contribute, they are welcome to see myself or Mr Stonebanks in the Year Office.
Uniform Donations
Should you be in a position to donate any unwanted uniform that could benefit others, I would hugely appreciate any donations handed to the Year Office or reception. Students can also bring any items to the Graduation Assembly.
Thank you once again for everything. I very much look forward to the next two weeks of celebrations and results day on Thursday 20th August 2026. More information will follow with regards to the timings.
Donations of preloved PE Kit
As our Year 11 students prepare to move on to their next chapters, the PE Department is looking to replenish our stores of spare kit to support students across the school.
If you find you have any of the following items in good condition that are no longer needed, we would be incredibly grateful for your donations:
PE T-shirts
Skorts and Shorts
Football Boots
Trainers
Your generosity helps ensure that all students can participate fully in sports and physical education.
Where to drop off? Please send any washed items into school with your child to be dropped off directly at the PE Office.
Thank you for your continued support!
Important information from the Sussex Immunisation Service - 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 see the information below.
Sixth Form Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th & Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 3rd July – Rock The Weald Festival – 4.45pm – 8pm
Thursday 9th July – Year 12 Celebration Evening, 6pm
Wednesday 22nd July – End of Term 6 (College closes to students 12.20pm)
Year 12 Progression exams: 15th - 22nd June
The Year 12 Progression exams are taking place between the 15th and 22nd June.
All Year 12 students will be off timetable for the whole of this period, including those on vocational courses (e.g. BTECs). This will enable all students to be focussed on the exams. These exams will be very important in guiding predicted grades for UCAS and will also be used to confirm that students are able to progress to the second year of their courses.
The curriculum specifications launched in 2016 have terminal examinations that are much harder and the content of the second year of the courses is more difficult than the first year. As such it is vital that we ascertain a clear view of every students’ likelihood of success next summer before they start Year 13. Students must achieve a minimum of a D grade in A level courses and a Merit in Vocational courses. It goes without saying that students should be preparing for these exams appropriately and methodically. Teachers will have given students feedback on their March exams and will be helping them prepare for these exams. Exam timetables have already been shared with students and we would expect all students to be revising for these exams from now onwards. Please encourage them to do so.
End of Term Events - Ms Fassam
I hope the exam period went really well for everyone. I am writing to let you know the arrangements for several key events happening in the rest of this term.
Year 12 Celebration Evening – Thursday 9th July
On Thursday 9th of July during Enrichment week, Year 12 will have an important morning of preparation for life after school involving financial capability and career planning. They will be allowed to leave college on this day at 13.20pm in order to facilitate them returning at 6pm for what we hope will be a lovely celebration of everything they have achieved this year, as well as a demonstration of the many talents that we have within the year group.
During the evening, a range of students will be receiving specific awards for their achievements this year; we will also be celebrating the successful candidates for our student leadership team and announcing the Head Student positions.
The parents of those students who have won one of the top awards will also be invited to attend. The rest of the seats will be available on a first come first served basis from Thursday 2nd July. We really hope that this will be a lovely way to end the year and we do expect that all Year 12 students attend this event unless there is an authorised reason that means this is not possible.
Model United Nations General Assembly (MUNGA) – Tuesday 7th July
On the 7th July, all Year 12 students will take part in the College’s annual Model United Nations General Assembly (MUNGA).
The students will be working in teams, role-playing the delegates of governments and they will represent their country in a series of debates about important global issues.
This is a hugely enjoyable event that teaches the students about current affairs and develops important skills such as teamwork and communication, as well as developing their confidence in public speaking.
Students must attend in smart dress as they are representing national governments. The invaluable experience that the students get from the day is often referred to in their UCAS applications and job applications.
Reminders
Just a few reminders for the remainder of the term.
- Year 12 Progression Exams take place from 15th-22nd June
- Enrichment week is from 6th -10th July and attendance at these days is compulsory for all students.
- Students will receive a Year 13 pack in the penultimate week of term – please read this carefully. It contains information about the start of term, required books for specific subjects and a link to the electronic agreement form that needs to be completed before the 1st day of term in September. Entry into Year 13 will not be possible without this.
- College finishes this year at 12.20pm on Wednesday 22nd July.
Please let me take this opportunity to wish you a very happy summer and that I hope all Year 12 students receive the results they need in their Year 12 progression exams.
The UniTasterDays Parents' Guide to University 2026
The Parents’ Guide to University 2026 has been created to help families support young people as they explore their university options. It covers everything from choosing a course and university, to student finance, applications, and preparing for university life.
It features contributions from more than 80 university representatives from across the UK, alongside expert voices including educator and TV personality Baasit Siddiqui.
Download the Parent’s Guide 2026 here.