All College Notices – 15th May 2026 – Uckfield College Bulletins

Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups

15th May 2026

Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Carents

Holly Z – Arkwright Engineering Scholar!

Huge congratulations to Year 11 student Holly Z (pictured below), who has officially been named an Arkwright Engineering Scholar! This is a massive achievement, with Holly being one of only 400 students selected from a highly competitive pool nationwide. To secure this prestigious award, Holly successfully navigated a rigorous multi-stage process that included a detailed proposal, an online assessment, and a formal interview.

In a testament to the quality of her work, the Arkwright Engineering Scholarships programme has even asked to use Holly’s project as national exemplar material. Her work will soon feature on their website to help train and inspire future applicants and teachers starting this September. We are incredibly proud of Holly’s hard work and cannot wait to see her future success in the world of engineering.

Mobile Phone Policy

The College’s Mobile Phone Policy ensures a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment by restricting phone and smartwatch use during the College day. The vast majority of students are fantastic at adhering to these rules and we rarely see, or have to confiscate, phones.

We also already strongly encourage students to leave their phones at home. However, at the very least, devices must remain off and out of sight on site for all students in Y7-11 and only used in the Sixth Form area for students in Y12 and Y13. Reasonable adjustments are made where needed, and sanctions apply for misuse.

We are awaiting finalised details on the proposed UK law to ban student phones entirely on school sites (due to be in place by this September) and will update you when we are able to respond to this.

Best wishes

Sara Marshallsay

Principal

Summer Term PE and Dance Kit Reminder for Year 7 to Year 10

As we move into the warmer months, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind parents and carers of the appropriate PE and Dance kit for the summer term, in line with our PE and Dance kit expectations and Total Participation Policy.

Suitable summer PE and Dance kit includes:

Uckfield College PE polo shirt
GCSE PE / CNat Sport polo shirt (for relevant students)
GCSE Dance t-shirt is only to be worn for Dance lessons
Uckfield College shorts or skort
Alternatively, plain black unbranded shorts of a suitable length or leggings are permitted

Please note:
Cycling shorts or branded shorts of a different colour are not considered suitable for PE or Dance lessons and do not meet our uniform expectations.

As temperatures rise, we also strongly recommend that all students bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during PE and Dance lessons. This is of course recommended practice for the school day in general but particularly poignant when considering our subject areas.

Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring all students are prepared to participate fully and safely in every lesson.

Viewing Teacher Comments for Achievement and Behaviour Points in Arbor

In the Arbor Parent Portal and in the Arbor Parent App you can view the more detailed comments made by staff when they award students Achievement Points or when they record an incident:

Summer Hamper Raffle

Uckfield College is a nut-free school - reminder

Uckfield College is a nut-free school for the safety of all our students and staff, especially those with severe allergies.

While our catering service diligently ensures that all produced and purchased food items are nut-free, it’s crucial that we have your partnership in maintaining this safe environment.

We kindly ask that you ensure your child does not bring any food items containing nuts to school, including snacks and packed lunches.

Service 500 replacing the 261 and 54 public bus service - reminder

Information on changes to the 261 bus service:

As you may be aware, bus service 261 is being withdrawn, its last day of operation being Friday 8th May. It will be replaced the following day by a new service, route 500, operated by Metrobus. This will operate 24 hours per day and extend beyond Uckfield to Hailsham and Eastbourne, in the main following the route of the existing service 54 which is also withdrawn.

In terms of school journeys, you will wish to note that the service 500 morning journey from the north will operate somewhat earlier than the existing service 261 journey. Key timing points are: 08:12 at Wych Cross, 08:18 at Nutley (‘School Lane’ stop), 08:26 at Maresfield.

On the northern side of Uckfield, service 500 journeys will operate direct via London Road and High Street and will not serve Manor Park estate. Thus, young people who currently travel on the 261 to Downsview Crescent will need to alight at a stop on London Road/High Street.

In the afternoon, young people currently travelling on the 261 will need to continue to board at stops on London Road/High Street. The service 500 journey closest to the end of the school day is scheduled to depart slightly earlier than the current 261, leaving at 15:48 from Uckfield Bus Station. You will no doubt wish to share this information with your children, including the new route number and the fact that the buses heading southwards (morning) will be showing an ultimate destination of Eastbourne in the destination screen and those travelling northwards (afternoon) will be showing an ultimate destination of Gatwick Airport as the route runs beyond East Grinstead to terminate there.

Certain journeys will be operated by double-deck vehicles. More information about the new service, including the full timetable, may be accessed at www.metrobus.co.uk/route500. You may particularly wish to note that on Mondays to Saturday daytimes, the service operates broadly hourly so there will be additional journeys available to your children which may be of interest, particularly in relation to after-school activities or making journeys home earlier when permitted to do so after exams.

Information on changes to the 54 bus service:

As you may be aware, bus service 54 is being withdrawn, its last day of operation being Friday 8th May. It will be replaced the following day by a new service, route 500, operated by Metrobus. This will operate 24 hours per day and extend beyond Uckfield to East Grinstead and Gatwick Airport.

In terms of school journeys, you will wish to note that the service 500 morning journey from the south will operate slightly earlier than the existing service 54 journey. Key timing points are: 07:54 at Golden Cross, 08:01 at East Hoathly (Rectory Close) and 08:05 at Halland.

On the northern side of Uckfield, service 500 journeys will operate direct via High Street and London Road and will not serve Manor Park estate. Thus, young people who currently travel on the 54 around the estate will need to alight at a stop on High Street/London Road. You may wish to note that there is a traffic-light controlled pedestrian crossing almost adjacent to the ‘Hooke Hall’ stop in the High Street.

In the afternoon, young people currently travelling on the 54 to the south, will again need to get to stops on London Road/High Street (or Uckfield Bus Station should they wish). The service 500 journey closest to the end of the school day is scheduled at 15:33 at Maresfield and has an arrival time at Uckfield Bus Station at 15:40. The service then departs from the Bus Station at 15:45. You will no doubt wish to share this information with your children, including the new route number and the fact that the buses heading northwards will be showing an ultimate destination of Gatwick Airport in the destination screen. Certain journeys will be operated by single-deck vehicles as was the case when Stagecoach ran the 54.

More information about the new service, including the full timetable, may be accessed at www.metrobus.co.uk/route500

Data protection updates for Schools and Online Privacy Campaign - reminder

Updates have been made to the data protection in schools manual about the use of photographs and CCTV in schools.

The Information Commissioner’s Office has launched the Switched on to Privacy campaign. This is designed to help parents and carers have conversations with their children about online privacy.

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: https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on/uckfield/uckfield-college

Essential Online Safety

Easy Fundraising for Uckfield College

Art of the Week

Art is all about the journey of looking closer at the world around us.

We are so proud of the focus and creativity Daniel S in Yr8 is bringing into the classroom. The way he has captured the light and deep, rich tones to create 3D form is absolutely brilliant. It’s not just a tomato; it’s a masterclass in observation and colour blending.

Some of us may have to Ketchup!!

Did You Know?

Refectory Weekly Menu

Useful Links for Parents/Carers

Year 7 Notices

Key Dates

Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students

Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students

Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm

Year 7 and 8 Assessment Fortnight - Monday 11th May – Friday 22nd May - Mr Bradley - reminder

At the end of Term 5 we will hold formal assessments in most subjects for students in Year 7 and in Year 8.

The aims of the assessment fortnight are:

• To find out what your child knows and what they have remembered

• To identify to teachers where your child needs support

• To inform you of how your child is getting on

• To provide an opportunity for your child to practise revising

• To ensure that your child feels comfortable doing assessments

Information about assessment week will be shared with students in an assembly and through Google Classrooms and will then be discussed in PDT with Form Mentors.

Most subjects will have a formal assessment: English, maths, science, geography, history, French or Spanish, technology subjects and computing. Other subjects will use other assessment methods to review progress. Some RE classes will have their assessment in the week of Monday 4th May: their teachers will confirm the dates with the students.
Some assessments will be written tests, some will be practically based assessments.
All assessments will take place in the classroom during lessons with support from learning assistants
Assessments will be spread out over 2 weeks – the timetable linked here shows when the assessments will take place. This is a suggested timetable and may be changed by some teachers to fit in with their teaching. They will let the class know if this is the case.
Students who are absent for an assessment will take the assessment when they return.
The Year 7 assessments will cover knowledge learnt in Year 7 and from terms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
The Year 8 assessments will cover knowledge learnt in Year 7 and from Year 8 in terms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Questions in the assessments will develop in difficulty
All students will be able to answer some questions
In some written subjects the final question is likely to be some form of extended writing

Teachers will:

provide students with revision lists or a revision sheet (via Google classroom) in the weeks running up to the assessment fortnight
explain in lessons everything students need to know
Arrange some revision in class or for homework before the assessment
help students to revise and get organised – there is no need to worry!

If, after receiving this information from the teachers, you have any questions please email your child’s class teacher. Your child’s form mentor, Pastoral Leader or Director of Year will be able to help with general enquiries

The next report informing you of your child’s performance will be sent home in late June.

Year 8 Notices

Key Dates

Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students

Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students

Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th & Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm

Year 7 and 8 Assessment Fortnight - Monday 11th May – Friday 22nd May - Mr Bradley - reminder

At the end of Term 5 we will hold formal assessments in most subjects for students in Year 7 and in Year 8.

The aims of the assessment fortnight are:

• To find out what your child knows and what they have remembered

• To identify to teachers where your child needs support

• To inform you of how your child is getting on

• To provide an opportunity for your child to practise revising

• To ensure that your child feels comfortable doing assessments

Information about assessment week will be shared with students in an assembly and through Google Classrooms and will then be discussed in PDT with Form Mentors.

Most subjects will have a formal assessment: English, maths, science, geography, history, French or Spanish, technology subjects and computing. Other subjects will use other assessment methods to review progress. Some RE classes will have their assessment in the week of Monday 4th May: their teachers will confirm the dates with the students.
Some assessments will be written tests, some will be practically based assessments.
All assessments will take place in the classroom during lessons with support from learning assistants
Assessments will be spread out over 2 weeks – the timetable linked here shows when the assessments will take place. This is a suggested timetable and may be changed by some teachers to fit in with their teaching. They will let the class know if this is the case.
Students who are absent for an assessment will take the assessment when they return.
The Year 7 assessments will cover knowledge learnt in Year 7 and from terms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
The Year 8 assessments will cover knowledge learnt in Year 7 and from Year 8 in terms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Questions in the assessments will develop in difficulty
All students will be able to answer some questions
In some written subjects the final question is likely to be some form of extended writing

Teachers will:

provide students with revision lists or a revision sheet (via Google classroom) in the weeks running up to the assessment fortnight
explain in lessons everything students need to know
Arrange some revision in class or for homework before the assessment
help students to revise and get organised – there is no need to worry!

The next report informing you of your child’s performance will be sent home in late June.

Year 8 Take Your Child To Work Day (June 23rd) - Deadline extension

Thank you to everyone who has completed the Google form for the Take Your child to Work Day. We have had a great response so far. A number of people have been in touch to say that they are still trying to organise the day and so we have decided to extend the deadline until Friday 22nd May. We want to give as many of our Year 8 students as possible the benefit of experiencing this opportunity. If you have not yet completed the Google form and are able to take your child to work then please read the attached letter and complete the form.

If the form is not completed we will assume your child will be in college on the 23rd June.

Students who are unable to be with their parents/guardians will spend the Deep Learning Day working on careers and workplace skills instead. There is also a small number of Year 8 students who will be rehearsing for the college production on that day.

Message from The Sussex Immunisation Service - reminder

Clinic information for missed HPV vaccination

Dear Parents and Carers

The Immunisation Service has recently attended Uckfield College for the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination clinic.

If you have already completed a form and your child wasn’t vaccinated in school 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 email.

If you did not return a consent form, but would like your child to receive the HPV vaccination, it’s not too late. Please see guidance below on how to complete an online consent form to book an appointment.

How do I consent/refuse to my child having these vaccinations?

Visit the following web address: https://www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/Forms/HPV
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/clinic booking/booking to book an appointment at one of our Community Catch up Clinics for your child to receive the vaccinations – You will require your booking reference number which can be found within the email you receive from Cinnamon once your consent form has 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

Year 9 Notices

Key Dates

Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students

Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students

Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th & Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm

Participation in the My Health, My School Survey Year 9 and 10 Life Learning

Students in Year 9 and 10 will be given the opportunity to take part in the My Health, My School Survey in term 6.

My Health, My School is an annual survey commissioned by Leeds City Council and partners to gather valuable insights into the health and wellbeing of children and young people across the country.

The survey covers topics including physical activity, emotional wellbeing, diet, and healthy lifestyles. The information collected helps schools, local authorities, and health services to plan and improve services for young people.

What You Need to Know:

Participation is voluntary.
The answers given will be anonymised and the survey does not collect names or any other personal data.
Your child can choose to withdraw at any time, even during completion of the survey (at this point their data will be deleted).
The survey is completed online during life learning lessons and takes approximately 30 minutes.
The completed survey data collected will be anonymised and used solely for research and planning purposes.
No individual child will be identified in any published result.

If you would like more information about the survey, please visit:

https://www.myhealthmyschoolsurvey.org.uk/pages/parents

If you have any specific questions or concerns about the survey please contact Will Roney (Curriculum Lead Life Learning).

YEAR 9 TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, POLIO, & MENINGITIS ACWY VACCINATION PROGRAMME

Important information for parents and carers from The Sussex Immunisation Service.

The Immunisation Service is coming into college to offer your child the Tetanus,Diphtheria, Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination(s).

Attached to this email is the Td/IPV & MenACWY parent letter which contains information about the upcoming vaccination session and instructions on how to complete the online consent form. If there are any medical queries on the submitted consent form and we are unable to contact you to discuss them, we may have to delay vaccination and invite you to attend one of our clinics.

Please follow the links below;

For information about the Td/IPV & MenACWY vaccines and frequently asked questions:
https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/resources/patient-resources/tetanus-diphtheria-and-polio-and-meningitis-vaccinations

To complete a consent form:https://www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/Forms/DTP

You will need the school code found within this parent letter to complete a consent form.

May Half Term Careers in STEM course from EDT

The FUTURE SKILLS PROGRAMME: Careers in STEM is a virtual programme from EDT taking place over the May Half Term. The course does cost £50 (Fully funded bursaries are available for eligible students, criteria is here).

The course will include a series of live sessions:

Live Q&A sessions with STEM professionals in four key STEM areas Net Zero futures, Digital AI futures, Health and Life Sciences futures and Engineering, Infrastructure and Manufacturing futures.
A session with early careers professionals on how to make successful applications including how to showcase their skills on their CV, applications and interviews.
Hear from apprentices and universities about opportunities available in STEM in interactive panel Q&A sessions.
A session with early careers professionals on how to succeed in the workplace including how to ask questions, networking and writing professional emails.

The course is suitable for all abilities, enthusiasm and curiosity are far more important than prior knowledge and at the end of the course, students will graduate as Bronze-level Industrial Cadets, a nationally recognised award they can use as evidence of their experience to support future applications and career journeys. The attached flyer has more details.

Year 10 Notices

Key Dates

Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students

Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students

Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th & Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm

Participation in the My Health, My School Survey Year 9 and 10 Life Learning

Students in Year 9 and 10 will be given the opportunity to take part in the My Health, My School Survey in term 6.

My Health, My School is an annual survey commissioned by Leeds City Council and partners to gather valuable insights into the health and wellbeing of children and young people across the country.

What You Need to Know:

Participation is voluntary.
The answers given will be anonymised and the survey does not collect names or any other personal data.
Your child can choose to withdraw at any time, even during completion of the survey (at this point their data will be deleted).
The survey is completed online during life learning lessons and takes approximately 30 minutes.
The completed survey data collected will be anonymised and used solely for research and planning purposes.
No individual child will be identified in any published result.

If you would like more information about the survey, please visit:

https://www.myhealthmyschoolsurvey.org.uk/pages/parents

If you have any specific questions or concerns about the survey please contact Will Roney (Curriculum Lead Life Learning).

Year 10 Term 5 attendance message from Mr Webster, Deputy Principal - reminder

As we move into the final stages of the academic year, I am writing to you regarding the vital importance of maintaining high levels of attendance for all our Year 10 students. While the finish line for this year is in sight, the momentum we build now is the single most important factor in ensuring a confident and successful transition into Year 11.

We were delighted to see the focus displayed during the recent Year 10 Trial Exams. However, the real progress happens now. Our teaching staff are currently tailoring every lesson to respond directly to the data from these exams. Being in the classroom with a subject specialist is irreplaceable during this phase, as lessons are specifically designed to:

Address misconceptions: Identifying and correcting the specific “stumbling blocks” discovered during the recent trials.
Reinforce Key Learning: Solidifying core knowledge now so that students aren’t playing “catch-up” in September.
Build resilience: Practising exam techniques under expert guidance to ensure students feel calm and capable heading into their final year.

Our recent data reinforces a clear link between attendance and academic progress. Students who maintain attendance above 95% are significantly more likely to see an improvement in their predicted grades, compared to those with attendance below 90%.

A highlight of next term is the Work Experience week in July. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to build professional skills and gain a positive platform for their future careers. We want our students to head into these placements with a strong sense of discipline and purpose, which starts with a consistent daily routine in school.

Beyond the academic benefits, being in College provides a crucial emotional support network. Navigating the increasing pressure of Key Stage 4 is much easier when surrounded by friends and staff who care deeply about student well-being.

We want every student to return in September ready to hit the ground running. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your child attends school every day during this critical period. Together, we can ensure they finish Year 10 with the confidence and results they deserve.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Important information from the Sussex Immunisation Service - Outstanding Td/IPV and MenACWY vaccinations

The Immunisation Service is coming into college for a Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination catch-up session on Friday 3rd July 2026 to offer these vaccines to students in years 10 and 11 who have not yet received the Td/IPV & amp; MenACWY vaccinations which are routinely offered in year 9.

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.

To complete a consent form:https://www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/Forms/DTP

You will need the school code found within this parent letter to complete a consent form.

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)

May Half Term Careers in STEM course from EDT

The course will include a series of live sessions:

Live Q&A sessions with STEM professionals in four key STEM areas Net Zero futures, Digital AI futures, Health and Life Sciences futures and Engineering, Infrastructure and Manufacturing futures.
A session with early careers professionals on how to make successful applications including how to showcase their skills on their CV, applications and interviews.
Hear from apprentices and universities about opportunities available in STEM in interactive panel Q&A sessions.
A session with early careers professionals on how to succeed in the workplace including how to ask questions, networking and writing professional emails.

Year 11 Notices

Key Dates

Friday 22nd May – Last day of term for all students

Monday 1st June – First day of term for all students

Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm

Thursday 25th June – Year 11 Prom

May Half Term 2026: Independent and Targeted Masterclass Sessions - Mr Webster

Independent Study Sessions

Following the success of our Easter School provision, we are pleased to again offer our Year 11 students a dedicated, quiet space to focus on their revision. We recognise that revising at home can be challenging due to distractions, and not every student has access to a quiet workspace.

Our Independent Study Sessions will be held in the SFSA (Sixth Form Study Area) during the May Half Term (Tuesday- Friday) and be overseen by members of the Leadership Team. These sessions provide a familiar, academic environment to help students maximise their productivity in preparation for their remaining exams.

Sessions will run daily from Tuesday 26th May to Friday 29th May:

Session 1: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Break: 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Session 2: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Students are welcome to attend as many sessions as they like and may book both slots each day to complete a full morning of study.

To ensure a high-quality study environment for everyone, the following will apply:

Independent Work: These are supervised quiet study sessions. Students must arrive on time with their own revision materials and the necessary equipment. (Staff across all subjects have already provided students with comprehensive revision guides and resources to use).
Focus: To ensure full concentration, mobile phones and/or headphones are not permitted during study sessions.
Dress Code: School uniform is not required; however, students must be dressed appropriately for a school environment.
Booking: Places must be reserved in advance via our Google Form

We strongly encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to maintain momentum, positivity and focus.

Masterclass Sessions

Alongside the Independent Study Sessions, subject specific Masterclass sessions will be running, delivered by subjects teachers. These sessions will be by invitation and will be tailored to the specific areas of development that those invited need to focus on. The sessions will run at the same time as Independent Study sessions. If your child is invited to a targeted, subject specific Masterclass session, this should take priority over attending Independent Study. Teachers will invite students to these sessions and inform them of any equipment that they will need, in advance.

If you know in advance that your child will be unable to attend any of their targeted sessions, it is important that you let staff know as soon as possible. This will allow us to offer the space to another student who could benefit.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Year 11 Breakfast and Online sessions

It has been a fantastic week for Year 11, with record numbers attending our breakfast and online sessions.

The students are reporting back positively, with lots of comments about how their final sessions have really helped them prepare and gain that little bit more confidence, at just the right time.

Our collective efforts are making a significant difference and if we can build on this positive momentum, it will surely be reflected on results day in August!

Please do not allow your son or daughter to miss remaining lessons or intervention sessions; the last inputs before exams really can make all the difference. All sessions are taught and specialist, and should not be missed.

Year 11 English Revision Sessions

The English department will be running the following sessions for Year 11:

– a 30 minute revision session the night before each English exam, starting with Sunday 10th May. These will be on GoogleMeet with either the Curriculum Leader or Deputy Curriculum Leader. Please see these slides for details, and the links.

– a breakfast revision session with all English teachers on the morning of each exam. See these slides for details.

– after school revision sessions with English teachers in their usual classrooms on Monday 18th May and Thursday 4th June.

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!

Ensuring an Optimum Examination Environment for Year 11 - Mr Webster - reminder

As we approach the summer GCSE examination series, our primary focus is ensuring that every student at Uckfield College has the best possible environment in which to succeed. We want to ensure that their years of hard work are reflected in their results, free from unnecessary distractions.

Following feedback from students after the recent Trial Exams, many noted that frequent movement in and out of the exam hall was, on occasion, disruptive to their concentration. To address this and to align with the practices of many other high-performing schools, we are implementing a revised policy regarding toilet breaks during examinations.

To protect the integrity of the exam hall and maximise student focus, we are introducing a ‘no-break zone’ during the first 60 minutes and last 15 minutes of any examination. To support this change, we will issue a formal ‘final call’ for the toilets before students enter the hall, ensuring that all candidates are reminded that entering the exam room signifies they are fully prepared for the duration of the session. This does not apply to those students who may need to leave the exam hall due to a diagnosed medical condition.

While we are committed to reducing disruptions, we understand that genuine emergencies occur. Invigilators will always retain the discretion to assist any student who becomes physically unwell or faces an immediate emergency.

Managing the exam rooms carefully and efficiently is essential for maintaining the strict security and integrity required by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). By reducing unnecessary movement, our invigilation team can remain focused on supporting the students and overseeing the regulations effectively.

We kindly ask for your support in discussing this with your child. Encouraging them to manage their hydration and use the facilities immediately before their ‘final call’ will help them settle into their exams more comfortably.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication Year 11 has shown thus far. By working together to create a calm, focused, and professional atmosphere, we give every student the fairest chance to achieve their potential.

Important information from the Sussex Immunisation Service - Outstanding Td/IPV and MenACWY vaccinations

To complete a consent form:https://www.susseximmunisations.co.uk/Forms/DTP

You will need the school code found within this parent letter to complete a consent form.

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)

Life After School - A free resource for parents and guardians from INVESTIN

INVESTIN have produced a new report: ‘The Ultimate Parents’ Guide to Life After School’. This resource provides families with insights and practical takeaways to help their children make informed career decisions. The report offers families a comprehensive look at the professional world today, featuring:

The options and pathways available to students
The rise of AI and advanced technology
How to engaged in career-focused conversations with your child
Advice from our network of industry professionals
Top tips for parents & carers

Important information from Mr Prichard

As our Year 11 students approach the final stages of their GCSE examinations, I wanted to take a moment to share how incredibly proud I am of every single one of them. Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to their studies have been truly commendable, and I know they are all striving to do their very best. We wish them every success in their exams and look forward to celebrating all they have achieved.

Students are expected in school full time up until 5th June and we kindly ask that students continue to wear College uniform correctly for all exams. Maintaining uniform standards supports a focused and respectful exam environment. From the 5th June students will have finished a number of subjects, so will need more flexibility. Students will not need to be in school for the lessons of subjects that they have finished, however they must still attend lessons in subjects they haven’t finished.

Year 11 students will be provided with a card that allows them to electronically register in and out of school when they don’t have scheduled lessons to attend. It is absolutely essential that all students register so that we know where they are at all times during the school day. This is so that we can keep all our students safe e.g in the event of a fire. Students will need to wait patiently to use the electronic registration. If a student does not register we may remove the option of study leave from that student. The card will not have a photo or lanyard so please speak to your child about how they can keep it safe so they are able to use this system successfully.

Students who wish to study off site from the 5th of June will need parental permission. It is therefore crucial that you complete this Google Form to provide permission for your child to be on flexible study leave. Students without this consent will not be allowed off site. Students who wish to study in school lessons may do so in the sixth form study area but should still use the electronic system to register.

I am also excited to confirm the details of this year’s Prom, which will be a wonderful celebration of their 5 years at school:

Date: Thursday 25th June 2026
Venue: AMEX Stadium, Brighton
Arrival time: from 17:45pm
Collection time: 23:00pm

The evening will include a formal two-course meal, a DJ-led disco, and a photobooth for capturing memories of this special event. If your child is planning to arrive in an unusual vehicle (e.g., limousine, vintage car, tractor, etc.), please let us know in advance so we can inform the AMEX and ensure smooth arrangements for arrivals. The final deadline date for payment is: Monday 1st June 2026. All payments are made through parentpay.

In addition to prom, please make note of the following upcoming dates:

Year 11 Celebration Evening (by invitation only): Thursday 18th June 2026 18:00 – 19:00
Year 11 Graduation Assembly (students only): Friday 19th June 14:00. Students will arrive from 13:45. School uniform is not required but we do insist that the students are appropriately dressed to be on college site.

Finally, we always mark the end of the Year 11 journey with a Yearbook. This can be purchased directly with our supplier through the following link allyearbooks.co.uk/buy/25213 with a deadline also set for Monday 1st June 2026.

Thank you for your continued support throughout this important year. We look forward to sharing these final moments with your children and celebrating their many accomplishments.

Sixth Form Notices

Key Dates

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

Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th & Friday 26th June – College Musical, 6pm – 7.30pm

Thorpe Park and Enrichment Week Activities - Monday 6th to Friday 10th July - now open and available on ParentPay

During Enrichment Week, Year 12 will be taking part in a range of activities that will help them get ahead before they start their final year in September. The first day will be focused around preparing for MUNGA, our Model United Nations General Assembly day that takes place on the Tuesday of that week. There will be two days of careers and UCAS preparation where students will be given guidance to write their first draft personal statements or work on their careers research and CVs. There will also be a Year 12 Celebration Evening on Thursday 9th July.

After what we are sure will be a highly productive and hard-working week, we would like to reward students by taking them on a group trip to Thorpe Park on Friday 10th July. We hope this will be a fun day and a celebration of what they have achieved this year.

For further information please see the attached letter

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Applying for Student Finance

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.