Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups
30th January 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers
Uckfield Rocks the Weald Winter Concert
This week, the January blues were well and truly lifted by another high quality concert. Many congratulations to everyone who performed so well, and the amazing Star Tech backstage crew. It was fantastic to see so many families really enjoying the music! Thank you too to our amazing PTA for their support.
Using technology to improve teaching and learning: BETT and AI
We are proud to be national leaders in educational technology. Last week, Assistant Principal Jon Waite presented at the BETT conference on effective use of Chromebooks to support SEND students, reflecting our commitment to maximising accessibility features and encouraging staff innovation.
In related news, we are conducting exciting trial projects on AI to further improve teaching and learning. Following successful safeguarding tests, we plan to launch Gemini for AI for KS5 students, with a phased rollout to other year groups. Through assemblies, we will coach students on creating effective prompts and how you can and can’t use it effectively for revision, while also clarifying that it must not be used for certain tasks or homeworks.
Wishing you a great weekend!
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
Principal
Student Google Profile Avatars - Martin Bradley
At Uckfield College, we want our digital spaces to be just like our classrooms: safe, respectful, and positive environments where everyone can focus on learning. Our Uckfield Qualities, especially Kindness and Integrity, guide how we treat each other, whether we are speaking face-to-face or interacting online.
Changes to Google Avatars
We have taken the decision to disable custom profile pictures (avatars) on student Google accounts. Next week, all student profiles will revert to a standard initial icon.
Why we have taken this step
While most students use their accounts very responsibly, we have recently seen a number of instances of students using inappropriate images. This has included photos of other students used without their permission. It has also included images that could potentially cause offense, or are discriminatory.
Using someone else’s image in this way can be upsetting and disrespectful, and it goes against our core value of Respect for All. It also breaks the Student Acceptable Use policy.
It is also about making sure our online presence reflects the very best version of ourselves.
Every Second Counts
We do not have the staffing resources to continuously check student avatars and address those that are wrong; we want to spend our time focusing on student progress. By moving back to standard profile icons, we can help ensure there are no distractions or unkindness in our digital workspace, allowing everyone to feel comfortable and ready to learn. Students will still be able to personalise their desktop background, whilst remembering that they must only use appropriate images.
Thank you for your continued partnership in upholding the high standards of our College.
Fundraising event and help for the PTA - Vanessa Wilson-Best
We have a lovely music event coming up, with a PTA bar. This is an important fundraiser for both music and the PTA.
Could you possibly help please?
We need more bar staff for the PTA at the next event, and also help on the door.
It is being held on a dreary Wednesday and will be lovely, bubbly fun event with a fabulous team, supporting our young musicians. Please email v.wilson-best@uckfield.college and I will connect the dots.
Changes to Bus Fares – February 2026 - East Sussex County Council notice
Bus fare reductions funded by ESCC’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) will end on 01 February. The Freedom Weekly Ticket, which provides unlimited travel for under 19s on all bus services will change slightly later to align with half term. From Monday 16 February the cost of this ticket will increase to £20 for seven days of unlimited travel.
ESCC’s BSIP schemes have helped to improve travel for thousands of passengers across East Sussex, and they thank you all for being part of this journey.
For full details of fare changes please visit Fares and discounts | East Sussex County Council.
Much Ado About Nothing
Since September, students in year 10 and above have been rehearsing for our own production of Much Ado About Nothing. Amidst learning and performing Shakespearian language with ease, our students have worked exceptionally hard during the rehearsal process. It would be amazing if you could come and watch the presentation of their hard work on Tuesday 3rd February at 6pm. Breaking Boundaries: An Evening with Sussex Cricket - Tuesday 3rd March
Sussex Cricket are holding a special roadshow event at Uckfield College titled “An Evening with Sussex Cricket.” This is the start of our fantastic new partnership with Sussex Cricket, which will provide an exceptional boost to cricket opportunities for students at the College.
The session will feature players from the Men’s, Women’s, and Disability teams – alongside key figures including Jon Filby – Sussex Cricket Chair, Mark West – Interim CEO, Paul Farbrace – Director of Cricket and Gary Wallis-Tayler – Head of Foundation.
The evening will offer supporters, clubs, players, parents and the wider Sussex Cricket community a unique opportunity to hear insights on the future of Cricket in Sussex and plans for the year ahead. You will hear a look ahead to the new season and plans for Cricket through the Breaking Boundaries programme.
The event will run from 7pm to 9pm, providing an engaging mix of discussion and interaction.
For more details and to register, visit the booking link here or contact foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk.
Create Music
Roma Holocaust Exhibition - Uckfield Library, 9th - 22nd February
Parent/Carer Mental Health Day - 30th January 2026
Parent/Carer Mental Health Day, founded by stem4 in 2022, takes place each year on 30th January. The day highlights the vital connection between parents and carers’ mental health, and the wellbeing of the whole family. When parents are supported, children and young people benefit too.
While mental health matters throughout the year, Parent/Carer Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness and share practical support. The resources signposted below are aimed at helping families feel connected and supported.
Good Enough Parenting Affirmations – Build your confidence and self-esteem with these lovely affirmation cards. We recommend repeating them to yourself each morning and evening.
Positivity of Parenting: Wellbeing Pack – Find a whole range of helpful wellbeing resources for the whole family in this pack.
I Feel Stressed: Mental Declutter for Parents – Get all those thoughts out of your head by writing down whatever is making you feel stressed on this handy sheet.
Calming Exercises to Support Your Wellbeing – Make time to relax and feel centred with these brilliant calming exercises.
Notification of Absences on Arbor - Reminder
Same-day absence
- In the App, click the 3 lines on the bottom left side of your screen
- Click on the Attendance box
- Click the green bar at the top that says Log Absence
Please do not use the in app messages for same day absences.
For an absence in the future, eg a hospital appointment
- In the App, click the Account logo on the bottom right side of your screen
- Click messages
- Click the green bar that says Send New Message
Medical Appointments
Please ensure that any notifications of absences for medical appointments are received before the start of the school day, rather than during the day. If a student has a medical appointment during the school day parents should notify the College before the start of the day so that this can be coded appropriately.
We also need some information about the nature of the appointment (e.g. Doctor’s appointment at Meads Medical Centre at 2.40pm), rather than just stating ‘appointment’ or ‘medical appointment’.
Art of the Week
This huge portrait is created by our wonderfully talented A-Level student, Aurora.
Photo of the Week
This week’s winner was taken by Annabel in year 12, as a part of a shoot exploring how subjects can interact with their environment.
The thoughtful framing through the window is a great example of this – well done Annabel!
Did You Know?
Year 7 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 3rd February – Much Ado about Nothing, 6pm
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Year 8 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 3rd February – Much Ado about Nothing, 6pm
Thursday 5th February – Year 8 Habits of Champions Evening/Options Evening – attendance necessary for all Year 8 students and parents/carers 4.30pm – 7pm
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Hove Lagoon - Enrichment Week 2026
Year 9 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 3rd February – Much Ado about Nothing, 6pm
Tuesday 10th February – Year 9 Vaccinations – Postponed, date TBC
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
WWI Battlefields Trip - Enrichment Week July 2026
The History Department will be running a WWI Battlefields Trip in 2026 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 BIG FUTURES Show for all Year 9 students - Tuesday 28th April 2026 - reminder
Webinar for Parents and Carers: Exploring Creative and Digital Careers – 11th Feb 2026
We’re excited to invite you to a free online webinar designed to help parents and carers explore the growing world of creative and digital careers – and how young people in East Sussex can get started.
Exploring Careers in Creative & Digital – Parent and Carer Webinar
Wednesday 11th February 2026
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Online
Link here to register for the event
This event is part of the Digital Futures Accelerator – a project funded by the Careers & Enterprise Company and delivered in partnership by the East Sussex Careers Hub and TechNative Digital.
The programme aims to raise awareness of future-facing careers and help young people across East Sussex discover real, local opportunities in the creative and tech industries.
What to expect:
- A clear overview of the creative and digital sectors – and the wide range of careers available
- Information on pathways such as T Levels, apprenticeships, bootcamps, sixth form and college options
- Advice from experienced industry professionals who support young people in our area
Our guest speakers include:
- James Byford – Director of Adventures & Wisdom and Strategic Lead at Create South East – Jim has supported hundreds of young people into creative work experience placements across East Sussex and will share insight into what employers are looking for.
- Kaia Allen-Bevan – TEDx speaker, poet and founder of YouthTheGap CIC – Kaia is a nationally recognised speaker and changemaker working with schools and organisations to help reimagine education and empower young people through creative expression and social impact.
- Kate Regester – Programme manager of the Coastal Catalyst programme for Future Creators – Supporting arts and cultural education across the region and with a talent for connecting ideas, people and impact, Kate brings deep insight into how creative skills can shape meaningful careers for young people today
This session is aimed at parents and carers of young people in Years 9–11, but is open to all. It will be a relaxed and informative conversation with the opportunity to ask questions and access further resources.
We’d love for you to join us.
Reserve your place now:
Link here to register for the event
DofE Parent/Student Meeting- Monday 2nd February 2026 - Luke Sidwell
We would like to invite you to attend an important Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) parent/carer information meeting for Bronze students on Monday 2nd February 2026.
The meeting will be delivered by AAP E3 Adventures, who run the DofE expeditions on behalf of Uckfield College. It will be led by Bryn Beach, Company Director, and is extremely informative for both students and parents. The session will cover all key aspects of the expeditions for Bronze, Silver and Gold participants.
We strongly recommend that both students and parents/carers attend this meeting. Students have already been notified via their DofE Google Classrooms.
Meeting details:
- Date: Monday 2nd February
- Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
- Location: Theatre, Uckfield College
Consent forms will be printed and available on the evening. Please note that all students must have a completed consent form before they are able to begin their expeditions.
If you wish to complete this in advance of the meeting and kindly bring a printed consent form with you, the link to the consent form is attached here.
We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for your continued support of the DofE programme.
Year 10 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 3rd February – Much Ado about Nothing, 6pm
Tuesday 10th February – Vaccination catch up session – Postponed, date TBC
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Webinar for Parents and Carers: Exploring Creative & Digital Careers – 11th Feb 2026
We’re excited to invite you to a free online webinar designed to help parents and carers explore the growing world of creative and digital careers – and how young people in East Sussex can get started.
Exploring Careers in Creative & Digital – Parent & Carer Webinar
Wednesday 11th February 2026
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Online
Link here to register for the event
This event is part of the Digital Futures Accelerator – a project funded by the Careers & Enterprise Company and delivered in partnership by the East Sussex Careers Hub and TechNative Digital.
The programme aims to raise awareness of future-facing careers and help young people across East Sussex discover real, local opportunities in the creative and tech industries.
What to expect:
- A clear overview of the creative and digital sectors – and the wide range of careers available
- Information on pathways such as T Levels, apprenticeships, bootcamps, sixth form and college options
- Advice from experienced industry professionals who support young people in our area
Our guest speakers include:
- James Byford – Director of Adventures & Wisdom and Strategic Lead at Create South East – Jim has supported hundreds of young people into creative work experience placements across East Sussex and will share insight into what employers are looking for.
- Kaia Allen-Bevan – TEDx speaker, poet and founder of YouthTheGap CIC – Kaia is a nationally recognised speaker and changemaker working with schools and organisations to help reimagine education and empower young people through creative expression and social impact.
- Kate Regester – Programme manager of the Coastal Catalyst programme for Future Creators – Supporting arts and cultural education across the region and with a talent for connecting ideas, people and impact, Kate brings deep insight into how creative skills can shape meaningful careers for young people today
This session is aimed at parents and carers of young people in Years 9–11, but is open to all. It will be a relaxed and informative conversation with the opportunity to ask questions and access further resources.
We’d love for you to join us.
Reserve your place now:
Link here to register for the event
Year 11 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 3rd February – Much Ado about Nothing, 6pm
Thursday 4th – Friday 5th February – Dance Trial Exam
Tuesday 10th February – Vaccination catch up session – Postponed, date TBC
Monday 9th – Friday 13th February – Year 11 Trial Exams 2
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Monday 23rd – Friday 27th February – Year 11 Trial Exams 2
Flashcard Fiesta
Webinar for Parents and Carers: Exploring Creative & Digital Careers – 11th Feb 2026
We’re excited to invite you to a free online webinar designed to help parents and carers explore the growing world of creative and digital careers – and how young people in East Sussex can get started.
Exploring Careers in Creative & Digital – Parent & Carer Webinar
Wednesday 11th February 2026
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Online
Link here to register for the event
This event is part of the Digital Futures Accelerator – a project funded by the Careers & Enterprise Company and delivered in partnership by the East Sussex Careers Hub and TechNative Digital.
The programme aims to raise awareness of future-facing careers and help young people across East Sussex discover real, local opportunities in the creative and tech industries.
What to expect:
- A clear overview of the creative and digital sectors – and the wide range of careers available
- Information on pathways such as T Levels, apprenticeships, bootcamps, sixth form and college options
- Advice from experienced industry professionals who support young people in our area
Our guest speakers include:
- James Byford – Director of Adventures & Wisdom and Strategic Lead at Create South East – Jim has supported hundreds of young people into creative work experience placements across East Sussex and will share insight into what employers are looking for.
- Kaia Allen-Bevan – TEDx speaker, poet and founder of YouthTheGap CIC – Kaia is a nationally recognised speaker and changemaker working with schools and organisations to help reimagine education and empower young people through creative expression and social impact.
- Kate Regester – Programme manager of the Coastal Catalyst programme for Future Creators – Supporting arts and cultural education across the region and with a talent for connecting ideas, people and impact, Kate brings deep insight into how creative skills can shape meaningful careers for young people today
This session is aimed at parents and carers of young people in Years 9–11, but is open to all. It will be a relaxed and informative conversation with the opportunity to ask questions and access further resources.
We’d love for you to join us.
Reserve your place now:
Link here to register for the event
Two Online workshops on what the future of work could look like and how to prepare for it: 3rd and 10th February, 6pm - reminder
Supporting Students with Anxiety from 'Action Your Potential' - reminder
Sixth Form Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 3rd February – Much Ado about Nothing, 6pm
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Thursday 26th March – Ten Pin Bowling at Brighton Marina, 4.30 – 9pm
Thursday 16th April – Year 12 UCAS Higher Education & Apprenticeship Convention at Brighton Centre
Thursday 23rd April – Year 12 Preparation for Higher Education Evening, 6pm
Year 12 Work Experience w/c 9th February - Forms and Next Steps - Mrs Aguilera and Mr Simmons
The Year 12 Work Experience briefing took place in assembly this week; students were asked to check their placements on Unifrog, and follow up with their employer if their form is missing.
The students also need to contact their placement to make final arrangements (e.g. time of arrival, dress code and lunch arrangements etc).
Key Next Steps:
- Check Placement forms on Unifrog and follow up
- Make contact with your employer to make final arrangements
The presentation shown for next steps and student recording of work experience during w/c 9th Feb can be found below:
Sixth Form Social Event: Ten Pin Bowling at Brighton Marina Thursday 26th March 2026 - 4.30pm to 9pm
Our next 6th Form social trip this academic year is to the Hollywood Bowl at Brighton Marina on Thursday 26th March. The evening will consist of two games of tenpin bowling and the ability to enjoy the various dining outlets in the marina.
The trip is available to all 6th Form students, however, there are limited spaces available due to the capacity of the Hollywood Bowl, so places are likely to go very quickly.
For full details please see the attached letter.
Year 12 UCAS Higher Education and Apprenticeship Exhibition - Thursday 16th April 2026
In addition to our Information Evening we have arranged a visit to the UCAS Higher Education and Apprenticeship Convention at the Brighton Centre on Thursday 16th April.
The purpose of this annual conference is to give your child an introduction to Higher Education and other options after Year 13. The conference planners aim to have over 100 exhibitors, including university admission staff, careers advisors, apprenticeship providers, sponsorship organisations and Gap Year staff.
Please see the full letter here
Year 12 Preparation for Higher Education Evening Thursday 23rd April, 6pm to 7.15pm in the Theatre
As part of our programme aimed at informing your child about their Higher Education or gap year options, we have arranged a Higher Education Information Evening at College on Thursday 23rd April 2026, for both students and parents. The 6th Form Team and a representative from the University of Sussex will talk through the UCAS process and the reasons why students might wish to consider Higher Education. The talk will start promptly at 6.00pm. This is a most important, valuable and informative evening for both you and your child, and attendance is encouraged.
If you are intending to join us for the evening, we would be grateful if you could complete the attached Google Form in order to give us an indication of numbers.
Explore thousands of Higher and Degree Apprenticeship vacancies
Explore 1,600+ Higher and Degree apprenticeships in the January 2026 edition of the Higher & Degree Vacancy listing.
Discover vacancy details from over 65+ employers, including:
- Vacancy locations
- Salary information
- Direct application links
Download the Higher & Degree listing in PDF format below or find out more about the listing, who it is for and how to best use it in our FAQs.
The next edition of the Higher & Degree Listing is due for release in April 2026. Register here to be one of the first to receive it!