Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups
6th February 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers
We’ve had a positive and purposeful week in College, with some fantastic teaching and learning taking place, despite the seemingly incessant rain! It is always an absolute pleasure to see our students enjoying their learning, achieving and working hard. Our interactive staff meeting this week again focused inclusive total participation strategies through language-rich classrooms, and it is wonderful to see the students responding so well.
Enterprising and Confident
Congratulations to the multiple students, mostly from Year 10, who participated in this vibrant, hugely enjoyable showing of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ this week – there were some truly memorable, charismatic performances, and wonderful support from the Star Tech Crew.
Thank you too to everyone who came to Year 8 Options Evening last night – it was a very well-attended, purposeful evening, with lots of great conversations focused on exciting next steps for the students: ‘Your teachers are so inspiring and enthusiastic!’ – Year 8 parent.
And finally…
Year 11 start their second round of trial exams next week. We wish them well with these important practices. Good luck too to Year 12 for their work experience!
Wishing you an enjoyable weekend,
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Training Exercise at Uckfield College
On Thursday 19th February, during half term, the Fire Service will be using our site to conduct a training exercise. As part of this exercise, you may see a significant number of emergency vehicles and fire service personnel on the College grounds and in the surrounding area.
Please do not be alarmed if you see or hear of emergency services at the College on this day; there is no cause for concern.
We are proud to support our local emergency services by providing a space for them to practise vital life-saving skills. To ensure the exercise is as realistic as possible for the participants, the full details of the scenario are being kept confidential until the day.
The College will be closed to students as usual for the half-term holiday, and the exercise will be completed well before we reopen for the new term.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue have released an Advance Notice regarding the exercise, which you can read here.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Uniform Consistency Y7-11 - Beth Brown
We believe that our uniform plays a vital role in building a sense of belonging and personal excellence so it is important for you to be aware that we will be refining how we manage uniform consistency starting after the half-term break.
From the start of the new half-term, students observed wearing their uniform incorrectly will be issued a break-time detention. Staff will log these instances directly onto Arbor. We therefore encourage students to check their Arbor calendars regularly to stay informed of any scheduled detentions.
Students who wear their uniform correctly—as the vast majority of our students do—will be unaffected by these changes as they will not receive a uniform sanction.
Thank you for your continued support.
Light Camera Cabaret - Wednesday 11th February 6pm - Vanessa Wilson-Best
I am delighted to provide you with details of our upcoming “Lights, Camera, Cabaret” event on Wednesday 11th February 2026. We have so many wonderful singers and performers at Uckfield College that we are celebrating some of this talent at our first cabaret style, lounge event.
The event will take place in the College Refectory, overlooking the terrace, with the PTA bar offering refreshments.
- Doors at 5.30pm
- Event begins at 6pm
- Event ends at 7.30pm
It would be a shame for any parents of students involved to miss out, so tickets are available in advance via Ticket Source.
New for this Term: The ‘Read to Rise’ Book List
Our College librarian has curated an exciting new reading collection called ‘Read to Rise’, specifically designed to grow a culture of aspiration among our students.
The ‘Read to Rise’ campaign is focused on encouraging students to look forward and outward. By engaging with these hand-picked titles, students are challenged to think bigger, explore new perspectives, and set ambitious goals for their future.
- Broadening Horizons: Each book has been chosen to spark curiosity about the world, high-level academic concepts, and diverse career paths.
- Encouraging Ambition: The collection features stories of enterprise and achievement to inspire students to reach for outstanding outcomes in all areas of their lives.
- Building Confidence: Reading widely beyond the curriculum helps students develop the knowledge and self-belief to feel confident in their future aspirations.
We encourage you to talk to your child about the list and perhaps choose a title to explore together. You can find the full ‘Read to Rise’ selection on the college website and in the library.
Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and achievers!
LGBT+ History Month 2026
This February, Uckfield College will be celebrating LGBT+ History month with a host of activities that students can engage with to learn about LGBT people who have influenced and shaped our times. We will be providing learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom, as well as holding some activities at lunchtimes.
We will also be raising money for AllSorts Charity based in Brighton. The charity supports young people in Sussex who are LGBT+ and they also provide training and education workshops to create a more inclusive and safer environment for LGBT+ people.
We will also be putting on a film evening in the school Theatre where students are invited to watch the film, ‘The Imitation Game’ (age rating 12) If you would like to watch a trailer please click here. The film will be shown on Wednesday 25th February from 3.30pm-5.00pm. If you give permission for your child to attend, please purchase a ticket on Parent Pay for £1.50 (proceeds going to AllSorts charity).
Please click here to see the schedule of the activities on during LGBT+ History Month
If you require any more information, please contact Will Roney, Curriculum Lead, Life Learning w.roney@uckfield.college or Daniel Bedford, Curriculum Lead Computing d.beford@uckfield.college
Winter Wonder Competition
Highly Recommended! Taming the Worries Online Workshop - Tuesday 24th February
Roma Holocaust Exhibition - Uckfield Library, 9th - 22nd February
Fundraising event and help for the PTA - Vanessa Wilson-Best - Reminder
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.
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
Bringing the heat to your feed today!
Tasked with capturing the vibrant colours, organic curves, and reflective highlights of a trio of chilli peppers, our students absolutely delivered.
Ava, Year 9 has mastered the style of our featured artist, Kim Blair. It’s amazing to see how much growth can happen when creativity meets focus!
Photo of the Week
Roman says: “This photo is for my GCSE exam work. The theme I chose was costume, so I dressed up as a character called Cleo. She is meant to be a half-zombified human, which is why I painted the left-hand side of my face green, and then later edited it red to give it a more realistic and gruesome feel. I thought it would be a clever idea to go outside and use the scenery around me to give it a more apocalyptic feeling. I posed myself so that it seemed as if I was dragging myself along the floor while making eye contact with the camera, which is meant to represent the character’s prey.”
Did You Know?
Year 7 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 11th February – Lights, Camera Cabaret 6pm
Friday 13th February – Last Day of Term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Parents' Evening Booking System - Martin Bradley
The Year 7 Parents’ Evening is on Thursday 5th March starting at 4.30pm and finishing at 7.30pm. This will be held as live, face to face meetings in College which can be booked using the School Cloud system.
Some staff who do not work on Wednesdays will hold their appointments remotely on Tuesday 3rd March or Wednesday 4th March between 4.30pm and 7.30pm
Parents will be able to book appointments from Tuesday 24th February at 7.30am to Tuesday 3rd March at 10pm . This information sheet gives details of how to book an appointment..
Immersive Cycle Training
During the week beginning the 23rd February, all Year 7 students will get the opportunity to participate in East Sussex County Council’s Immersive Cycle Training.
The sessions are based on virtual training and last 60 minutes.
Year 8 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 11th February – Lights, Camera Cabaret 6pm
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 10th February – Year 9 Vaccinations – Postponed, date TBC
Wednesday 11th February – Lights, Camera Cabaret 6pm
Friday 13th February – Last Day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Tuesday 28th April – The Big Futures Show
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
Year 10 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 10th February – Vaccination catch up session – Postponed date TBC
Wednesday 11th February – Lights, Camera Cabaret 6pm
Friday 13th February – Last Day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Students in 10BSc/4 - research project with Mr Munroe
Webinar for Parents and Carers: Exploring Creative and Digital Careers – 11th February 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 10th February – Vaccination catch up session – Postponed: date TBC
Wednesday 11th February – Lights, Camera Cabaret 6pm
Monday 9th – Friday 13th February – Year 11 Trial Exams begin
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 continue
A message from Action Your Potential - Andrew Wright (AWP)
Apprenticeship Open Day Wednesday 18th February - Steve Willis Training
We are pleased to invite Year 11 learners and parents to our upcoming Open Day at our Burgess Hill Centre, located at:
Sheddingdean Industrial Estate
Burgess Hill
RH15 8QY
Our Open Days are a great opportunity for learners to come down and have a look around the centre, meet our trainers, and find out more about the courses and support we offer. It’s an informal chance to ask questions, see the facilities, and get a feel for what learning with us is like.
Open Day Date and Time:
- Wednesday 18th February 2026 – 3.00pm to 7.00pm
Learners are welcome to drop in at any time during these sessions.
To help us manage numbers, please ask learners to scan the QR code on the attached poster or use the link below to sign up for an Open Day.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Burgess Hill Centre
Webinar for Parents and Carers: Exploring Creative and Digital Careers – 11th February 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
Sixth Form Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 11th February – Lights, Camera Cabaret 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 and Apprenticeship Convention at Brighton Centre
Thursday 23rd April – Year 12 Preparation for Higher Education Evening, 6pm
Parents' Evening Booking System - Martin Bradley
The Year 12 and 13 Parents’ Evening is on Thursday 26th February starting at 4.30pm and finishing at 7.30pm. This will be held as remote, online meetings, which can be booked using the School Cloud system.
Some staff who do not work on Thursdays will hold their appointments remotely on Tuesday 24th February or Wednesday 25th February between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.
Parents/carers will be able to book appointments from Tuesday 10th February at 7.30am to Monday 23rd February at 10pm. This information sheet gives details of how to book an appointment.
Year 12 Work Experience w/c 9th February - Forms and Next Steps - Mrs Aguilera and Mr Simmons - reminder
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.
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