Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups
9th January 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers
Happy New Year!
It’s been an absolute pleasure to welcome everyone back to the College this week, and students have made a great start to 2026, already collectively earning 6,287 achievement points!
This term’s Habits of Champions focus is on being aspirational, and supporting and celebrating others doing the sam. We are talking to students about self-respect, making the most of opportunities, and explicitly rewarding in lessons the positive habits and behaviours that will develop those vital learning and interpersonal skills.
It’s also been the start of a very significant change for the College with the move to Arbor as our new information management system. Arbor will streamline our communications and administrative processes, and ultimately will lead to better provision overall.
Wishing you a great weekend,
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
Principal
Change from Edulink/SIMS to Arbor - Mr M. Bradley
On Monday January 5th, we switched from Edulink/SIMS to Arbor.
As previously communicated, this new system will bring many advantages to the College as Arbor is modern, intuitive, coherent, coordinated, centralised, cloud based and works on all devices.
We shall continue to manage your child’s chromebook and we will still use Google Classrooms (for homework and assignments), SchoolCloud (for parents’ evenings), Parent Pay (for payments), SPARX, Century, Educake, Seneca and some other educational software packages.
We have now opened the Arbor Parent Portal and the Arbor Parent App for you to use.
Please go ahead and log in to the Parent Portal or Parent App by Monday January 19th (when Edulink will be swtiched off) so that you can continue to access information about your child and report absence reasons.
Accessing Parent Portal on a computer:
An Arbor account has been set up for you.
To finish creating your account, you just need to set a password.
You can do this by following the instructions sent to you in a recent email.
You can report Absence via the Quicklink>Attendance button
This article provides an introduction to the Arbor Parent Portal for parents and carers, detailing how to log in, navigate the homepage dashboard, and access various features such as attendance statistics, and communication tools. It also explains how to switch between multiple children’s profiles and view detailed information about each child’s academic progress and College activities.
Transition to Arbor update regarding behaviour consequences - Miss B. Brown
As we move forward with Arbor, we are taking the opportunity to refine our behaviour sanctions to ensure they remain fair, transparent, and conducive to a focused learning environment. Please find the key updates below:
1. Uniform: At Uckfield College, we encourage our students to take pride in their appearance as a reflection of their “Respect for All.” To ensure these high standards are maintained, please be aware that incorrectly worn uniform will now result in a break-time detention (previously lunch time). We ask for your support in encouraging your child to model the Uckfield Quality of self-regulation by ensuring their uniform is correct before they arrive at College each morning.
2. Same-Day Detentions: To help us address concerns promptly and ensure that learning can move forward without delay, we are moving to a more immediate detention system.
If a teacher sets a break or lunch-time detention before that period occurs on the same day, it will now be a same-day detention.
We have spoken to students about their responsibility to check their Arbor calendar regularly and to ask their teachers for clarification if they are ever unsure of the timing.
3. The Arbor Behaviour Point Scale: To ensure our records accurately reflect the choices made within our community, we have introduced a scaled system on Arbor. Rather than all incidents being worth a single point, more serious incidents will now carry a higher number of behaviour points. This allows for a more nuanced and fair reflection of student conduct.
Notification of Absences on Arbor
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’.
Important: Safe Parking Practices Near Uckfield College
We regularly receive very reasonable concerns from local residents about parking practices during drop-off and pick-up times on the roads surrounding the College. The cold and wet weather has also meant even more traffic than usual at the start and end of the day. Ensuring the safety of our students, pedestrians, and other drivers is of utmost importance to us.
Safety Concerns:
Parking on Pavements and Junctions: cars have been observed using Oak Tree Court, pavements, and junctions as parking areas, which poses a danger to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Blocking Driveways and Visibility: some vehicles are blocking driveways and reducing visibility at junctions, creating potentially hazardous situations.
Alternative Parking Options:
We kindly urge you to consider using the nearby parking facilities:
Luxfords Car Park
Hempstead Lane Car Park
Both are just a short walk from the College and provide a safer environment for everyone.
Please consider using the alternative car parks mentioned above.
Please also adhere to Traffic Laws: avoid parking in ways that block driveways, pavements, or create visibility issues at junctions.
Please also 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.
We understand the challenges of College drop-offs and pick-ups and appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for our community.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Annual Lockdown Procedure Talk Through: Thursday 22nd January - Mr S. Webster
On Thursday 22nd January, form mentors will talk through our lockdown procedures with students so that all are clear and can ask any questions they may have in a supported and reassuring environment. We will also sound the lockdown bell (which is very different to the fire alarm sound) so that the students have heard this and been reminded what it is.
Examples of potential lockdown situations are that someone is critically ill, there is a natural hazard (e.g. trees falling), there is potential danger from the buildings (e.g. roof tiles in a storm) or a potentially dangerous situation or person in the local area, or on site.
Thankfully, the need to lockdown in school is extremely rare but of course, we want all of our students to be clear on what the procedures are in the event of an emergency situation and this is our usual practice. If you have any questions about this, please contact Mr S. Webster.
Deep Learning Day 2: Wednesday 14th January - Mr S. Webster
Year 7 will be taking part in the Great Egg Drop Challenge which combines elements of Art, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to challenge Year 7 students to design a way of protecting a raw egg from shattering when dropped from height. This hands-on challenge builds teamwork and creative problem-solving as students test their contraptions against the force of gravity.
Year 8 will have the opportunity to try out some subjects available to them in year 9. The day gives students the chance to experience subjects they may be considering as part of their options for GCSE.
Year 9 students will tackle the challenge of ending discrimination head-on by mastering the art of persuasion. Tasked with writing and delivering inspirational speeches to their peers, students will explore how to use the power of words to win hearts, minds, and advocate for a more inclusive world.
Year 10 are completing two Required Science Practicals (Food Tests and Making a Salt) and spending time developing exam question technique using the CRUSH system used in both Maths and Science.
Year 11 will be developing their financial literacy with sessions on tax, fraud, saving, credit and budgeting. Sessions will be delivered by both College staff and external visitors from the financial sector.
Year 12 will be taking part in teams in a Dragon’s Den challenge and working with local business professionals to develop their entrepreneurial skills
Year 13 will be receiving support on revision techniques and revision planning, with input from a visiting motivational speaker and time to create their own revision plans.
The Deep Learning Days are a core part of our curriculum, and students must attend as usual.
Deep Learning Day 2 – helping your young person to prepare if needed
DLDs are a fantastic opportunity for students to dive into a new, cross-curricular topic in an engaging, and hands-on way. While these shifts in the College schedule can be exciting and immensely rewarding for all students, we know that for some, particularly our young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), a significant break from the usual routine can also present unique challenges.
We want to make sure every student feels secure and ready to embrace the day! With a little proactive preparation, we can help any of our young people, who find a break from the normal routine a bit unsettling, manage the change and fully enjoy the stimulation and fun the Deep Learning Day offers.
How to Prepare Your Child
- Take a few minutes to read through the relevant year group information for the Deep Learning Day on Google Classroom together. This is where you can find initial information about the day’s theme and activities, which will help your child know what to expect.
- Have a conversation with your child about the upcoming day. Helping them talk through what they might be doing can help prepare them for a change in their routine and allow them to predict any potential challenges or questions they might have.
- Please emphasise to your child that this will be a fun and exciting day! Your positive encouragement can go a long way in building their enthusiasm.
- If your child has any specific questions or worries, please encourage them to:
- Talk to their Form Mentor.
- Ask a Learning Coach or Teacher during morning check-ins, break time, or lunch.
- Talk to a member of the Learning Support (Learning Plus) team at any point about any worries. Our learning coaches will also be providing some support during the sessions themselves.
We are all looking forward to a stimulating and memorable day next Wednesday!
Charlie’s Promise Presentations - All Year groups w/c 19th January
All year groups will be attending a presentation from the charity Charlie’s Promise during the times listed below.
Charlie’s Promise is a local charity that works to fight against the rising issue of Knife Crime in Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
Charlie’s Promise was created in memory of Charlie Cosser, a bright, kind and funny young man whose life was tragically taken by knife violence in July 2023.
Monday 19th January
Year 7: 10:00–11:00am
Year 8: 11:25am–12:25pm
Tuesday 20th January
Year 11: 10:00–11:00am
Wednesday 21st January
Year 9: 10:00–11:00am
Year 10: 11:25am–12:25pm
The talk lasts approximately 1 hour, including time for a Q&A session at the end.
The talk is informative and educational, presenting a hard-hitting yet age-appropriate perspective on knife crime.If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact Will Roney (Curriculum Lead – Life Learning).
Did You Know?
Year 7 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 14th January – Deep Learning Day 2
Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert 6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Director of Year 7's Message - Miss A. Wiltshire
As we move into 2026, Year 7 students will be focussing on the Uckfield Qualities of Aspiration and Self-Respect. Our Habits of Champions theme for this term is ‘Having Courage and Being True to Yourself’ where we will encourage students to recognise their potential and capability of leading the way in our College community.KS3 Science Cycle Tests - Mr J. Guest (KS3 Science Lead)
The first round of Cycle Tests are fast approaching and it is after these points that group changes for Science may occur.
All students have access to the KS3 Science Study Support Guide to assist with preparation (in Google Classroom) and details are as follows:
Year Group: | 7 | 8 |
Dates of Test: | Week commencing 26th Jan | Week commencing 2nd Feb |
Topics being assessed:(highlighted in the Study Support Guide) | 1: Passport2: Cells3: Matter 14: Forces 15: Bioenergetics 1 | 1: Health & Lifestyle2: Statics (Forces)3: Matter 24: Electricity 25: Bioenergetics 2 |
Some lesson time will provide opportunities for students to revise and prepare, but it is also important that they prepare for themselves independently outside of school.
If students need any advice or assistance, please do encourage them to ask their Science teacher and/or myself and we will be more than happy to help.
Contact: j.guest@uckfield.college
Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee
Year 8 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 14th January – Deep Learning Day 2
Thursday 22nd January – Year 8 Parents’ Evening – Remote (We will hold some appointments on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st January with part-time staff)
Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert 6pm – 7.30pm
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
Director of Year 8's Message - Mr. G. Sambrook
“Decisions Decide Your Destiny” remains our guiding slogan for Year 8, and as we move into Term 3, those decisions are becoming more significant than ever. Our focus for this term is Aspiration and Self-Respect. We are challenging the students to have the courage to be true to themselves as they begin the process of shaping their own futures through their GCSE options.
By now, students should have received their individual letters outlining their recommended pathways. This is a big milestone for the year group, marking the transition from a set curriculum to one tailored to their own interests and strengths. Choosing the right path requires self-reflection, and we want every student to have the aspiration to reach their full potential.
To support them in making these choices, our upcoming Deep Learning Day will be packed with hands-on taster sessions. Students will have the chance to try out Engineering, GCSE and BTEC Music, Photography, Economics, and Media Studies. We will also be hosting sessions to discuss Careers and the role of Languages in the world today.
Please ensure you join us at our Options Evening on February 5th. This is the best opportunity to speak with subject leads and ensure your child feels confident and excited about their next steps. If you have any questions about the suggested pathway, there will be an opportunity to meet with me during that evening and discuss.
It is often easy for students to want to follow their friends, but true self-respect comes from recognising your own unique talents and having the courage to pursue what genuinely inspires you. Year 8 have been a credit this year, and I have every faith they will approach these big decisions with the same maturity and positive attitude they’ve shown since September.
Thank you as always for your continued support.
Parents' Evening Booking System - Martin Bradley
The Year 8 Parents’ Evening is on Thursday 22nd January starting at 4.30pm and finishing at 7.30pm. This will be held as online, remote meetings using the School Cloud system.
Some staff will hold their parents’ evening on Tuesday 20th or Wednesday 21st instead of Thursday 22nd January. Parents will be able to book appointments from Monday 5th December 7.30am to Tuesday 20th January at 10pm This information sheet gives details of how to book an appointment. This video shows how to join the online meeting
KS3 Science Cycle Tests - Mr. J. Guest (KS3 Science Lead)
The first round of Cycle Tests are fast approaching and it is after these points that group changes for Science may occur.
All students have access to the KS3 Science Study Support Guide to assist with preparation (in Google Classroom) but I am also providing you with details as follows:
Year Group: | 7 | 8 |
Dates of Test: | Week commencing 26th Jan | Week commencing 2nd Feb |
Topics being assessed:(highlighted in the Study Support Guide) | 1: Passport2: Cells3: Matter 14: Forces 15: Bioenergetics 1 | 1: Health & Lifestyle2: Statics (Forces)3: Matter 24: Electricity 25: Bioenergetics 2 |
Some lesson time will provide opportunities for students to revise and prepare, but it is also important that they prepare for themselves independently outside of school.
If students need any advice or assistance, please do encourage them to ask their Science teacher and/or myself and we will be more than happy to help.
Contact: j.guest@uckfield.college
Year 9 Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 14th January – Deep Learning Day 2
Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert 6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Director of Year 9's Message - Mr. E. Mitchell
We hope you had a restful and enjoyable Christrmas and New Year break and your children are coming back rejuvenated and ready to start Term 3. These themes are particularly relevant as we approach the Year 9 Assessment Week, which begins the week commencing 26th January.
By leaning into an aspirational mindset and maintaining the self-discipline required for thorough revision, our students will be best placed to showcase their progress from terms 1 and 2. We appreciate your continued support at home in helping them stay focused and confident during this important window. The assessment week will include formal assessments in lessons under exam conditions. Students will need to evidence effective revision as part of their homework in the run up to the assessment period.
Year 9 Tetanus, Diptheria, Polio and Meningitis ACWY Vaccination Programme: important information for parents and carers
The Immunisation Service is coming into College to offer your child the Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination(s).
If you are unable to open the links within the attached document, please follow the links below:
– For information about the Td/IPV & MenACWY vaccines and frequently asked questions: https://www.
– To complete a consent form:https://www.
Year 10 Notices
Key Dates
Monday 12th January – Box Clever Production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and Workshop – Year 10 P1 and P2
Wednesday 14th January – Deep Learning Day 2
Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert 6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Director of Year 10's Message - Mr. G. Buntain
Happy New Year to one and all, I hope you all have had a lovely and restful Christmas break.
As we enter 2026, our focus remains on ensuring Uckfield College is an inspiring environment where every student is supported and challenged to achieve personal excellence. Year 10 is a pivotal time for our students as they delve deeper into their GCSE subjects and begin to shape their future paths.
This term, our “Habits of Champions” are Aspiration and Self-Respect. We are encouraging our students to be the best versions of themselves by understanding that “we make decisions that support our future”. Year 10 have made a great start to the first week back in 2026, and we are looking forward to seeing all that they achieve this term.
On Wednesday 28th January Year 10 students are attending Poetry Live! at the Brighton Dome – this is an aspirational trip for our students to hear from world-class poets and AQA examiners – a great opportunity to make the most of.
Important information: 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 click this link for consent information.
Year 11 Notices
Key Dates
Thursday 8th January – Wednesday 21st January – PE Practical Exams
Monday 12th January – Box Clever Production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and Workshop – Year 11 P3 and P4
Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th January – MFL Trial Speaking Exams
Wednesday 14th January – Deep Learning Day 2
Thursday 15th and Friday 16th January – MFL Trial Speaking Exams
Thursday 15th January – Year 11 Parents’ Evening (in person) 4.30 – 7.30pm
Monday 19th – Friday 23rd January – Engineering NEA
Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st January – MFL Trial Speaking Exams
Thursday 22nd – Friday 23rd January – GCSE Dance Exam
Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert 6pm – 7.30pm
Thursday 4th – Friday 5th February – Dance Trial Exam
Monday 9th January – Friday 27th January – Year 11 Trial Exams 2
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Director of Year 11's Message - Mr S Prichard
Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you well and you have all enjoyed some quality time with your children over the Festive Holiday.
Term 2 proved to be a huge success, both in the classroom and in the Trial Exams. So many of the students demonstrated real determination – exceptional planning, resilience and a clear desire to achieve their very best. This has placed them well for the remaining two terms. It is vital that the students now ‘control the controllable’, attend their interventions/ study support sessions and seek support where they feel they need it.
As a year team we are here to support, guide and alleviate as many of the concerns and pressures that many students experience. Please do encourage your children to speak to classroom teachers, their form mentors and the Year 11 Team if they feel they need any additional support.
Key Exam Dates coming up:
Thursday 8th – Wednesday 21st January PE Practical Exams
Monday 12th – Friday 16th January MFL Y11 Trial Exams
Monday 19th – Friday 23rd January Engineering NEA
Thursday 22nd – Friday 23rd January GCSE Dance NEA
Thursday 5th – Friday 6th February Dance Trial Exam
Monday 9th – Friday 27th February Y11 Trial Exams 2
Our ‘Habits of Champions’ focus for Term 3 is:
Aspiration and Self-Respect
“A ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” G.T. Shedd
I very much look forward to meeting many of you next week at the Y11 Parents Evening and wish the students all the very best in their preparation for the term ahead and the February Trial Exams.
Parents' Evening Booking System - Mr. M. Bradley
The Year 11 Parents’ Evening is on Thursday 15th January starting at 4.30pm and finishing at 7.30pm. This will be held in person at the College for face to face meetings. For this most important parents’ evening, we would really like to welcome all parents/carers, along with their young person, to the College for positive and constructive discussions with their teachers.
Some staff will hold their parents’ evening on Tuesday 13th or Wednesday 14th instead of Thursday 15th January. Parents will be able to book appointments from Monday 5th December 7.30am to Tuesday 13th January at 10pm. This information sheet gives details of how to book an appointment. This video shows how to join the online meeting.
Yr 11 GCSE PE Exams - Miss S. Hanham
Please note that Yr 11 GCSE PE Students have their Practical Exams after Christmas, starting Thursday 8th January.
Exams will then take place over the following two weeks.
Students will be given the timings and expectations of exams explained to them in the last week of term. If they were absent or have any further questions please ask them to contact Miss Hanham.
Many thanks in advance for your support.
All off site evidence should now be completed and uploaded to Google Drive for assessment prior to in-College exams starting.
Important information: 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 click this link for consent information.
Sixth Form Notices
Key Dates
Wednesday 14th January – Deep Learning Day 2
Wednesday 28th January – Rock the Weald Winter Concert 6pm – 7.30pm
Friday 13th February – Last day of term for students
Monday 23rd February – First Day of Term for students
Message from the Directors of 6th Form:
Mr. B. McLachlan, Mr. S. Simmons, Ms B. Moxon
Firstly, we would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
This year will be a very important year for all of our 6th form students, with Year 13 finishing their courses in the summer and Year 12 starting to make choices about their future pathways and moving up to Year 13 in September.
This term’s ‘Habits of Champions’ focus is aspiration and self-respect and both year groups have very important Deep Learning Days planned next week on Wednesday 14th January which relate closely to this theme. Year 13 will be taking part in an advanced revision skills workshop run by Positively You who have worked with us very successfully in the past, and they will be developing their own revision plans for the remaining weeks of Year 13. Year 12 will be taking part in an exciting enterprise challenge as part of our programme to develop their key skills for employability. We have a number of high profile local employers assisting with this day and there will be significant prizes for the winners. As with any other College day, we expect all students to attend; Deep Learning Days are a vital part of students’ wider education.
The next few months are massively important for Year 13 students and it is crucial that their attendance and approach to their studies is at the very highest level to ensure they are successful in their courses. This term also sees the UCAS external deadline for Year 13 students. This external deadline is on the 14th January. Year 12 have work experience in the last week of this term, 9th – 13th February. Students should have already organised their placements for this and completed the necessary administration on Unifrog to have their placement agreed. Students who do not have a placement will attend college and be set alternative employability related tasks.
Looking ahead, both year groups will have trial exams in March and should prepare for these thoroughly. We also have a parents’ evening for both year groups on 26th February. Year 12 students also have a trip to the UCAS Higher Education and Apprenticeship Fair at the Brighton centre on the 16th April and we ask that all students studying level 3 courses attend.
Finally, we would like to remind everyone that students must be wearing their lanyards and college ID at all times whilst they are on site and that the best way to ensure success is to attend all lessons.
KPMG, Student and Parent Insight Evening - Online, Wed 28th Jan 5:00PM - 6:00PM
This event is designed for students in Year 12 andYear 13 who are interested in learning more about KPMG and the range of career opportunities available. Parents or carers are also welcome to attend to gain insight into the programmes and support available for their child’s career development. More details on the link: