Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups
9th October 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Carers
Celebrating Duke of Edinburgh Success
Last night we hosted our now annual Duke of Edinburgh Celebration Evening, which was an uplifting and special evening, marked by the very high numbers of students who have participated and achieved their Duke of Edinburgh Awards (photo below). I would like to extend a special thank you to our DofE Manager, Luke Sidwell, and one of our Head Students, Ava DW, for brilliantly hosting the evening, as well as to all the staff, students, and parents whose continued support makes these really worthwhile volunteering and expedition achievements possible.Â
Parent/Carer Survey
Thank you very much for all the responses to our parent/carer survey so far. If you are yet to complete it, and would like to, please find the link here.
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
Principal
Save the Date reminder: Parents and Carers of Young People with SEND Session
We invite parents and carers to join us on Tuesday 13th October 2026Â for our SEND and Inclusion Evening. Whether your child has an identified Special Educational Need or Disability or is showing emerging needs, you are very welcome to attend.
This evening offers a relaxed opportunity to meet Jonathan Pearson, Assistant Principal for Aspiration and Inclusion, alongside Victoria Hopkinson, Leader of Inclusion and Strategic SENDCo. We will outline the tailored support available to help your child thrive and answer any questions you might have. You will also get a tour of the newly renovated Learning Plus, which serves as our dedicated inclusion space.
Working closely with families helps us give every student the exact care, support and provision they need.
The session runs from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Learning Plus in C Block. Please complete the attached Google Form to confirm your attendance. Please email senco@uckfield.collegeif you have any issues completing this form.
Please report to the main reception area when you arrive. Hot drinks will be provided, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Considerate Parking
Local residents to the College are understandably often concerned about inconsiderate, potentially unsafe parking in the area, which is particularly challenging when it is term time. If you drop your child off by car in the mornings, please do consider parking further away and asking your children to walk a little way to help ease the congestion – I know that the residents would appreciate it, and fewer cars will lead to a safer environment for everyone.
Important Road Safety Reminder
Following a report of a near-accident nearby to the College this morning, we are asking all parents and carers to please speak with their children about staying safe when travelling to and from College.
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With the mornings getting darker and the weather gradually deteriorating as we move into autumn and winter, it is crucial that our students remain vigilant and cross roads sensibly.
Please remind your child to:
- Use designated crossings: Always use the pedestrian crossings and traffic lights on the Main Road, as well as crossing points on surrounding roads.
- Avoid crossing between vehicles: Never step out into traffic from between parked cars or queues of stationary traffic.
- Stay alert: Pay full attention to their surroundings, avoiding distractions such as mobile phones or wearing headphones while crossing.
By taking extra care, our students can ensure their own safety and give drivers confidence that they will cross responsibly. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our College community safe.
FLU VACCINATION PROGRAMME - Important information for parents and carers
Years 7 to 11 Nasal Flu Vaccination
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The Sussex Immunisation Service is coming into Uckfield College to offer your child the Flu vaccination Â
Included in this message from the Immunisation Service is a parent/carer letter which contains information about the upcoming vaccination session and instructions on how to complete the online consent form.
To complete a consent form click the link below, you will need the school code found within the parent/carer letter to complete the form.Â
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For information about the Flu vaccine and frequently asked questions.
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You must provide consent by Monday 9th November for your child to be included in the vaccination clinic which takes place on Thursday 12th November
Photographs reminder - Extended order deadline
The deadline to order photos for free delivery back to school has been extended to midnight on Sunday, 11th October 2026. To ensure you don’t miss out on purchasing these photos, please place your order through the Tempest website using your unique link that was emailed to you.  If you need any assistance in ordering your photos, feel free to contact Tempest on 01736 751555 (option 5).
Art of the Week
“Here’s looking at you, kid!”
We are thrilled to share this exceptional page of eye studies created by Zadie in Year 7.
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Key Stage 3 artists have been working hard on observing fine detail, mastering realistic proportions, and building confidence in pencil control. Zadie’s page is a fantastic showcase of the dedication and skill development taking place in our classrooms.
A huge well done to all our students; we couldn’t be prouder of the talent and creativity filling the Art department this term!
Photo of the Week
Year 9 Photography students have been learning about different compositional techniques; well done to Oscar for this excellent photo utilising leading lines.
Exciting holiday activities available this October half term - reminder
A programme of free holiday activities for children and young people across East Sussex is available this October half term.Â
Funded through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), the programme provides eligible children and young people with a food offer and develops their resilience. It gives them a chance to try new activities, make friends and gives parents and carers the confidence that the children they care for can have cost-effective engagement during the school holidays. Families can explore a wide range of activities through the EEQU booking platform, and bookings will open on 21 September at 8.30am. Information has already been sent directly to eligible families. Â
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Who can take part?Â
The programme is available to children and young people who meet one or more of the following criteria:Â
- Receive benefits-related free school meals (including both the new “targeted” and “expanded” categories)
- Have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)Â
- Are a young carerÂ
- Are on a Child Protection PlanÂ
- Are a Child in Need (CiN)Â
- Are a child we care forÂ
- Have been referred to CAMHSÂ
- Have low school attendanceÂ
- Are a Ukrainian guest living in East Sussex Â
Changes to free school meals eligibilityÂ
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Families may be aware that national changes to benefits-related free school meals came into effect from September. There are now two categories of eligibility: targeted and expanded. However, for this October half-term programme, we are pleased to be able to offer places to children and young people who are assessed as being in either category of benefits-related free school meals, alongside some other locally determined groups of children.
If families would like more information about free school meals eligibility, they can visit the East Sussex County Council website Free School Meals | East Sussex County Council or contact the HAF team at HAF@eastsussex.gov.uk.
Did You Know?
Year 7 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Year 8 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Year 9 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
WWI Battlefields Trip - Enrichment Week July 2027 - Miss Dann
I am thrilled to inform you that the History Department will be running a WWI Battlefields Trip in 2027 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 trip will run for two days and one night during enrichment week, departing early morning on Monday 5th July and returning late in the evening on Tuesday 6th July.Â
We have been taking trips to the battlefields for over a decade and they have all been highly successful, with our students’ learning greatly enriched by the visits. During the visit to the Ypres Salient we plan to see Tyne Cot, the largest British cemetery in the world, Sanctuary Wood, an authentic preserved section of the trenches and ‘In Flanders Fields Museum’ which offers an interactive experience of aspects of the First World War.Â
To view the full letter and complete our expression of interest form please click here.
Year 9 Spanish Educational Visit to Seville: Expression of Interest - Miss Brown
I am delighted to write to you with details of an exciting opportunity for our Year 9 students studying Spanish. During Enrichment Week, 5th-10th July 2027. We are planning an immersive educational trip to Seville, Spain, running from Monday to Saturday.
This visit offers a wonderful chance for students to broaden their horizons, gain independence, and truly bring their language learning to life in one of Spain’s most historic and vibrant cities.
To view the full letter and complete our expression of interest form please click here.
Year 10 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Science Live! at The Brighton Dome - 26/1/27
Year 10 students have an exciting opportunity to take part in a trip to Science Live! 2027.Year 10 Work Experience – week commencing 5th July 2027
Year 10 students have now been launched on their Work Experience programme for w/c Monday 5th July 2027 and are encouraged to start approaching employers and securing a placement as soon as possible.
A full information letter has been emailed to parents/carers today and is attached, including key dates, guidance and information on how to support your child.
'Poetry Live' at The Brighton Dome - Monday 1st February 2027
We have an exciting opportunity for Year 10 students to join us on a trip to Poetry Live at The Brighton Dome in February, an event specifically designed for GCSE students studying for AQA’s GCSE English Literature Paper 2 exam.  We strongly encourage as many Year 10 students as possible to attend – it will definitely support them with their English Literature GCSE, and will be a memorable and inspiring experience!Unifrog University Fair Online Event - 14th October, 4pm to 6.30pm
The Unifrog UK University Fair is a great opportunity to find out all about studying at university, and get all your questions answered by the experts in just two and a half hours! Year 11 Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Wednesday 11th November – 6th Form Open Evening – for all Year 11 students and parents/carers
Monday 16th November (2 weeks) – Year 11 Trial Exams
Important! 6th Form Open Evening - Wednesday 11th November 5.30pm to 8pm: Mr McLachlan
In the coming weeks, we will be talking to Year 11 students about the opportunities that are available in the 6th Form at Uckfield College. Every student will be given a 6th Form prospectus. It may seem rather early to be looking at choices for next year, but with the complexity of courses now on offer for 16+, students do need the time to make their initial choices and then, with the data from trial exam results and predicted grades, ‘firm up’ those choices a little more in the Spring term.
Indeed, we believe that the guidance and support we give to our students in choosing their 16+ options here at the College is also very important and believe that this is reflected in our 6th Form students gaining such high standards in their A-level and other post-16 results.
This process really starts in earnest for Year 11 students and their parents/carers at our 6th Form Open Evening on Wednesday 11th November (5.30pm-8.00pm). This is the best chance to find out about all of the courses we offer, as teaching staff and current students will be present to answer any questions.
Students and parents will be given a personalised timetable for the evening. This will include the opportunity to attend: 1, four subject-specific sessions that students will select. 2, a presentation and 3, a session in the “market place”, where there will be a range of different subject stalls for you to walk around, as well as a chance to talk to our pastoral support team about any questions you may have. The four subject sessions will be 15 minute presentations from the subject specialists talking through what is required for their subject and what your son/daughter can expect from the course. To get the most out of the evening, you and your son/daughter should attend the whole evening from 5.30-8pm please.Â
For the letter with full information and the link to our Google form please click here.
Year 11 applications to local FE colleges
Any Year 11 students applying to local FE colleges that use the Careers East Sussex website for their applications need a username and password.Â
These are available from either Mr Buntain or Miss Geer.
Spanish Educational Visit to Seville: Expression of Interest - Miss Brown
I am delighted to write to you with details of an exciting opportunity for our Year 11, 12, and 13 students studying Spanish. During Enrichment Week, 5th–10th July 2027, we are planning an immersive educational trip to Seville, Spain, running from Monday to Saturday.
Please note that this visit is open to all students studying Spanish in Year 11, Year 12, and Year 13. While Year 11 and Year 13 students will have finished their final examinations by this point in the summer term, they are still very much welcome and encouraged to join us for this brilliant trip.
This visit offers a wonderful chance for students to broaden their horizons, gain independence, and truly bring their language learning to life in one of Spain’s most historic and vibrant cities.
To view the full letter and complete our expression of interest form please click here.
Free Parent/Carer Information evenings from Young Professionals - Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th October 6 - 7.30pm.
Young Professionals are hosting two free online information evenings for parents and guardians, led by hiring managers from firms including Slaughter and May, Freshfields, Linklaters, PwC and KPMG. Parents will learn how to support their child with applications, commercial awareness and degree apprenticeships for law and business. More information and registration via this link.
Meet the Russell Group Webinars: Tuesday 20th October - Thursday 29th October 2026
UK University Search are collaborating with the Russell Group once again to bring you popular, informative and inspiring webinars that cover a range of key topics.Â
Taking place from the 20th to 29th October, they have five 90-minute sessions each featuring five or six expert panellists who will offer clear, impartial guidance for students looking at taking the next step in their educational journey.Â
The schedule is as follows:Â
20th October – An introduction to the Russell Group and why choose to study there? 16:45 to 18:00
21st October – Student life at University 16:45 to 18:00
22nd October – Advantages of Going to University & Grad employability 16:45 to 18:00
27th October – Researching university options 16:45 to 18:00
29th October – Personal Statements and applying to a Russell Group university 16:45 to 18:00
Full details and registration are here.
Autumn Series of Free Careers Webinars from My Great First Job
My Great First Job are running a series of free careers webinars on Tuesday evenings over the next three months. The free webinars are designed to support 16-19 year olds. They are on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm and cover useful topics such as:- How to Write Your Great First CV
- How To Develop Your Personal Brand
- How To Absolutely SMASH! Your Interview!
Unifrog University Fair Online Event: 14th October 4pm to 6.30pm
The Unifrog UK University Fair is a great opportunity to find out all about studying at university, and get all your questions answered by the experts in just two and a half hours! Sixth Form Notices
Key Dates
Tuesday 13th October – SEND Parents’ Session – Empowering our Young People: 6pm
Thursday 15th October – Sixth Form Parents’ Evening in College
Friday 23rd October – Last day of Term
Monday 2nd November – First day of Term
Sixth Form Parents' Evening - Thursday 15th October
Spanish Educational Visit to Seville: Expression of Interest - Miss Brown
I am delighted to write to you with details of an exciting opportunity for our Year 11, 12, and 13 students studying Spanish. During Enrichment Week, 5th–10th July 2027, we are planning an immersive educational trip to Seville, Spain, running from Monday to Saturday.
Please note that this visit is open to all students studying Spanish in Year 11, Year 12, and Year 13. While Year 11 and Year 13 students will have finished their final examinations by this point in the summer term, they are still very much welcome and encouraged to join us for this brilliant trip.
This visit offers a wonderful chance for students to broaden their horizons, gain independence, and truly bring their language learning to life in one of Spain’s most historic and vibrant cities.
To view the full letter and complete our expression of interest form please click here.
Information on A level English Literature and English Language - Mrs Quarton
Please find below useful summaries of key dates and the learning/revision focus for your students for this Autumn Term.
Free Parent/Carer Information evenings from Young Professionals - Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th October 6 - 7.30pm.
Young Professionals are hosting two free online information evenings for parents and guardians, led by hiring managers from firms including Slaughter and May, Freshfields, Linklaters, PwC and KPMG. Parents will learn how to support their child with applications, commercial awareness and degree apprenticeships for law and business. More information and registration via this link.
Meet the Russell Group Webinars: Tuesday 20th October - Thursday 29th October 2026
UK University Search are collaborating with the Russell Group once again to bring you popular, informative and inspiring webinars that cover a range of key topics.Â
Taking place from the 20th to 29th October, they have five 90-minute sessions each featuring five or six expert panellists who will offer clear, impartial guidance for students looking at taking the next step in their educational journey.Â
The schedule is as follows:Â
20th October – An introduction to the Russell Group and why choose to study there? 16:45 to 18:00
21st October – Student life at University 16:45 to 18:00
22nd October – Advantages of Going to University & Grad employability 16:45 to 18:00
27th October – Researching university options 16:45 to 18:00
29th October – Personal Statements and applying to a Russell Group university 16:45 to 18:00
Full details and registration are here.
Autumn Series of Free Careers Webinars from My Great First Job
My Great First Job are runninga series of free careers webinars on Tuesday evenings over the next three months. The free webinars are designed to support 16-19 year olds. They are on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm and cover useful topics such as:- How to Write Your Great First CV
- How To Develop Your Personal Brand
- How To Absolutely SMASH! Your Interview!
Unifrog University Fair Online Event: 14th October: 4pm to 6.30pm
The Unifrog UK University Fair is a great opportunity to find out all about studying at university, and get all your questions answered by the experts in just two and a half hours!Â