Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you have had a good week.
We are very much looking forward to our Winter Showcase on Wednesday 3rd December. This annual celebration is always a highlight of the school calendar, offering an excellent evening of dance and music that truly showcases the incredible talent of our students. Last year’s event was a brilliant success, and this year promises to be even better.
I am extremely sad that I will not be able to attend the showcase this year, as that evening I will be representing KAR at the National Schools Awards in the House of Lords. The King’s Group Academies have been nominated for the prestigious MAT of the Year Award - a recognition of the positive impact our Trust’s schools have on pupils and communities across the country. The shortlisting places KGA alongside some of the strongest and most respected trusts nationally, with the winner announced at the ceremony. It is an honour to be part of such an important moment for our Trust and a testament to the amazing children we have in our schools. Whilst always reflective on ways we can improve, it provides positive external validation that we are moving forward positively against a challenging national educational picture.
We currently have a vacancy for a Pastoral Officer, and we would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with anyone you feel may be interested in supporting the school and our students.
Last week, we were delighted to welcome colleagues from BHASVIC for the latest round of careers assemblies with our Year 10 and Year 11 students. These sessions play an important role in broadening students’ understanding of post-16 pathways and supporting them as they begin to plan their next steps.
Finally, a reminder that Friday 5th is an INSET Day. Only Year 11 students are required to attend, to ensure continuity for their upcoming GCSE exams and post-mock reflection.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school community.
Best wishes,
Mr Harvey
Principal
Creative Writing Workshops
A group of students are working with best-selling children’s author Georgia Byng in a series of creative-writing workshops. Together, they are being guided through the process of developing compelling characters, inventive plot twists, and effective story structure. Through this collaborative approach, the students are bringing a short piece of writing to life.
A Healthy Sleep Guide for Parents
This week, Mr Weir delivered assemblies to KS3 on the importance of sleep. Here are the key points we shared with students – and how you can support good sleep at home.
Why Sleep Matters for Teenagers
During adolescence, young people need 8.5-10 hours of sleep each night, but most fall well below this.
Good sleep supports:
· Better mood and emotional regulation
· Sharper concentration and stronger memory
· Higher academic performance
· Improved physical health and immunity
· More positive relationships and decision-making
The Teen “Body Clock Shift”
It’s normal for teenagers to feel sleepy 1–2 hours later than adults.
This is a natural biological change – not laziness.
5 Practical Ways to Support Healthy Sleep
1. Keep a consistent wake-up time
This stabilises their body clock, even on weekends.
2. Create a calm ‘wind-down’ window
Encourage 20–30 minutes of low-stimuli activities before bed (reading, shower, quiet music).
3. Reduce screen use before sleep
Phones and tablets delay melatonin release.
If possible: devices off or out of reach 30–60 minutes before bed.
4. Help them manage stress early in the evening
A quick chat about the next day, preparing bags, or writing a list can stop “overthinking” at night.
5. Keep their bedroom dark, cool, and quiet
A cooler room (around 17°C) and dim lighting help their brain switch into sleep mode.
But helpful routines can still make a big difference to when they fall asleep.
Our Message to Students
Sleep is a superpower that boosts learning, wellbeing and confidence.
Small, consistent habits make the biggest difference.
KING’S ACADEMY RINGMER
PASTORAL OFFICER
29.6 hours per week.
Required to start asap, permanent, TTO
Salary – KGA Pay Scale, Band 5, Points 6 to 9
Ie: £26473pa to £28239pa to be prorated as TTO
We are looking for an inspirational Pastoral Officer to start asap to support the Pastoral Team in the management of behaviour support, to include the administration of school suspensions, to support SLT in student reintegration, creating behaviour and achievement data, setting detentions and assist in the running of our Inclusion Room. 29.6 hours per week, term-time only. The hours are equivalent to 4 days a week but can be worked over 5 days a week.
Applications are welcomed from a range of backgrounds, although experience of working with young people is an advantage, ie: education, social care, health and Police.
What can we offer you?
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Leaders who create a positive working environment where teaching and learning are the priority
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An established, motivated and supportive department
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Conscientious and hardworking students in a ‘very happy and safe school’ (OFSTED 2024)
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An effective behaviour for learning policy where ‘pupils behave well’ (OFSTED 2024)
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A supportive and collaborative staff body
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An excellent CPD programme and opportunities for progression
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Two-week October half-term
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Academy-wide staff benefits and discounts (My KGA)
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The opportunity to work in an Eco School
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A beautiful, rural environment situated approximately 12 miles from the coastal city of Brighton and Hove
King’s Academy Ringmer:
King's Academy Ringmer is a rural comprehensive with an ethos of "Honesty, Faith, Courage". Our most recent Ofsted statement states “the school has a culture of courtesy and respect” and “pupils are expected to work hard and commit to their learning." Our results are significantly above the national average for all students. We offer a broad, ‘exceptional’ enrichment offer through our Super Curriculum and students say “there is something for everyone."
King’s Academy Ringmer is also an Eco School and winner of the Department for Education’s Sustainability award.
King’s Group Academies:
King’s Academy Ringmer is part of King’s Group Academies. At King’s Group Academies our vision is to provide ‘opportunity and success on a global stage’, which means we have a vision of a global community of pupils and colleagues whose connection broadens horizons and fosters understanding. Our values of ‘Honesty, Faith, and Courage’ drive our passion and ensure we collaborate within our UK communities and internationally, promoting global citizenship and cultural awareness. We believe that every pupil deserves a team of dedicated educators and staff who are deeply invested in their success, supported by positive partnerships with parents who hold us to the highest standards.
For full details and an application form can be downloaded directly from our website: https://www.kgaringmer.uk/vacancies/support-staff-vacancies or contact Amanda French on either 01273 815460 or amanda.french@kingsacademies.uk quoting job reference P/512. We offer a first class working environment with supportive colleagues and opportunities for career development.
King’s Academy Ringmer is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts within our Multi-Academy trust are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and, therefore, all applicants will be required to declare spent and unspent convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as spent, and complete an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
The closing date for applications is Thursday 11 December 2025 at 8.30am with the interview date on Tuesday 16 December 2025.
We advise applying promptly for this post as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.
Family Tree Planting – Laughton Greenwood – Sunday 30 November 2025, 10am to 4pm
Laughton Greenwood would like to invite volunteers to their annual family tree planting event this Saturday. Please use the QR code on the flyer below for more information and location details
Admissions Consultation for 2027-28
ESCC have asked us to share the following with our parents/carers – East Sussex County Council is consulting on the admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools in the county for the 2027–28 school year. There are no proposed changes except to the Published Admission Numbers of two schools.
Some own admission authority schools are consulting on their admission arrangements. The links to these consultations can be found below:
Consultation on admission arrangements for 2027-28 | East Sussex County Council
Have your say on school admission arrangements for 2027/28 - East Sussex - Citizen Space
Transition into post-16; guides for families & young people
ESCC have asked us to share the following with our parents/carers - East Sussex have transition guides to support young people with SEND transition into post-16. These are practical resources to help young people, parent & carers feel confident and supported as they prepare for post-16 and beyond. The guides can be used independently, with families, or with support from professionals and returned to at any time.
School to Adulthood - Transition guide
Consultation Advice Line & Team Around the Family
ESCC have asked us to share the following with our parents/carers - Family First is changing how they support children and families in East Sussex; helping earlier, before problems escalate.
What’s new?
Consultation Advice Line (01323 464655): For early help and professional guidance, before issues become safeguarding concerns.
If more joined-up support is needed, a Team Around the Family Coordinator will bring the right professionals together.
Opening hours:
Mon–Thu: 8:30am–5:00pm
Fri: 8:30am–4:30pm
Further information can be found in the Family First briefing.
Lewes STEM Festival 2025 - 11am to 3pm on Saturday 29 November in Lewes Town Hall
The Lewes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Festival aims to encourage young people to develop an interest in STEM by engaging them with the wealth of local STEM activity.
There will be a wide range of activities available suitable for children aged 5+ and adults, as well as opportunities for GCSE and A-level students to speak to local university students and explore their futures.
The festival is run by Curiosity Sussex, a small volunteer-led science education charity.
The festival will take place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 29 November in Lewes Town Hall. It is free to attend, and no booking is required.
Please see the downloadable poster.
For further information contact curiositysussex@gmail.com
Holiday Skate Club
The Skate Club is running their Holiday Skate Club again this upcoming break, and they would love to make parents aware if their children would enjoy something active, confidence-boosting and a bit different.
The sessions are designed for all abilities, including complete beginners and children who are neurodivergent or have SEN. Their focus is building confidence, resilience and having fun in a really supportive environment.
T H E S K A T E C L U B
Welcome to The Skate Club video
