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Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a particularly busy and positive week in school, and I am delighted to share some highlights with you.

Earlier this week, we welcomed colleagues from the KGA Trust for a two-day visit to support us in our ongoing school improvement objectives. This visit also provided valuable opportunities for substantial student voice, allowing our pupils to share their experiences and perspectives. As always, our students were a shining light and represented the school exceptionally well.

Across the two days, several key strengths were noted:

  • Positive school culture and belonging: A warm sense of belonging for all pupils on arrival, with high expectations and positive, welcoming relationships evident throughout the days.

  • Student behaviour and safety: Behaviour was described as very good, with pupils clearly understanding expectations and reporting that they feel safe in school.

  • Curriculum engagement: Pupils spoke positively about the rich super-curricular offer and the new subject content being taught.

  • Teaching practice: There was evidence of very strong practice.

  • Literacy routines: Year 7 pupils are engaged in reading as a routine part of their day, listening well and developing new vocabulary. Literacy interventions are carefully tracked, with clear evidence of impact.

  • Effective rewards: Rewards and sanctions are used very effectively, with merits providing high-frequency, visible praise.

It truly is a great school to work in, with fantastic students who make us proud every day.

There were also some wonderful moments of joy this week. Mr Taylor was lucky enough to receive some excellent news after winning a car in a competition! When the car was delivered to school, our students spontaneously gave him a large round of applause on his return – a lovely reflection of the positive relationships and community spirit we value so highly.

We were also delighted that our International Student Ambassadors attended the Global Stage Forum at King’s Academy Binfield. Our students were outstanding – an absolute credit to the school. The level of discussion, maturity, respect for one another, and commitment to the activities was a pleasure to observe. I hope they returned home feeling that they were part of something truly special.

Finally, thank you for your continued support with attendance. We have seen a real uplift since the start of the term, and your partnership in ensuring that everyday matters is making a genuine difference.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our school community.

Best wishes,

Mr Harvey

International School Update

Last year, King’s Academy Ringmer was awarded Silver Status as an International School, in recognition of our work giving students opportunities to learn with students from other cultures.  Our International quest continues this term, and we shall be welcoming visitors from our partner schools in France and China.  Our students will have the opportunity to share experiences and develop mutual understanding, as well as practising some language skills. 

 

Building on this, our year 10 linguists will visit their partner schools in Lyon and Barcelona next term.

These projects are very popular with our students, and further the school’s and trust’s mission statement to offer our students success on a Global Stage. 

Year 8 and 9 Visit to Ardeche, France - Enrichment Week July 2026

A letter regarding this exciting visit was shared with our parents/carers of Years 8 and 9 students earlier this week. 

This visit is open to all students in Years 8 and 9 and looks to be an exciting visit with lots of activities.  If you have not received the letter and your son/daughter is interested in going, please email Mr Duckworth, Visit Lead direct to request a copy – nigel.duckworth@kingsacademies.uk 

There will also be a 3-day Year 8 Camp at PGL Liddington option for Year 8 students with further details to follow when finalised.   

Do you qualify for Free School Meals?

Please see below information on how to apply for Free School Meals

To make applications easier for parents/carers we have changed the way that you can apply for free school meals. Applications are now processed online via East Sussex County Council, the criteria for being able to apply and for the online application please see the details below.

Free school meals for children in Year 3 and older

Older children may get free school meals if their parents or carers get any of these benefits:

[Anyone who gets Working Tax Credit - GOV.UK, won’t get free meals regardless of income]

  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Children will get free school meals if they meet the criteria and are in school both before and after lunchtime.

Children eligible for free school meals on or after 1 April 2018 will remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2025 even if your circumstances change.

Our Electronic Checking Service might be able to confirm entitlement. If not, you’ll need to show recent proof that you qualify. Meals cannot be given until eligibility is verified.

Apply online if your child goes to school in East Sussex.

 

Changes to Bus Fares

We have this week received the following information from East Sussex County Council with regard to changes in bus fares from February 1, 2026.

  • East Sussex bus fares

From 1 February 2026, the reduced fares ESCC offered under the East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) will no longer be available.

Most single journeys will still cost £3 or less, under the Government’s current national fare cap. We continue to work with local bus companies to keep fares low.

See routes with a £3 cap: GOV.UK - £3 national bus fare cap – South East operators and routes.

Bus fares are set by a combination of:

  1. Central government policy

  2. Commercial bus companies

  3. Local council transport authorities.

To find the best fare for your journey, contact the bus company.

  • East Sussex Freedom weekly ticket

The Freedom weekly ticket provides unlimited bus travel on all bus services in East Sussex for under 19s. Buy from the bus driver with proof of age.

Please note: From Monday 16 February 2026, the cost of this ticket will change to £20 for seven days of unlimited travel (currently £15).

  • Bus company offers

Bus companies in East Sussex have their own fare offers, check which is best for you:

 

Ringmer Parish Council Newsletter Information re: Lewes District Council Local Plan Phase 2 Consultation

 

 

Lewes District Council Local - Sharing Local Plan Drop-In Consultation Information with Your School Community

LDC are currently asking residents to take part in the latest public consultation on the draft Lewes District Local Plan, which closes on Saturday 28 February 2026.

The Local Plan will help guide decisions about housing, services, infrastructure, and community facilities over the coming years, through to 2042. We believe that families across the district will have an interest in the consultation, attending the drop-in events, and in having their views heard.

Here is the link to the full story published on the LDC Latest News feed:

https://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/article/4887/Residents-encouraged-to-attend-Local-Plan-drop-in-events-every-opinion-matters

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