Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope you have had a great week.

The centre of this week has been Open Evening. What a great event! We believe that we had record numbers in attendance. Our visitors were exceptionally positive about the school, and our student tour guides received amazing praise. We had around 85 students from Years 7-11 supporting the school on the evening. Our visitors commented on their politeness, smartness, courtesy and confidence on the tours. They came up to me time and time again to tell me how wonderful our children were. A big thank you to all the students who helped on the evening, including over thirty Year 7’s in just their first week of school! We do this job for the children, and it was fantastic to hear so many positive comments about the positive reputation KAR has in our community given the brilliant students we have in this school. We are very ‘Proud to be Ringmer’. We continue next week with Open Mornings every day, welcoming visitors into our school and touring them via our student helpers.

We were excited to begin our Super Curriculum courses this week. For a school our size, this is a logistical challenge each term, but we are committed to giving children chances to develop their skills and interests in our quest to develop them into well-rounded characters. My walk around on a Wednesday afternoon is a highlight of the week, and a consistent validation that students value the opportunity to do something outside their academic studies. In addition to activities such as non-contact boxing, ceramics, coding and forestry, we were delighted to begin using the pool for the first time, with an excited first group in swimming lessons! In addition, I briefly had a go at one of our new activities, skateboarding, which I will need more practice on! A big thank you to all staff who support these activities, giving our students opportunities they may not otherwise have had.

At Key Stage 4, we have been really impressed with the focus and motivation with which students have started their GCSE courses. Every day is vital in the run-up to their exams. A reminder that next Monday we have our first ‘Route to Success’ evening for Year 11, so we look forward to welcoming parents and carers to the school.

A big thank you for supporting us in ensuring students get to school, as our attendance has started very strongly this year. A reminder that anything below 96% significantly reduces a student's chances of success at GCSE, and together we must do everything possible to get students into school. Even if they are feeling a little low in the morning, often once they are here the majority of students have excellent, productive days. You may have seen that school attendance has again made national news, with the data identifying that more than 50% of pupils who missed some of the first few weeks of school went on to become "persistently absent" in 2024, compared with just 14% of pupils who fully attended the first few weeks. Even at this early stage of term, a day off or more can negatively impact the rest of the year. We are happy to support you in whichever way we can to ensure that students begin the year on a positive routine.

Have a great weekend

Best wishes,
Mr Harvey

 

Post 16 Evening -Year 10 and 11 – Tuesday 23 September 2025, 6pm to 7pm

We would like to invite you to our post-16 evening at school on Tuesday 23rd September from 6-7pm.

This well-attended event is an excellent opportunity to meet and talk to local colleges and training providers about options after GCSE's. You will have the opportunity to discuss courses, speak to staff and compare different providers so you can make informed choices about your future. This evening is open to all our year 10 and 11 students, parents and carers. We look forward to seeing you all at this event.

The following providers will be attending :

East Sussex College/ Bexhill College/ Varndean/ Bhasvic/ DV8/ Uckfield sixth form/ Plumpton College/Brighton MET/ Bedes/ Seaford Head sixth Form/ BACA / The Armed Forces

Thank you, Mrs Colbourne, Careers Lead 

Super Curriculum Launch – A Fantastic Start!

We’re delighted to share that our Super Curriculum programme launched successfully last week, with students across all year groups engaging in a wide range of enrichment activities designed to inspire, challenge, and extend learning beyond the classroom.

From the launch of the Ringmer Student magazine and the long-awaited swimming sessions to boxing and Skate School, students have responded with enthusiasm and curiosity. Staff have reported high levels of engagement, and it’s been wonderful to see students exploring new interests and building skills linked to our school ethos of Honesty, Faith, and Courage.

Timetables & Allocations

All Super Curriculum places have now been allocated and should be visible on student timetables. We are aware that a few adjustments are still needed, and we kindly ask for your patience while we finalise these details.

External Session Information – Payment Reminder

Some Super Curriculum sessions are delivered by external providers. If your child is currently enrolled in Temper Boxing or Sussex Skate School, please follow the instructions below to complete registration and payment directly with the provider. These two options are now fully booked for this term.

Temper Boxing (FULL for this term)

Coach: George Beattie - WhatsApp: +44 7597 613596 - Email: beatingtemper@gmail.com

Please ensure your child’s full name is clearly included when making payment.

Sussex Skate School

To register and pay, please email Alex at: info@sussexskateschool.com. Include your child’s full name and year group in the message.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us deliver a rich and varied Super Curriculum. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

 

King’s Academy Ringmer - Vegetable Harvest September 2025

Year 8’s spent some time in the green house harvesting a load of vegetables. Some of these students had planted the seeds earlier in the year. They enjoyed the reward of eating the fruits of their labour! Some of them had set up a competition to see who could grow the longest cucumber – it was a close finish. The monster crop from our post-summer holiday haul had to be a huge butternut squash that weighed in at almost 2 and a half kilos! 

Students enjoyed cutting up and cooking our home-grown vegetables in Super curriculum at the end of the summer term. We enjoyed ‘Daisy beans’–boiled beans mixed with pesto and feta cheese, and vegetable stir-fry with basmati rice. All cooked in the greenhouse on a camping stove. Delicious!

ParentPay 

Thank you to the parents that have already activated their child's ParentPay account. 93% of the whole school has already activated their account.

We are a cashless school and so all payments are paid via ParentPay. Please see below details of how to activate your account for King's Academy Ringmer.

If you do not currently have an account for ParentPay you simply go to the home page and click on the Parent log in in the top right-hand corner of the page as shown below.

You will then see the following page – you use the username and activation code from the letter that was given to you when your child started at school and select Login.

Confirm that the details are correct and then enter the date of birth for your child and click confirm.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete and successfully activate the account. Enter your name, email address, and create a password for your account (your email address will become your username).

Carefully read the ParentPay terms and conditions and check the box to accept them, then click Activate account.  A verification email will be sent to you.

IMPORTANT You will need to click on the link within the email to complete the process and start using your account.

if you already have a Parentpay account, you simply log in and click on the + to add a child on the left-hand side as shown below.

This will then take you to the following page 

Your current username and password will automatically show here, you just need to overtype with the username and password that are on the letters that were given to students last week and then click continue – This should then link your child to your main account.

On the home page, it will show two tabs (as shown below). If you then click on the blue tab, you will be able to put funds into your child's lunch account. If you click on the yellow tab, it will show you any other items to make payment - eg lockers, non-uniform days, revision books, school visits etc.

Thank you, Mrs Duckworth, School Business Manager

Post 16 Options, College Open Events 

Please find a list of the upcoming college open events. These are great opportunities offering a direct, in-person experience to visit the college’s environment, meet staff and students, and explore facilities, helping you make an informed decision about your future.

Please contact the colleges directly for more information and be aware some of the events may require booking.

BACA       https://www.baca-uk.org.uk/    16/10/25 6pm-8pm

Bexhill Sixth Form College   https://www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk/   22&23/10/25 6pm-8.30pm

BHASVIC   https://www.bhasvic.ac.uk/  12&13/11/25 4pm-8pm 

Brighton MET   https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/  15/10/25 4.30pm -7pm & 22/11/25 10am -1pm 

DV8   https://www.dv8sussex.com/    8/10/25 5pm -7pm & 11/10/25 10am -12pm

 

East Sussex College https://www.escg.ac.uk/

Lewes - 14/10/25 + 20/11/25 + 19/3/26 3.45pm - 6.45pm

Eastbourne - 15/10/25 + 20/11/25 + 19/03/26 3.45pm - 6.45pm

Hastings - 16/10/25 + 20/11/25 + 19/03/26 3.45pm - 6.45pm

Newhaven- 20/11/25 + 19/03/26 3.45pm - 6.45pm 

 

Heathfield Community College and Sixth Form https://www.heathfieldcc.co.uk/   

23/10/25  5.30pm-7.30pm

 

Plumpton College https://www.plumpton.ac.uk/ 11/10/25 + 22/11/25 + 17/01/26 + 21/3/26 + 13/6/26      9am-12pm 

Seaford Head Sixth Form https://seafordhead.org/   09/10/25 6pm - 8pm & 11/10/25 10am - 12pm

Uckfield College Sixth Form https://www.uckfield.college/   12/11/25 5pm-8.30pm Plus their taster lesson day. 4 Subjects at 20 minutes each: 01/12/25 2pm - 4pm 

Varndean College https://www.varndean.ac.uk/ 27/10/25 11am-2pm & 06/11/25 4pm-8pm & International Baccalaureate Presentation 07/10/25 6.30pm-7.45pm

 

OVESCO’s ECO Open Houses is back!

Please follow this link to read more about these exciting events in Barcombe on 13 September, Lewes on 20 September, Hassocks and Ditchling on 27 September and at Rodmell on 27 September - https://ovesco.co.uk/event/eco-open-houses-gardens-2025/ 

 

Dear parents and carers,

I hope you have had a great week. 

We have had a busy and productive return to school after enrichment week. Our year 7 and 8 students had the opportunity to engage in careers morning, a total of 18 external speakers discussing job opportunities from different sectors. A great event organised by Ms Colbourne.

I am also delighted to announce that King's Academy Ringmer's submission for the Intermediate Level International School's Award has been successful and approved by The British Council regarding our work on the global-facing aspects of our work at KAR. The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world. They have given glowing feedback on our work in embedding global citizenship in a rural setting, and our partnerships with schools in China, Spain and France. Full communication will follow, but a huge thank you to Ms Taylor, who has led these activities.

Given the ongoing hot temperatures, next week will remain as PE kits from Monday to Wednesday if students would prefer to wear these. After the recent student voice, we have also agreed a non-uniform day on the final day (Thursday).

I will be in touch next week with detailed communication regarding useful dates and information for the start of next year and beyond.

Have a great weekend

Best wishes,

Mr Harvey

Year 10 Work Experience 

We were incredibly proud of our Year 10 students who took part in their Work Experience last week.  They explored potential career paths, built their confidence, and gained a valuable understanding of workplace culture.  The feedback from employers was excellent, with many praising the students for their enthusiasm, professionalism, and eagerness to learn.

Well done to all involved — you represented the school brilliantly and learnt some valuable skills to take forward into year 11.

Mrs Colbourne 

Careers Morning 

Our Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in our career morning this week. We had eighteen speakers from a variety of job roles speaking about their careers. The goal of this event was to spark conversations amongst the students about different career paths and career journeys. We wanted them to understand what various jobs involve and, most importantly, to feel inspired and excited about the career choices that lie ahead.

We had speakers from a range of careers such as the Fire Services, NHS, Journalism, Archaeologists, Civil Engineer, Radiotherapy Engineer, Director of an innovation agency, Personal trainer / boxing coach, Tax associate Director, Contract Manager in social care, Green Careers, Vet, Graphic Designer, TV, Associate Director of Temple, Publisher, Mental Health Therapist.

We were all very proud of our students for the way they conducted themselves throughout the event, asking questions and engaging in conversations to learn more about different careers directly from those experienced in those fields. 

DT Department – Year 7

Year 7 are coming to the end of their first year in Design & Technology and Mrs Hepburn wants to say a huge well done on all their hard work and their safe behaviour in the workshop. Beautiful acrylic jewellery has been taken home and well-crafted Memphis style clocks.  Mrs Hepburn looks forward to teaching them again in year 8.

 

DT Department – Year 8

Wow! Year 8 have truly outdone themselves this year. Some beautifully designed Art Nouveau LED lights have gone home and superb herb racks. Mrs Hepburn is amazed at the high-quality outcomes leaving the workshop - what a talented bunch. Bring on year 9!

 

DT Department – Year 9

For some of the year 9’s it is the end of their Design & Technology journey, and they have gone out with some real showstoppers! Mrs Hepburn is sad to not be teaching all of them again but is thrilled by the huge uptake in those who have chosen the subject for their GCSE, and is very excited to see them shine even brighter over the next two years ahead. 

The last project of year 9 was the mechanical toys and they are by far the best Mrs Hepburn has seen in her teaching years so far. Well done year 9, be proud of all that you’ve accomplished. 

DT Department – Super Curriculum

The final group of Textiles Super curriculum have created some real show-stoppers this term. Good enough to eat, you may say. Mrs Hepburn, hopes you have enjoyed your time learning sewing skills! 

RE Department

On Monday 14th July, Year 10 students visited the Buddhist Brighton Centre as part of their GCSE study of Buddhism.  They took part in meditation, a shrine quiz and reflected on the daily practices of the Brighton Buddhist community.  Our students were excellent role models and represented Ringmer well in our local area.  

If you are interested in visiting the centre, they have an open day on Saturday 13th September.

Mrs Simmons, Subject Leader for RE

Change News

For the first time, Kings Academy entered the Ringmer Show at the weekend. We entered art, baking, horticulture and produce classes. We were very pleased with our results as we got placed in many of the classes and one of our students came home with a trophy for her baking.

We were particularly happy with the success of our vase of flowers. All the flowers were picked by a student on Friday from the school grounds and this display won the class. Second place for beans and carrots grown in school! The organisers were very impressed with the standard of the entries and are looking forward to collaborating with us in the future. Many students have been involved in our growing projects and this is a collaboration of sowing and propagating seeds, looking after the plants and enjoying picking the produce.

Involving our students in community events such as this has many benefits, including a sense of fulfilment, purpose, achievement and pride. 

Perfect Pet competition

Winners of our Perfect Pet Competition are as follows:

• Layla Yarrow - Year 8 - Best Cat 

• Jayden McKie - Year 10 - Best Dog  

• Maria Mackenzie - Best small animal 

We are just waiting to hear what the total funds raised for the Raystede charity are from this lovely competition.  Really well done to the winners and to everyone who took part.

Mrs Simmons, Subject Leader for RE

Free School Meals - Changes from April 1st 2025

Please see below updated information received from East Sussex County Council with regard to free school meal changes.
We are writing to update you on some recent changes the Department for Education (DfE) have made to their plans around Free School Meals and transitional protection rules.

• Transitional protection rules will apply at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.

• From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, transitional protections will end for all year groups. From this point, claimants must meet the eligibility criteria to be entitled to free school meals.

• From September 2026 the DfE intends to extend free school meals to all children in households in receipt of Universal Credit.

This is a significant change to the information previously given to parents.

There will now be no review of Year 6 and Year 11 pupils in receipt of FSM at the end of this term or termly reviews of newly entitled students. Year 6 pupils who are entitled to free school meals will remain entitled in Year 7. Year 11’s will be removed from our system and parents/carers will need to reapply as their sixth form destination is not known to our service. 

When the transitional protection rules end in July 2026, all entitled children will have their entitlement reviewed, not just those at the end of a phase of education (Years 6 and 11). FSM entitled children will then have their entitlement reviewed each year and will be removed from your FSM entitlement list if they no longer meet the criteria.

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

Do you qualify 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:

• Universal Credit - GOV.UK – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

• Income Support - GOV.UK

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - GOV.UK

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - GOV.UK

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 - GOV.UK

• The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit -GOV.UK

• Child Tax Credit - GOV.UK, only, if your annual household income (assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) isn’t over £16,190

[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.

• Apply for free school meals online

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.

Ringmer Repair Café – Saturday 26 July and Saturday 30 August 2025

 

Ringmer’s 2025 Picnic on the Green 

Ringmer Parish Council is holding a bumper Picnic on the Green to be held this August Bank Holiday, Monday 25th August 2025. The event starts at 1pm and there will be a host of games and fun for all ages.  

This year, they have invited local community clubs and village organisations to join in, and events will include a Car Show, Line Dancing, treasure hunts, the ever-popular Dog Show, a host of fun challenges, including a Water Balloon Competition and Football Target Game, as well as traditional children’s games”. Live music will be provided by The Rock Choir, Skulldrummery and Work in Progress, while representatives of East Sussex Fire and Rescue and St John’s Ambulance will be showing off their equipment and training. Refreshments will be available, including ice cream, pizza and jacket potatoes. There will be a WI Tea Stand and Ringmer Cricket Club will be running a licensed bar. 

The one thing they can’t predict is the weather, but they will have a large marquee on the Green if we need to take shelter.  

Please save the date and join Ringmer Parish Council with a picnic for what will be a fun day for all ages. For more information: Nick Chaloner, 01273 813242

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - Resources to support young people with their mental health and wellbeing over the summer months

As schools and colleges prepare to finish for the summer, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust would like to share with you some resources to support young people with their mental health and wellbeing, particularly those who are awaiting their exam results.

1. Text SUSSEX to 85258

Text SUSSEX is a free text service, there to help anyone who is struggling with their feelings.

If you’re feeling worried, sad, or lonely, text the word ‘SUSSEX’ to 85258 to start a silent conversation with a mental health professional.

The service is free, confidential, and available at any time, day or night.

2. Resources for families, carers and professionals

Please visit Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's website for a range of resources for families, carers, and professionals. This includes a series of pre-recorded webinars for parents and carers with hints and tips on how to support young people who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health. Visit the website.

ESCC - Common seasonal infections and hazards

As the summer holiday arrives, children are likely to spend more time outdoors. This guide for parents has useful information about common seasonal infections and hazards to help spot illness more easily and take action if needed. 

A parent’s guide to summer infections and health hazards – UK Health Security Agency

ESCC - Bikeability Holiday Courses 

Bikeability holiday courses run over the summer holidays. They will be taking place at both the Eastbourne Cycle Centre and the Peacehaven Cycle Hub.  See link for further information: https://www.facebook.com/EastSussexCycleTraining/?locale=en_GB 

Make (Good) Trouble CIC

Spaces still available for a free HAF Drama Holiday Club this Summer, designed for students in East Sussex who receive free school meals. It is part of East Sussex County Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Hosted by Make (Good) Trouble, this unique holiday club will take place in the beautiful Friston Forest, part of Seven Sisters Country Park, and will be led by a qualified children’s drama therapy coach from Dragon Drama.

Club Details:

·       Dates: Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th July, 11am-3pm

·       Location: South Downs National Park

·       Activities: Woodland exploration, drama, storytelling, music, movement, art, group games & more!

·       Free lunch provided daily

What to Bring:

 Wet-weather gear (just in case!)

 Sturdy footwear (no sandals or slides)

We also have access to an indoor space if the weather takes a turn. Help with transport to the location can be provided.

This is a fantastic opportunity for children to build confidence, express creativity, and have fun in nature! Spaces are limited, so we would love your help in spreading the word to eligible families.

The sign up form and details are here: https://eequ.org/book/woodland-drama-workshop-with-make-good-trouble-cic-5213

Brighton and Hove Albion Soccer Schools – Summer School Activities

 

BHAFC Soccer Schools are the best way for your child to get active and have fun this summer.   There’s something for everyone at our holiday camps - learn to play the Albion way and enjoy the holidays! We have sessions at eight locations across Sussex, suitable for boys and girls of all abilities aged 5-13 (or girls-only sessions for girls up to 16). We’ve also launched three new girls-only sessions in Worthing, Chichester, and Eastbourne. Their qualified BHAFC Foundation coaches are ready and waiting  Please follow link to view all available training camps and booking system - https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/football-participation/holiday-sessions/bhafc-soccer-schools/

Dear parents and carers,

I hope you have had a great week. 

As we enter the final and often the busiest part of the year, I am pleased to report that KAR continues to be in a very positive position.

Last week we held our Summer Showcase, a fantastic evening showcasing our students' abilities in dance and drama. We remain committed to the creative arts at KAR, and given our school size, the number of students who volunteer to perform each event is outstanding. A huge thank you to Ms Urquhart and Ms Dyson for their efforts in putting this together.

I was also privileged to attend the opening of Ringmer Community Pool. This now offers opportunities for our students from September, both in our Super Curriculum and our PE Curriculum. Some of our staff have already taken the opportunity to use it on Friday afternoons.

We also bid farewell to our Year 11 cohort. They have shown fantastic maturity and focus throughout the exam period, and the atmosphere in their last assembly was fantastic. As always, lots of shirt signing and the opportunity to have a treat from the ice-cream van! We held the Year 11 Prom yesterday evening, a fantastic and happy evening. Students arrived in tractors, sports cars, motorbikes, buses, and there was even a chinook helicopter flyover! A big thank you to all involved in the evening. The students had a fantastic evening and the atmosphere was one of celebration and togetherness. They certainly hit the dance floor, and there were some impressive moves being shown by staff members who will remain unnamed!

On Wednesday 24th June, we held a fantastic event at KAR for Smartphone Free Child, a volunteer group which we are engaging with to promote the benefits of a smartphone free childhood until 14. The evening was rich in discussion, with many members from the local community in attendance, including KAR staff, governors and parents of our prospective Year 7’s from September. As the host venue for the evening, I opened the event, before a panel that included educational consultants, paediatricians, healthcare experts, the police and other community leaders. Our principal students, Jessica and Elliot, also spoke with confidence and clarity regarding the challenges they have experienced with smartphones. The evening aimed to provide evidence-based information and discussion for those looking to make decisions around smartphones.

We have had a number of visits recently at Trust Level and Governance level. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from these visits, specifically outlining that we are currently seen as having maintained exceptionally high standards, and are leading the way in positive conduct by our students, the quality of teaching and the collective culture at the school.

We look forward to the last few weeks - transition days and evenings, sports day, activities week and celebration assemblies! A reminder that, due to the anticipated heatwave next Monday and Tuesday, students are allowed to wear PE Kit if they would prefer.

Have a great weekend

Best wishes,

Mr Harvey

Summer Showcase

Thank you to all who participated in and helped set up the Summer Showcase. It was such a lovely event and a wonderful celebration of the hard work of our music, dance and drama students. If you would like to make a donation to support the Musical Instrument Fund, then please make a donation via Parentpay.  Many thanks, Ms Urquhart, Subject Leader for Music.

MFL Department

MFL Article 1 - Bienvenue au café!  

Year 8 French students have been writing and performing role plays in a café this week, combining transactional French with "small talk" and acting skills.  It has been fantastic to see them grow in confidence and manage to complete this task in their second language. Bravo à tous! 

MFL Article 2 - Year 11s teaching Spanish verb conjugation to Year 7 on their leaver’s day 🙂

MFL Article 3 - Year 8 Spanish students have been working on creating a café role play in Spanish, and gave their final performances this week. They all came up with distinctive scripts and used varied vocabulary and accurate accents. Well done! - Ms Cooke 

English Department

Belonging - Poetry Competition

This month at KAR, we have been celebrating our sense of Belonging. I know we don't always acknowledge it, especially during those days when everything seems to go wrong - but, we're all incredibly fortunate to work and study in this brilliant school - and that, we thought, was worth remembering. 

Therefore, this month, we asked students to explore this feeling of Belonging - by crafting their own poems. The competition wasn't limited to school of course, as students could explore when and where they feel this sense of Belonging. Some chose to write about their friendships made at KAR, some chose to write about their hobbies, and some, well they chose to write about taking a lovely stroll through the forest on a beautiful Spring Day. 

It's always such a joy to read the work of all of our students here at KAR, and this competition, well it really did just show us what a creative, kind, adventurous, caring, ambitious (I could go on) group of students we have at this school. This competition was really difficult to judge as the standard was so high, but we've chosen the following as our Top 4. One of which will definitely leave you in tears, I'm sure. 

The winning students will be awarded 5 Achievement Points each, a PROUD award, AND a book courtesy of the English Department. A huge well done to the following:

Bay Blackwell - Year 7 - Bay Poem

Evelyn Johnson - Y7 - Evelyn Poem 

Martha Samms - Y8 - Martha Peom  

Diva Muthoor - Y8 - Diva Peom  

I am sure you will join me in congratulating these students on their incredible work. 

Write On Everyone, Write On.

Mr Maund, Teacher of English

Art Department – Abstract Landscape Club

What started as a short 3-week art course has beautifully transformed into a 9-week creative journey — every Friday filled with colour, imagination, and inspiration!

It’s been absolutely amazing to watch our students dive into the world of abstract landscape, embracing the expressive freedom it offers. With guidance and wisdom from the wonderful Mrs. Colbourne, they’ve explored techniques that brought their visions to life — and the results have been nothing short of incredible.

The work produced has truly wowed us, and the energy in the room each week has been electric with creativity. It’s been a joy for both myself and Mrs. Colbourne to see everyone so engaged, enthusiastic, and genuinely happy while creating.

To everyone who joined us — thank you from the bottom of our paint-splattered hearts. You've made these Fridays something special. 

Huge thank you to Harwoodking Printmakers for their generous gift of premium watercolour paper the students used during these workshops

https://www.harwoodking.com/

Until next time — keep creating, keep expressing, and keep smiling!

Check out some of the work produced below.  Miss Hook, Head of Art

PE Department

Over the last couple of weeks, we have taken our students to a number of different athletics events culminating in Town Sports on Tuesday 17 June 2025, in which the school competed against 12 other local secondary schools.

Year 7 - Super Six athletics at Hailsham.  The students took part in a number of events, including runs, throws and jumps, with the team finishing a very respectable 5th, although they improved massively in a week and finished 3rd in the bigger Town Sports Events.

Year 8 - In the Hailsham event, another credible result, finishing 5th overall, at Town Sports finishing 8th overall out of 12 schools

Year 9 - In the Hailsham event, the team won, which was a superb result, although not doing quite so well in the Town Sports, finishing 9th out of 12 schools

Year 10 - Unable to take part in the Hailsham event but finishing 9th out of 12 schools in the Town Sports

All the students represented the school with great enthusiasm and desire.  All students' behaviour was exemplary, which was noted by some of the other staff from other schools.  Also, some amazing individual performances from students across the different events.

Well Done all, Mr Coulthard

Super Curriculum News

Super Curriculum gardening group escaped the heat of the greenhouse this week to do some Anthotype printing with Turmeric.

Anthotype is a photographic image obtained using plant dyes (photosensitive pigments in plants), without the need for cameras, lenses, inks and lasers. We used the spice Turmeric to paint the paper, placing a fern over the yellow and leaving it in the sun for an hour.  The finished result came from spraying a simple solution to fix the colour. The results were really impressive.  Mrs Simon-House, ECO Co-ordinator.

Old School Uniform

Thank you to all the Year 11s who donated items of uniform back to the school.  We would still appreciate it more, especially trousers, skirts and ties.  Anything we do not need is donated to Raystede to sell on at their Rescue Centre on the Broyle.

You can donate to Raystede yourself at any time and there is also a second-hand uniform Facebook site link on our website.

Lost Property

We have a large number of unnamed lost property items in reception, including water bottles, winter coats, uniform, jewellery, watches and many keys.  Many of these items have been in reception for a very long time.

Please come to reception if you recognise any items or to look through the coats.

If any items are not claimed by the end of term, they will be repurposed or given to Raystede as donations.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with this.

 

Holiday Activities and Food for secondary-aged students eligible for FSM

The summer holidays are approaching, which means Holiday food and fun! We will be offering up a diverse menu of activities.

The document below has a QR code to take people to the ESCC booking platform.

ESCC would particularly like to highlight some clubs suitable for secondary-aged young people in the area that still have places available. These are all available via their booking platform or the links below.

• Barbering holiday club – 14 to 16 years – Eastbourne

• Eastbourne Fame Academy – performing arts – 6 to 17 years

• Inclusive musical theatre workshops – 7 to 13 years

• Wildlife and tech camp – Seven Sisters – 11 to 16 years

• Woodland drama workshop – 11 to 16 years

• Tetra Pack printing – 11 to 14 years – Seaford

• Weaving – 11 to 14 years – Seaford

• Creative Coast 11 to 14 years – Seaford

• Shrek summer school Kaleidoscope – 5 to 16 years – Lewes

• Lifestyle workshops and football fitness – 7 to 13 years - Newhaven

This DfE funded programme offers a range of exciting activities for young people who receive benefits-related free school meals.

All sessions include a healthy meal and are free to eligible young people. There is a great range of clubs spread across multiple venues in East Sussex. Activities include sport, art, theatre, forest school, animation, music, computer coding and crafts.

A small number of places will also be available for children and young people who:

·  Disabled or special educational needs, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

·  Children in Need (CiN)

·  Referred to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

·  Young Carers

·  Have a disabled sibling

·  Children on a Child Protection Plan (CP)

·  Looked After Children (LAC)

·  Refugee groups

 

Foundry Surgery are funding a Nature Therapy Session for Young People 11-17 on the 7th and 14th July at Kingston Pavillion.

It's free to attend and is intended for the Young Person and a parent.  It's aimed at children struggling with anxiety or who may have SEND and so struggle with self-regulating.

They have a lot of families who struggle to help their child/teen manage their emotions and often have a lot of difficulty getting them into school or college. We hear from parents that things can be very stressful at home for everyone involved, and they would like support. 

They have been working with a local organisation called Roots Nature Therapy (www.rootnaturetherapy.com) to set up a nature-based workshop for parents and children/teens in a small group. There is a lot of evidence about nature as a resource to improve mental health, but often families find it difficult to know where to start.  This workshop is to help you improve your connection with your child/teenager while helping you both reduce stress levels and feel better. 

 

KING’S ACADEMY RINGMER

Advert 1 - Reception, Administration and Attendance Assistant

Permanent 35 hours per week 

  Required to start on 1 September 2025

Term-time only

Salary – KGA Pay Scale, Band 4, Points 4 to 6

Ie: £24420pa to £25652pa to be pro-rated as TTO

We are seeking a Reception, Administration and Attendance Assistant to start on 1 September 2025.  Responsibilities will include managing the day-to-day running of the school reception and medical room and to administer student attendance.  

What can we offer you?

• Leaders who create a positive working environment where Teaching and Learning is the priority

• An established, motivated and supportive department 

• Conscientious and hardworking students in a ‘very happy and safe school’ (OFSTED 2024)

• An effective behaviour for learning policy where ‘pupils behave well’ (OFSTED 2024) 

• A supportive and collaborative staff body

• An excellent CPD programme and opportunities for progression

• Two-week October half-term 

• Academy-wide staff benefits and discounts (My KGA)

• The opportunity to work in an Eco School

• 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 "Kindness, Ambition, Resilience ". Our most recent Ofsted 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 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 download 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/506.   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 for 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)

Closing date for applications is Monday 14 July 2025 at 8.30am with the interview date will be on Tuesday 22 July 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.

Advert 2 - Learning Support Assistant x 2

Post 1 - Permanent 30 hours per week – Job number P/505

Post 2 – Permanent 24 hours per week – Job number P/504

Required to start on 1 September 2025

Term-time only

Salary – KGA Pay Scale, Band 2, Points 2 to 3

Ie: £23656pa to £24027pa to be pro-rated as TTO

Learning Support Assistant x 2 required to start on 1 September 2025 to work within the school to support students with additional needs.  Mainly based in the classroom, and working with small groups of students to support their individual and collective development, both academically and in their general wellbeing.  The successful candidates will support the SENCO and SEND department to help improve student outcomes and raise standards.  

The SEND department comprises of 5 dedicated Learning Support Assistants. There are numerous opportunities for CPD, including training from Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and many other professionals. We believe it is imperative to upskill and support our staff, therefore any training opportunities are encouraged. Admin time is allocated to timetables to complete tasks, training and plan for enrichment groups.

Work pattern

Post 1 (8.30am to 3.30pm - Monday to Friday.  6 hours a day / 30 hours per week plus an unpaid lunch break.  

8.30am to 3.30pm.  6 hours a day / 24 hours per week plus an unpaid lunch break - equivalent to 4 days a week, work pattern to be agreed with the successful candidate.  

What can we offer you?

• Leaders who create a positive working environment where Teaching and Learning is the priority

• An established, motivated and supportive department 

• Conscientious and hardworking students in a ‘very happy and safe school’ (OFSTED 2024)

• An effective behaviour for learning policy where ‘pupils behave well’ (OFSTED 2024) 

• A supportive and collaborative staff body

• An excellent CPD programme and opportunities for progression

• Two-week October half term 

• Academy wide staff benefits and discounts (My KGA)

• The opportunity to work in an Eco School

• 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 "Kindness, Ambition, Resilience ". Our most recent Ofsted 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 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 download 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/505.   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 for 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)

Closing date for applications is Friday 11 July 2025 at 8.30am with the interview date will be on Monday 21 July 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.

Dear parents and carers,

We have a great week at Ringmer!

As the exam season continues to progress, a special mention to Ms. King, who has made the 10-person shortlist for the national 2025 Exams Officer of the Year. Ms. King continues to do some excellent work at the school, ensuring that students and staff have everything they need for the exams. There is a considerable professionalism to the process, which has been recognised, and puts KAR alongside some other nominations from prestigious national and international schools, including those from the private sector. A huge well done to Ms King for her hard work.

On Thursday, we were visited by The NHS School Health Service, who spoke to many of our students in the hall at lunchtime. The NHS workers said they visit a large number of schools, and were blown away by how polite, well-dressed and personable our students were. A reminder, not that we need it, of the fantastic children we have here at KAR.

I am delighted that we will be hosting a community event on Tuesday 24th June relating to a ‘Smartphone Free Childhood’. Smartphone Free Childhood is a grassroots movement bringing parents together to stand up for healthier, happier childhoods. The event has been scheduled to highlight the opportunity for families to delay smartphones and social media together – building community, sharing support, and changing the conversation. Step by step. Brick (phone) by brick (phone). Whilst this is primarily aimed at our prospective parents in Year 6, everyone in our school community who has an interest in this area is welcome via ticket. More information is listed within this newsletter.

Have a fantastic weekend

Best wishes,

Mr Harvey

BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THE LEWES DISTRICT SMARTPHONE FREE CHILDHOOD PANEL EVENT!️

 Following sell-out events in Brighton and Hove, 'Parenting in the Digital Age’, Lewes District Event, is now open for booking!

 Tuesday 24th June 2025, 18.30-20.30, Kings Academy Ringmer, BN8 5RB 

This event is for everyone in our community: parents, carers, schools, doctors, anyone who cares about and is invested in the lives of our children. 

​ Listen to our incredible panel of local experts in paediatrics, mental health, the police and education.

​ Meet other parents who are considering delaying giving their child a smartphone until at least the age of 14.

​ Q&A with our experts to answer your burning questions.

​Tickets are free, but spaces are limited, so reserve your seat today. (And please, if your circumstances change and you can’t come, return your ticket so we can give it to someone else.)

 Please share this with friends, family, neighbours, schools, professional networks… anyone who you think needs to know!

See you there! 

Click this link to reserve your seat: http://bit.ly/3ZbPz0K

 

King’s Academy Ringmer Summer Showcase

Tickets are now available for our end-of-year Performing Arts Showcase!

On Wednesday 18th June, 6 - 8pm, talented students from Years 7 - 11 will take centre stage in the KAR school hall to present an evening of entertainment!

Our end of year Performing Arts Showcase is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the students artistic abilities and hard work.

From choirs, to bands, to small group acts, solo performances, dramatic scenes, and dance - the event will be jammed packed with entertainment.

Come and share this magical evening with us. Tickets are available here: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kar-summer-showcase-tickets-1365662636709?aff=oddtdtcreato

BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET NOW!

Free Webinars for Yr 9/10/11 parents from Emily Hughes, author of the GCSE Survival Guide for Parents

Navigating Year 11
For parents of current Year 10s
7–8pm, Thurs 12th June
https://parentguidetoeducation.com/reg/navigating-y11

Stepping up to Year 12
For parents of current Year 11s
7–8pm, Thurs 19th June
https://parentguidetoeducation.com/reg/stepping-up-to-y12

Navigating GCSEs
For parents of current Year 9s
7–8pm, Thurs 26th July
https://parentguidetoeducation.com/reg/navigating-gcses

Plumpton College – News and Events There is a lot going on at Plumpton College over the coming couple of months: Final Open Event of this academic year, 14 June Year 10 Taster Days - limited availability! Show season is here - catch us at South of England (6-8 June) and Kent County Show (4-6 July) Spotlight on our Foundation Learning programme

Their next Open Event is the perfect opportunity to visit Plumpton College, meet their industry expert lecturers and see where a career in the Land and Environment sector can take you:  Saturday 14 June 2025  9am - 12pm  Plumpton College, Ditchling Road, Lewes, BN7 3AE

Book your place for Saturday 14 June

Student Welcome Day - bookings open For any students due to start at Plumpton College in September 2025, Student Welcome Day is the perfect opportunity to meet new classmates and teachers and see what college life is like!  Please ask your son/daughter to check their emails and book their space.

Tuesday 8th July - final few spaces remaining for Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Studies & Conservation, Forestry & Arboriculture, Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences and Horticulture. Wednesday 9th July - limited availability for all sessions apart from Animal Management and Bakery which are both fully booked!  A fantastic opportunity for students to try out two subjects of their choice as part of our Year 10 Taster Days. Students will discover what's involved in the course, have a chance to explore campus and meet course tutors and other prospective students.

Book now

Plumpton College is excited to be heading to the South of England Show again this year!  Pop along and visit them at their stand F8 to have a hands-on experience with what they have to offer at Plumpton College! They will also be at the Kent County Show from 4 - 6 July.

Foundation Learning Spotlight

Foundation Learning Course Info

They are here to support you and your son/daughter with assembly presentations, careers events and any other initiatives you host. Why not get in touch and see how we can support you? schoolsliaison@plumpton.ac.uk Please don't hesitate to contact Plumpton by email (see contact details below) with any queries about studying at Plumpton College.  Kind Regards,  The Schools & Colleges Liaison Team - schoolsliaison@plumpton.ac.uk  Amanda Symes & Jess Saunders

Dear parents/carer,

I hope you have had a great week. 

We are immensely proud of our Year 11’s who have successfully navigated the first week of GCSE exams. They have shown maturity and an assured approach throughout the week, and we are delighted that every day has seen 100% attendance in school. They remain focussed in our drop-down timetables, where the teachers have done a very good job of guessing some of the exam questions just before they go in! 

I was delighted this week to be a part of our student leadership interviews for our senior students. The quality in Year 10 is outstanding, and we had a challenging job of choosing the various roles from transition leaders, sports leaders, eco-leaders and the head students. They all gave a presentation regarding how they would positively influence the school, as well as answering questions in interviews relating to the role. I congratulate all who took part in the process, and am delighted to announce Jessica and Elliot as our Head Students. I look forward to presenting them with their leadership ties in a ceremony with parents after the half-term. I am excited to work with them to elevate our student's voice, and have no question they will act as excellent role models when they step into Year 11 next year.

We are excited to again showcase yet more creative talent in the school in Years 7-11 with our performing arts showcase on 18th June. More details are held within this newsletter, and we hope to see you there on the evening! The performing arts remain a huge success at Ringmer, and it is fantastic to see so many students already signed up to perform.

Have a great weekend

Best wishes,

Mr Harvey

Music Department - Save the Date: Kings Academy Ringer Performing Arts Showcase 18 June 2025

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Performing Arts Showcase at Kings Academy Ringer! On Wednesday, 18th June, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, our talented students from Years 7 to 11 will take centre stage in the school hall to present an evening of entertainment. This spectacular event will feature a diverse array of performances, including choirs and bands, small group acts, solo performances, dramatic scenes, and dance. As valued parents and stakeholders, we cordially request that you put the date in your diary for this celebration of our students' artistic abilities and hard work. Your presence will not only support our young performers but also demonstrate the importance of the arts in our school community. We look forward to sharing this magical evening with you and showcasing the remarkable talents nurtured within our performing arts programme.  Thank you, Ms Urquhart, Subject Leader for Music 

 

Library News

Thank you for all the money raised from World Book Day.  The library has been able to purchase a brand-new collection of current trending reads. These popular titles reflect the latest interests and buzz in the reading community, offering something fresh and exciting for all readers. The new additions aim to inspire more students to read for pleasure and explore a variety of genres and voices.

Mrs Colbourne and Mrs Harvey Overton
 

Careers Information

 

1. Exciting Career Morning for Year 7 and 8 Students at King’s Academy Ringmer – 15 July 2025

Following the success of last year’s Careers Breakfast, we’re thrilled to announce that we are organising another Careers Morning for Year 7 and 8 students at King’s Academy Ringmer. The goal of this event is to spark conversations amongst the students about different career paths and career journeys. We want them to understand what various jobs involve and, most importantly, to feel inspired and excited about the career choices that lie ahead.

During the event, participants will be given a table in the assembly hall. Small groups of students will visit each table or stand for a Q&A-style discussion, allowing them to learn more about different careers directly from those who are experienced in those fields.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to be part of this exciting event, please reach out to me for more details – sarah.colbourne@kingsacademies.uk We are looking for a wide variety of careers to showcase and would love to have you involved. Looking forward to hearing from you, Mrs Colbourne, Careers Lead 

2. What Next Sussex -Online Careers Event for young people, parents and carers.

This is a live event taking place on Thursday 22nd May at 6pm.

The event will cover everything young people need to know to make informed decisions about their futures. From 6-7pm the LIVE CHAT will open and colleges, apprenticeship providers and universities across Sussex will be available to answer questions. 

Please follow the link below to register.

https://www.getcareerconfident.co.uk/what-next-sussex/what-next-sussex-2025-registered

3. “What Next Sussex”

This is an upcoming virtual event which is specifically designed for parents, carers and young people to support progression into post-16 education or training.  This event is organised by the East Sussex Careers Hub and will take place online on Thursday 22 May 2025.

Links to their social media posts about the event are found below:

• https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1123080173188816&set=a.311132604383581

• https://x.com/CareersHubES/status/1920192188970831964/photo/1 

 

Free School Meals - Changes from April 1st 2025

Please see below information received from East Sussex County Council with regard to free school meal changes.

We are writing to remind you that from 1st April this year the Free School Meals transitional protections ended. This means that any children whose household no longer meets the free school meal eligibility criteria will only receive free school meals until the end of the phase of education they are in, ie, Primary or Secondary school (or 6th form for those schools with one).

At the end of each academic year (starting this year), Year 6 pupils will be reviewed and any children no longer entitled will be removed from the FSM eligibility lists before they start secondary school. Year 11 children will also be ceased and those returning to a school 6th form must reapply for free school meals if they believe they are entitled.

All new free school meal applicants confirmed as eligible from 1st April will be recorded as ‘Eligible new’ and their entitlement will be reviewed three times a year in March, July and December. Parents and schools will be informed of any children who are no longer entitled to FSM following a review and they should be removed from your FSM entitlement list.

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

Do you qualify 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:

·         Universal Credit - GOV.UK – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

·         Income Support - GOV.UK

·         Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - GOV.UK

·         Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - GOV.UK

·         Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 - GOV.UK

·         The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit -GOV.UK

·         Child Tax Credit - GOV.UK, only, if your annual household income (assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) isn’t over £16,190

[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.

·         Apply for free school meals online

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.

Thank you, Debbie Duckworth, School Business Manager

Get ready for Walk to School Week - 19th to 23rd May

Walk to school week is an excellent way to try out some new habits.

Travelling to school is one of the biggest contributors to a school's carbon footprint, but it can be challenging to address because it relies on factors outside a school’s control - including the availability of safe routes to school and public transport and the good old British weather.

We are in the process of collecting data to find out how our staff and pupils travel to school and the carbon associated with this.

If you haven’t done so already, we invite you to fill in the very short survey to help us get a picture of our current transport trends. https://forms.gle/GLHfQjWc9KmHa6iUA

 

“Goodwoof” At Goodwood – 17 and 18 May 2025

There is going to be a brilliant dog event - Goodwoof taking place at Goodwood this weekend.  The weather is set to be perfect, and they have so much lined up which they think the Ringmer community would love - fabulous kennel designs in the Barkitecture competition with Kevin McCloud and dancing with Curtis and AJ Pritchard at the Ministry of Hound; plus, shopping opportunities with the Jellycat Hotel, along with much loved author, Michael Morpurgo heading a stellar line-up in our Literary Corner. Oh, and Raysted will be there too.

All activities on site will be included in the ticket price and children ages 12 and younger go free, as well as dogs, and under 21s are half price.  Tickets can be bought online at www.goodwood.com/goodwoof/tickets-and-packages/ and collected on the day.

 

Book Swap – Saturday 24 May 2025, 11am to 1pm

Lewes Children’s Book Group at the Depot

The event is free of charge.  Lewes Children’s Book Group asks children to bring good-condition children's books that they no longer want to read and exchange them for others.  Essentially "swapping" books to discover new titles and authors while giving their old books a new home, all without having to buy new ones; it's a way for book lovers to share their reading material with each other and find new books to read. 

It can also be an opportunity to find a love of reading.  If there are children who don't have books to swap in the first place, they can just speak to one of the volunteers at the event and they find a way of making it work.

Half Term Activities - Creative Hands - Pottery Clubs and The Mac’s Farm Open Days

1. Clayful Hands - Pottery Clubs 

Clayful Hands is a creative pottery studio based in a beautiful beamed barn on a peaceful farm just outside Lewes. They run a variety of engaging, hands-on experiences for children, including after-school sessions and creative holiday clubs throughout the year.

Their aim is to offer a calm, welcoming space where children can explore their creativity - whether through pottery painting, wheel throwing, or clay modelling. With on-site parking, a café, and plenty of fresh air, it's an ideal environment for after-school relaxation or school holiday fun.

2. The Mac’s Farm Open Days

See poster below for further details

 

 

Tree Festival 2025 – Photo Competition

Please see the poster below for further information.

 

Dear parents/carers,

I hope you have had a great week.

Our Year 11's are now in the final push towards exams, with some exams already done! We wish them every success as they start the full round of exams from next week. I am extremely proud of all their hard work. The students have conducted themselves in a calm, purposeful and focused manner; it has been encouraging to see them attending their exams and preparation sessions with such a positive mindset. Hundreds of intervention sessions have been attended across the year group, so I also thank teachers and staff for providing this support. The students have been receiving rewards through their ‘intervention passports’, with some already having attended close to 50 additional sessions either before or after school in the last few months. As they now enter the exam season, the hard work continues before their celebration at the end-of-year Prom.

This week, we will take the opportunity to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025 – signalling eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe. I am grateful to Ms Da Nobrega who has organised some activities throughout the week to aid reflexion and discussion. This year's commemorations provide a unique opportunity to connect younger generations with this pivotal chapter in history. This supports our extensive personal development curriculum, centred around our CARE principles designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they will need after leaving KAR (Communication, Curiosity, Altruism, Respect and Emotional Intelligence). This is worked on in our personal development time (PDT) and provides an opportunity to express views and consider different perspectives.

I am pleased to say that our Year 9 students were a credit on the Big Futures Careers Fair at Eastbourne Sports Park, receiving several positive comments on the day. We have worked hard to develop our career provision and thank you to Ms Colbourne for leading this area so successfully.

Best wishes,

Mr Harvey

The Big Futures Careers Fair -Year 9 Visit

Our Year 9 students visited The Big Futures Careers Fair at Eastbourne Sports Park this week. Now in its eighth year, the show has established itself as the premier employability and skills event for schools in East Sussex.

The level of student engagement was exceptional and this was fed back by both staff and the exhibitors.

Our students got involved with a range of hands-on activities and discussions throughout their visit. This included career quizzes, using drones, software testing,’’ build a road challenge’’ on Minecraft, using VR headsets, skim plastering, house building techniques and methods of construction, hairdressing, learning first aid with the NHS and many more.  

Students left fired up with lots of ideas, information and enthusiasm that they could follow up.

We were all very proud of our students for the way they conducted themselves throughout the event.

Mrs Colbourne , Careers Lead 

 

 

Important Information to note:

• SIGNING IN & OUT

When students sign in or out during the school day, it is absolutely essential that they speak to a member of the reception staff. 

• ARBOR UPDATE & ABSENCE REPORTING

Recently, an email was sent out to parents informing them that we would now be using Arbor and this included instructions and a link for parents to sign up to Arbor and to download the Arbor app.  Parents and students no longer have access to Edulink.  

Absences should be reported via the Arbor app. or by phoning the school absence line (unmanned) or emailing ringmer.reception@kingsacademies.uk.  

Please note: advance appointments cannot be reported. 

If you have any issues accessing Arbor please contact the school.

Please note: advance appointments cannot be reported on Arbor.  Please contact reception if you wish to report any.

We are still working on giving students access to Arbor.

• WATER!

Please ensure that your child has a water bottle in school every day, especially with the weather getting warmer.  There is ample shade and water available during breaks. Blazers may be removed outside but should be replaced on entry to buildings.

• PARENTPAY

Recent issues with Parentpay should now have been resolved.  Please check your child's account and top it up where necessary.

All students were allowed to purchase food from the canteen without question, so now we have several accounts overdrawn.