KAR Newsletter 18/07/2025
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:
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Layla Yarrow - Year 8 - Best Cat
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Jayden McKie - Year 10 - Best Dog
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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.
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Transitional protection rules will apply at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.
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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.
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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:
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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)
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Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - GOV.UK
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - GOV.UK
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Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 - GOV.UK
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The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit -GOV.UK
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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]
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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.
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.
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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.
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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
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