Our Vision and Values
Ambitious for excellence
Ambitious for excellence
Ambitious for excellence
Ambitious for excellence
Welcome to
UPLANDS
ACADEMY
At Uplands Academy, we are proud of the excellent relationships between our staff and our students. Our staff have high expectations, are ambitious for our students, and know them well. We are proud of our relentless commitment to having a rigorous focus on the child as an individual.
Support at every level
@Uplands Academy
Uplands Academy / Published 27 Jun 2025
🏳️🌈 At Uplands Academy, we believe everyone should make their MARK by treating all people with manners, acceptance, respect and kindness. We support each other and embrace and champion each other’s identities and diversity, regardless of our differences.
Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates in a number of different ways for Pride Month. Across the globe, events are held during this special month as a way of recognising how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how in some places there is still work to be done.
Next week during assemblies and tutor time, staff will be leading discussions about what it means to embrace Pride, the origins of this annual event and some of the issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
Our PRIDE Club has also been marking and celebrating Pride throughout June. PRIDE Club is open to everyone; it is a safe, supportive and inclusive space for students, where they can be themselves. There is also the opportunity to help to educate and support other students and staff in their learning and understanding of diversity. Everyone is welcome to come along to HU3 on Thursday lunch-times.
#Pride #PrideMonth #Diversity #MakeYourMARK
MARK Education Trust
Uplands Academy / Published 27 Jun 2025
✨☀️On Wednesday 25 June, students across Year 7 took part in a WiseUp Team Building day.
The Uplands Academy fields were buzzing with energy as students tackled challenges, solved puzzles, and built stronger bonds with their peers. From obstacle courses to creative brainstorming, every activity was designed to foster teamwork, planning, communication and leadership skills.
🎉Congratulations to Jack C, Ellie, Harry S, Freya W, Charlie H, Noah A, Autumn, Sophie and Joseph who staff highlighted as displaying exceptionally strong skills throughout the day. You will all receive a prize at our Year 7 end of term assembly.
Some of the feedback included:
👉'Jack was very supportive of others throughout the day, he even kindly gave a pair of trainers to a friend whose shoes broke!'
👉'For showing great leadership skills, taking charge of a situation with kindness, determination and utter calm. Well done Ellie!'
👉'Excellent determination from Freya W: never gave up, stayed 100% focused, tried different creative solutions and involved everyone in her team through really clear communication. She was impressive'.
👉'Autumn was supportive, motivational, strategic, inclusive, thoughtful, respectful, well mannered and resilient'.
Well done to everyone involved for their incredible teamwork and enthusiasm, and a big thank you to the WiseUp Team for organising such an invaluable and fun day. We would also like to thank all the staff & student sports leaders who helped run the activities on the day.
#teambuilding #MakeYourmark #communicationskills #leadership
Uplands Academy / Published 25 Jun 2025
🎉On Friday 20 June, we celebrated a truly special milestone with our amazing Year 11 students as they marked the end of their time at Uplands Academy.
The afternoon began with a heartfelt leavers' assembly and awards ceremony, where staff joined to celebrate their achievements. It was a moment of reflection, recognition, and celebration.
From there, the festivities continued with shirt signing, delicious food, and lots of laughter!
Huge congratulations to the entire year group, you did it! Your hard work throughout exam season has paid off, and we couldn't be prouder. Now it's time to relax, recharge, and enjoy a well-deserved summer.
We love keeping in touch with our former students, so please stay connected. We can't wait to see where life takes you next. Wishing you all the very best for the future.
Mr. Gander, Head of Year 11, shared: 'This year group has shown incredible determination and character. They've faced challenges with strength and humour, and I couldn't be prouder of the young people they've become'.
👏Well done, Class of 2025. The future is yours!
#classof2025 #Newbeginnings #MakeYourMARK
Uplands Academy / Published 24 Jun 2025
✨MP visits Uplands Academy to mark our Trust securing £1.7 million funding
We're proud to share that MARK Education Trust has secured £1.7 million from the government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) to enhance school buildings across our Trust - including right here at Uplands Academy!
We are incredibly grateful to Nus Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald for her vital support in helping to secure these funds, and to celebrate this achievement we were delighted to welcome her to our school at the beginning of June. During the visit, our student ambassadors had a fantastic opportunity to ask Ms. Ghani questions about her role and responsibilities as the local MP and Madam Deputy Speaker, debate local issues and international affairs, and discuss ways of getting involved in politics and public service.
Ms. Ghani said, ‘Uplands Academy is a fantastic local school...I was delighted to support the Academy in securing additional funding from the Department for Education, which helps to ensure that students can thrive in a safe and improved learning environment. Getting our young residents interested in the workings of our democracy is a vital part of my work as an MP. It was a pleasure to take insightful questions from the Student Ambassadors. I look forward to welcoming them to Parliament!’
A big thank you to The Kent and Sussex Courier for their great coverage about the visit.
Please visit the news section on our website for the full report: https://tinyurl.com/442hcdk2
Uplands Academy / Published 24 Jun 2025
🚦Traffic update - Hawkhurst works complete 🚧
We've been notified by Kent Highways that the road closures related to the Hawkhurst traffic light works have now ended.
All routes are now open, with temporary lights still in place. Hams Travel services to Uplands Academy are now running as normal, with their normal timetables and stops.
Uplands Academy / Published 20 Jun 2025
At the beginning of June, our bronze #DofE students, completed their practice expeditions. 🏕
Despite the weather not always being kind to them, they all arrived eager and ready to learn. From navigating through beautiful trails, to setting up camp and cooking their own meals, all students seemed to get a lot out of the experience and are now fully prepared for their qualifying expeditions in July.
A big thank you to Miss Buckley, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Manager, for organising the practice weekend along with our expedition provider Outspark.
#Teamwork #TeamUplands #DukeofEdinburgh #MakeYourMark #expeditioncomplete
MARK Education Trust
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Uplands Academy / Published 19 Jun 2025
🌳School orchard update 🍎🍐
Back in January 2024, we launched our orchard project after winning a bid for three fruit trees. What started as a small initiative has now blossomed into a thriving orchard with twenty-two fruit trees plus hedgerow, wildflowers, and pollinator-friendly plants to support local wildlife.🌸🐝
This project has only been made possible thanks to the generous support of our local community, including Herons Folly Garden, Sussex Country Gardener Garden Centre and The Woodland Trust.
The orchard has become a peaceful and purposeful space for some of our students to take a break from lessons. They've taken an active role in planting, weeding, and learning about the environment firsthand, and we are excited to share that the orchard is thriving. Our apple and pear trees are fruiting, and the cherry and plum trees are also continuing to grow! 🍒
#studentwellbeing #schoolorchard #communitysupport
Uplands Academy / Published 19 Jun 2025
☀ Our Head of Geography, Mrs. Huxford has been making the most of the sunny weather this week by taking two of her Year 7 and 8 classes outside.
During the lessons, students used compasses to complete a directions worksheet around the school grounds. The purpose of the activity was to build confidence in key geography skills and to teach them how to navigate without relying on Google maps. 🌎
#outsidelearning #geographers #year7 #year8
Uplands Academy / Published 18 Jun 2025
🏃♀️Yesterday, fifty-one of our talented students made the much-anticipated annual trip to Withdean Stadium in Brighton for the Ouse Valley Athletics event.
🥇The level of competition was extremely high, and we witnessed some outstanding performances from all schools involved. We are especially proud to celebrate several standout athletes from our team:
⭐️ Sebby (Year 10) produced two showstopping performances. He stormed to victory in the 400m, turning heads with his sustained speed and power, and later dominated the 100m sprint, showcasing incredible acceleration and technique.
⭐️ Daniel (Year 9) continued his fine form from earlier competitions, securing double gold in the 100m and 200m. Daniel’s explosive start and smooth sprinting technique made him untouchable in both races.
⭐️ Sienna (Year 9) followed up her earlier success at Priory with a commanding win in the 200m. Her powerful surge around the bend and strong finish down the straight left no doubt about her dominance in the event.
⭐️ Sophia (Year 8 ) stepped up to the challenge of the 300m and delivered a remarkable performance. Usually a 200m runner, she put everything into her performance and was overjoyed with victory against a tough field of opposition.
Beyond the winners, there were many other fantastic performances, with several students finishing a close second or achieving new personal bests. Every member of the team contributed to the success of the day through their attitude, effort, and support for one another.
A huge thank you goes to Mrs. Lord, Mr. Stidder, Miss. Buckley, Mr. Allen, and Miss. Bull for their outstanding support on the day.
Athletics Club will continue to run until the end of Term 6. We encourage all students to get involved, whether you’re aiming to compete next year or just looking to improve your fitness and technique. Come along, give it a go, and you could be part of the next generation of champions!
For the full report of the event, please visit the 'News' section on our website: https://tinyurl.com/3tysdtu8
#MakeYourMARK #athletics #TeamUplands
Uplands Academy / Published 17 Jun 2025
👩⚕️Interested in becoming a doctor?👨⚕️
BrightMed at BSMS, run by Brighton and Sussex Medical School, identifies and supports young people who have the potential to become tomorrow's doctors. The programme is open to students in Year 8 to Year 11 and will help increase awareness of what it takes to study medicine and healthcare subjects, through fun, inspiring and interactive teaching focused on medicine, health and science.
For more information, and to apply online please visit: www.bsms.ac.uk.
Applications close on 12th July.
Uplands Academy / Published 17 Jun 2025
💝 Since the beginning of this year we have been reaching out to our community for donations of used items to help support students in need. Thank you to everyone who has donated, it will make such a difference for some of our students.
We do still require more items so if you have any of the below, it would be hugely appreciated:
✅ School uniforms and school shoes
✅ Football boots & shin pads
✅ PE kits & trainers
✅ Laptops & cameras with chargers
✅ Scientific calculators
All donations should be in good working condition. Regrettably we cannot accept old logo items!
Your donations will go a long way in ensuring that students feel confident and prepared for their studies. Please bring any items to the school reception by Friday 27 June 2025.
Year 11 students are welcome to bring in any unwanted uniform or items on Friday 20 June when they attend the leavers event.
Thank you for your generosity and support in giving students the tools they need to succeed!
For more information, please email Mrs. Lord (llord@uplands-academy.org).
#communitysupport #communityspirit #preloved
Uplands Academy / Published 16 Jun 2025
A brief reminder that as communicated in our letters, newsletters and via our website, Friday 20 June and Monday 23 June are INSET days.
School term and holiday dates for the 2025-2026 academic year are available to view now via our website.
👉 https://www.uplands-academy.org/news-dates/term-dates
Uplands Academy / Published 13 Jun 2025
🏏☀️Yesterday, we were reminded just how lucky we are to have access to such incredible sports facilities, surrounded by stunning countryside.
Our Year 10 Sports Leaders hosted a brilliant cricket event for students from three local schools; Wadhurst, Stonegate CE Primary School and Little Acorns Pre-School and Mark Cross CE Primary. It was a wonderful opportunity for potential future students to get a taste of life at Uplands.
The sun shone as our leaders arranged a series of fun and energetic catching, batting and fielding drills before guiding everyone through several exciting games of non-stop cricket.
Ms. Lewis, North Wealden School Games Organiser, reflected on the day, 'Thank you leaders, you really brought your own creativity and energy which made it a very successful and enjoyable event- well done!!'
#TeamUplands #MakeYourMARK #inspiringyoungergenerations
Uplands Academy / Published 13 Jun 2025
The Summer holidays will see the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme up and running again. A range of clubs providing activities and food during the school holidays, FREE for children on benefit-related free school meals.
There is a great choice of clubs spread across multiple venues in East Sussex. Each provides a free healthy meal and a wonderful opportunity for children and young people to enjoy a range of activities, including sport, art, dance, animation, music and crafts.
Some of the clubs and activities on offer include:
👉 Forest School at Glottenham, Robertsbridge (11-16 years)
👉 Adventure Days at Bowles Outdoor Centre, Eridge (10-13 years)
👉 Wildlife and Tech Camp, Hastings (11-16 years)
👉 Summer Musical Theatre Course, Bexhill-on-Sea (9-16 years)
👉 Music Workshop with Pro Musicians, Uckfield (7-15 years)
👉 Woodland Drama Workshop, Seven Sisters Country Park, Seaford (11-15 years)
Please refer to the HAF booking website to see the full list of activities across East Sussex: https://eequ.org/escchaf
Uplands Academy / Published 12 Jun 2025
🎤Out of over 300 entries, two of our very own students, Amelie & Henry (Year 10) have made it into the Top 12 finalists for the Speakers Trust, Sussex Speak Out Challenge 2025 Final! 👏
Why not come along, show your support, and enjoy an inspiring evening filled with powerful, thought-provoking speeches on a wide range of topics.
Tickets are FREE but must be booked in advance.
Scan the QR code below or click here to book your ticket now: https://tinyurl.com/nhm5cxv9
#SpeakOutSussex #PublicSpeaking #TeamUplands #MakeYourMark MARK Education Trust
Uplands Academy / Published 11 Jun 2025
🎨⚔️Warhammer Club update!⚔️🎨
Our incredible Warhammer Club has been hard at work since last term, meeting every week to prepare for the #ArmiesonParade2025 competition.
This year, they're entering the Team Category and bringing some serious creativity to the table. Yesterday after school, students were discussing their colour schemes and got stuck into building and painting their Ork army.
Mr. Woodhouse, who runs the club, shared, 'It's been amazing to see the students collaborate, problem-solve, and bring their vision to life. Their passion and creativity are what this club is all about.'
Good luck to everyone involved - we can't wait to see your finished entry!
For more information about the competition, visit: https://tinyurl.com/bd6wzb45
#WarhammerClub #ArmiesonParade2025 #TeamUplands
Uplands Academy / Published 10 Jun 2025
🚨 Important Transport Update: Delay on the UP06 service
Posted at 3:40pm
The UP06 (Rambler Coaches) has not yet left Uplands Academy due to technical issues with the doors. They are trying to fix this and possibly arrange a replacement coach as quickly as possible.
At this time, we do not have any further details but will keep you updated as soon as we receive more information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.