Dear parents and carers,
I hope you have had a positive week.
Please see below for important information regarding the KGA Trust’s new password policy for students to ensure greater security across our schools. Please note that from today (Friday 14th), students will be prompted to change their password to the new requirements. This has been explained to all students in assemblies this week, and we have included the policy below to ensure you can support them in the event that any access issues arise over the half-term.
It has been a pleasure this week to read our ‘hearts of appreciation’ display at the front of school, where students took the time to write a personal appreciation relating to something they are thankful for. If you visit the school please take the time to have a look - there are some wonderful comments relating to family, friends, teachers and a lot of pets!
Further to my newsletter last week, I attended a central planning meeting this week for the Ringmer swimming pool. Things are really moving forward, and we hope to see it open in the near future. Initially, we asked for an exclusive time within our Super Curriculum on Wednesday’s, and I will be working with Wave Leisure to ensure we can link this into our PE curriculum in due course. Exciting times!
We were delighted this week at a Sussex Headteachers' meeting to be highlighted as a ‘school to visit’ within East Sussex as an example of a school that is having a positive impact on student progress. In addition, we were delighted to welcome two principals from new schools within our Trust to see our school in action. They were very impressed with the quality of teaching and the conduct of our fantastic students.
It was noted that:
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Conduct in corridors and around the school, students were polite and respectful.
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Lessons are dynamic and inclusive, with high levels of student participation, purposeful activities, and a positive learning environment that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and deep thinking.
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Relationships between students and staff are positive and kind.
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Clear expectations are consistently upheld, ensuring a calm and focused learning environment where students listen actively, show respect, and engage purposefully without distractions.
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A strong ethos of transparency and collaboration is evident, with open classroom doors fostering a welcoming, supportive environment where best practices are shared, and a sense of collective responsibility for learning thrives.
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Senior leadership, including the SENCO are passionate, knowledgeable and reflective about their school. This was evident in all discussions, before entering lessons and after lesson visits.
This mirrors much of what OFSTED saw in November, and I am extremely proud of our school community for helping to create an environment where children can thrive.
I hope you have a great half term.
Best wishes,
Mr Harvey
KGA Password Policy
The policy comes into effect on Friday 14 February 2025. Every student who wants to log into their account on 14 February will need to be prepared with a password which meets the complexity appropriate to their phase/status.
Password Requirements for Staff and Secondary Students
Passwords for staff and secondary students should meet the following criteria:
· Length: Minimum of 10 characters.
· Complexity: Must include at least three of the following:
Uppercase letters (A-Z)
Lowercase letters (a-z)
Numbers (0-9)
Special characters (e.g., !, @, #, $, %, etc.)
· Examples:
Sunshine2024!
BlueSky#78
Learning@123
· Expiry: Passwords must be changed every 180 days.
· Reuse: The last 5 passwords cannot be reused.
· Lockout: Account will be locked after 5 failed login attempts. A system administrator must unlock the account.
DT Department
Year 8 have been enjoying their last lessons in D&T before they move to Food Tech. So many successful herb racks completed and lots of happy faces to match. Well done year 8, see you in year 9! Mrs R. Hepburn Imber, Design & Technology Teacher
House News
This term we have held two House Events. The first was ‘Don’t drop the ball’ where there was a fantastic turn out from KS3 where the year groups worked together and showed true KAR spirit.
Our final House Event this term was held ‘Hearts of Appreciation’ in light of Valentine’s Day.
The students shared what they appreciate most by writing and decorating heart shaped papers. Our fantastic House Representatives then displayed them in reception.
We hope those who visited the Academy enjoyed reading them.
Mrs R. Hepburn Imber, Head of House System
Calling All Young Nature Photographers
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Photography Competition! If your child has a passion for capturing the beauty of nature, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase their talent.
Encourage your budding photographer to grab their camera and explore the world around them—whether it’s a breathtaking landscape, a delicate flower, or a fascinating insect. This competition is designed to celebrate the creativity and keen observation of young minds.
How to Enter: 
Don’t miss out on this wonderful chance for your child to shine! See the poster for full details. We can’t wait to see the world through their lens! With regards, Miss L Hook, Head of Art & Photography
Exciting New Art Club for KS3 Students
After half term, we are introducing a brand-new Art Club exclusively for KS3 students. Running for just three weeks every Friday lunchtime in the library starting the first week back. This special opportunity will focus on creating bold and expressive landscapes working with the talented Mrs Colbourne who already sells her artwork locally.
This is a fantastic chance for young artists to unleash their creativity, explore new techniques, and develop their artistic confidence in a fun and supportive environment. It will be a first come, first served basis for attendance.
With regards, Miss L Hook, Head of Art & Photography
Careers News
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National Apprenticeship Week -10th -14th February
This week-long celebration brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
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Year 9 Assembly
Ahead of National Apprenticeship week, our year 9 students had an apprenticeship awareness assembly by The National Apprenticeship Service. The students were given superb information from a dynamic speaker who introduced apprenticeships and explained the range of career options.
Please find more information here and a tailored guide for individuals, apprentices and parents to get involved in National Apprenticeship Week 2025
INVESTIN – The Young Photographer Challenge – Student Charity Competition
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Ringmer Primary and Nursery School
Nursery School Open Morning on Saturday 22 March 2025, 10am to 12 noon – please see poster
Lewes Children’s Book Club
Book Swap on Saturday 15 February at the Depot, 11.30am to 1.30pm
Lewes Children's Book Group are holding their usual Book Swap on Saturday 15th February 11.30-1.30pm at the Depot.
The event is free of charge. They ask 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 let the club know, and they will find a way of making it work.
Thank you to King’s Academy Ringmer from Hailsham Foodbank
On behalf of the Foodbank, we wanted to send a thank you for your donation at Christmas. We are so grateful for donations like yours - without them, we would really struggle through the winter months. You donated 131kg of food. Your dedication and support has made a huge effort into the lives of local people living in poverty. Best wishes, Catherine Mudford, Deputy Manager - Hailsham Foodbank
Two Job Vacancies – King’s Academy Ringmer
Post 1: Marketing Manager
7.4 hours per week (equivalent to one day a week) . Required to start asap
Permanent, TTO + 1 additional week to be worked during the summer closure
Salary – KGA Pay Scale, Band 6, Points 9 to 13 ie: £27363pa to £31067pa to be pro-rated as TTO plus 1 week
We are seeking a colleague who will be the face and point of contact at King’s Academy Ringmer in the community, proactively developing the school’s public profile and reputation both in person and through digital marketing communication. This role presents an exciting opportunity for someone to bring their vision to further develop our thriving school community. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work from home on occasions when the need arises.
This role is term-time only plus one additional week to be worked during the summer closure.
King's Academy Ringmer is a rural comprehensive with values of kindness, ambition and resilience. We have a strong reputation for our inclusion, pastoral care and a rapidly improving trend of results in terms of student attainment and progress. The Academy is part of King's Group Academies whose mission is to equip all students with the confidence, knowledge, skills and values that will enable them to thrive in the modern world. We anticipate exciting developments ahead working together with students, parents/carers and the wider community to build upon our strengths and make this an outstanding school.
What can we offer you?
• A chance to be at the forefront of educational development.
• An Academy with a positive ethos, motivated students and focus upon learning
• Excellent induction, support and staff development opportunities
• A beautiful, rural environment situated approximately 12 miles from the coastal city of Brighton and Hove
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/495. We offer a first-class working environment with supportive colleagues and opportunities for career development.
King’s Academy Ringmer is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts within our Multi Academy trust are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, all applicants will be required to declare spent and unspent convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as spent, and complete an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Closing date for applications is Monday 3 March 2025 at 8.30am with the interview date TBC.
We advise applying promptly for this post as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.
Post 2: Admissions and Transition Officer
22.2 hours per week (equivalent to three days a week) . Required to start asap
Permanent, TTO
Salary – KGA Pay Scale, Band 6, Points 9 to 13 ie: £27363pa to £31067pa to be pro-rated as TTO
The successful applicant will also be responsible for the student recruitment cycle from primary feeder schools as well as in-year admissions. You will lead on all aspects of admissions to meet the schools’ objectives, making sure all functions are performed in a timely, efficient, and effective manner.
King's Academy Ringmer is a rural comprehensive with values of kindness, ambition and resilience. We have a strong reputation for our inclusion, pastoral care and a rapidly improving trend of results in terms of student attainment and progress. The Academy is part of King's Group Academies whose mission is to equip all students with the confidence, knowledge, skills and values that will enable them to thrive in the modern world. We anticipate exciting developments ahead working together with students, parents/carers and the wider community to build upon our strengths and make this an outstanding school.
What can we offer you?
• A chance to be at the forefront of educational development.
• An Academy with a positive ethos, motivated students and focus upon learning
• Excellent induction, support and staff development opportunities
• A beautiful, rural environment situated approximately 12 miles from the coastal city of Brighton and Hove
For full details and an application form can be downloaded directly from our website: https://www.kgaringmer.uk/vacancies/support-staff-vacancies or contact Amanda French on either 01273 815460 or amanda.french@kingsacademies.uk quoting job reference P/496. 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 3 March 2025 at 8.30am with the interview date TBC.
We advise applying promptly for this post as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.