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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.
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@Uplands Academy
Uplands Academy / Published 15 Jul 2026
🎨 This term in Art, Year 8 have been exploring landscapes and the threats to rural life faced by local communities. As part of the project, this week students had the opportunity to take advantage of the academy's wonderful views of the local countryside. During their 'plein air' lesson, students applied the principles they have been learning about the characteristics of different landscape elements to produce loose pencil and pen sketches of the wide-reaching scenes.
At other points in the project, students developed their watercolour skills to create Turneresque skies and experimented with mark-making and printmaking inspired by Hockney's Yorkshire paintings. These pieces were then collaged together with foreground silhouettes to convey narratives and produce detailed and exciting compositions that students should be very proud of.
What a wonderful end to our summer term!
#outdoorlearning #artlesson #Year8
Uplands Academy / Published 15 Jul 2026
✨ Performing Arts Showcase 2026 🎭🎼
A huge well done to everyone who took part in our Performing Arts Showcase on Wednesday 8 July. It was an unforgettable evening, filled with creativity, talent and confidence – a true celebration of the performing arts at Uplands.
Special congratulations to our talented musicians, singers and actors, who captivated the audience throughout the evening. Highlights included a modern twist on the classic novel 'Lord of the Flies' from our Drama Club, a spectacular rendition of 'The Greatest Show' by the choir, and impressive performances on electric guitar, piano and flute.
The audience was also treated to some wonderfully entertaining LAMDA scenes, a powerful monologue from 'Edelweiss Pirates', and a lively performance of 'The Schuyler Sisters' from Hamilton.
Before the show and during the interval, families also had the opportunity to enjoy a display of outstanding student artwork curated by our Art Department. The exhibition provided a wonderful showcase of the creativity and talent being developed across the school.
A special thank you goes to Miss Leader, Head of Music, and Ms Whelan, Head of Drama, for their brilliant leadership and organisation. Performing Arts has gone from strength to strength at Uplands in recent years, and the confidence, skill and enthusiasm they have nurtured in our students were evident throughout the showcase.
We would also like to extend our thanks to our newly formed PTA for providing refreshments before the performance and during the interval. Their support helped make the evening even more enjoyable for our guests, and all funds raised will go directly to the PTA to support future projects and opportunities for our school community.
Finally, thank you to our parents, carers and guests for their support, and to the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the evening such a success.
We are incredibly proud of every performer who took to the stage and look forward to seeing our Performing Arts students continue to flourish in the years ahead.
For more photos, please visit the news page on our website: https://tinyurl.com/2wuab6cf
#MakeYourMARK #PerformingArts
Uplands Academy / Published 15 Jul 2026
🔅 Summer Family Days at Hastings Contemporary
Hastings Contemporary is hosting a series of Summer Family Days packed with hands-on activities.
Every Thursday during the school holidays, families are invited to explore the exhibitions and discover art trails, drawing prompts, crafting stations, and an artist-led workshop.
With a different theme each week, children can experiment with printing, painting, collage, sculpture and more.
There’s plenty to enjoy for all ages, whether you stay for an hour or make a day of it.
No need to book, just turn up.
📆 Thursdays from 23 July - 27 August 2026
Under 18s and concessions go free, local adults £5
For more information, please visit their website: https://tinyurl.com/e47yrzcj
Uplands Academy / Published 15 Jul 2026
Great British Summer Savings
Families can enjoy a range of discounts this summer through the Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, running from 25 June to 1 September 2026. Eligible attractions, cinemas, theatres, concerts, exhibitions and children's meals may qualify for reduced prices, and children aged 5–15 can travel free on buses in England throughout August.
To find participating venues and offers near you, visit: www.summersavings.gov.uk
The attraction finder allows families to search by postcode and discover local opportunities to enjoy days out and activities for less this summer.
Uplands Academy / Published 13 Jul 2026
Week 5 – The Final Week of Our World Cup-Themed Pop-Up Menu! 🌍⚽
We've reached the final week of our World Cup-themed pop-up menu, and it's been a fantastic addition to the wider menu. A huge thank you to our Chartwells catering team – it's been great to see so many students opting for the menu over the last 5 weeks.
For our final week, we're continuing to celebrate the cuisines of the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Check out the Week 5 menu below and don't miss your last chance to join in! 👇
Uplands Academy / Published 10 Jul 2026
✨ Year 11 Prom 2026 ✨
On 26 June, our Year 11 students enjoyed a fantastic Prom Night at Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club, the perfect celebration for an incredible year group.
Students arrived in style, making unforgettable entrances by sports car, tractor, motocross bike and even horseback! Dressed to impress in stunning gowns and sharp suits, they enjoyed a delicious meal, plenty of dancing and the chance to celebrate together after a busy exam season.
It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, friendship and lasting memories, marking the end of one chapter and the start of exciting new adventures ahead.
📸 A huge thank you to Miss Reilly, Head of Art & Photography and our talented Year 10 Photography students; Holly, Bella, Eeva and Stephanie for capturing the evening so beautifully.
Year 11 – this isn’t goodbye! We’d love you to stay part of the Uplands community by joining our Alumni Network. It’s a great way to keep in touch, hear about opportunities and support younger students as you move on to your next steps.
Please sign up here - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/ULYr8fiCeF
For more photos from the prom please visit the news page on our website: https://tinyurl.com/yc3teckr
#Year11Prom #Prom2026 #CelebratingSuccess
Uplands Academy / Published 10 Jul 2026
🇨🇳 Mandarin Club has been a fantastic addition to our list of extra-curricular clubs this year, with more and more students joining each week. Throughout the year, students have developed their Mandarin language skills while learning about Chinese culture and traditions.
🥢🍲 To celebrate the end of term, Mr Suewing organised a special cooking experience after school on Wednesday, giving students the opportunity to cook their own Chinese food using a traditional hot pot. They also put their chopstick skills to the test, having practised them earlier this term. Students cooked pork and fish balls, tofu, potatoes and vegetables in a delicious hot broth.
A great way to round off a successful first year of Mandarin Club!
Mandarin Club will continue in September, so if you are interested in joining or you would like further information, please speak to Mr Suewing.
#MandarinClub #trysomethingnew #MakeYourMARK
Uplands Academy / Published 9 Jul 2026
🏴Our Year 8 students had an unforgettable week on their outdoor adventure activities residential on Llangorse Lake in Wales.
Despite the very hot weather, students showed incredible resilience, enthusiasm and teamwork throughout a packed programme of activities including rock climbing, caving, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, raft building and even a giant slip & slide.
Many students faced personal challenges and conquered fears, particularly during the caving sessions, returning with huge smiles and a real sense of achievement. Activity instructors consistently praised our students for their effort, listening skills and excellent behaviour.
The evenings were filled with quizzes, football, karaoke and plenty of laughter, helping students create memories with their peers that will last for years to come.
Miss Buckley commented, 'We are extremely proud of every student for embracing new experiences, supporting one another and representing the school so positively throughout the week. They were a credit to themselves, their families and our school community'.
For more photos, visit the news page on our website: https://tinyurl.com/nhe3ww2b
#Year8 #WelshCamp #schooltrip
Uplands Academy / Published 9 Jul 2026
📣 Free delivery on school uniform orders
To help families prepare for the new school year, our uniform supplier is offering free standard delivery on orders of £50.
Offer valid: 13-19 July 2026
Discount code: FREEDEL
Simply enter the code FREEDEL at the checkout to receive free standard delivery on qualifying orders.
👉 https://www.monkhouse.com/school/uplands-academy-urn-148945
For further information about our uniform, please visit https://www.uplands-academy.org/key-information/item/26/school-uniform-and-equipment
Uplands Academy / Published 8 Jul 2026
🏃🏽Our Running Club members have been raising the bar this year!
With several keen and speedy runners in the group, Mr Dwyer and Mr Eley have been introducing longer routes to challenge them even further. This week, the club achieved a new record distance of 8.2km, compared with the usual 5km route.
👏 A huge well done to all the runners who took part, including Mr McFloyd!
Running Club is open to everyone.
Meet in Lab 4 at 3.20pm every Thursday, changed into PE kit and ready to go.
#MakeYourMARK #runningclub #trysomethingnew
Uplands Academy / Published 8 Jul 2026
To support our growing and expanding school, we are seeking applications for the following staff vacancies currently listed on our website:
👉 Senior Teaching Assistants
We are seeking two Senior Teaching Assistants to join our dedicated team, one of which will be supporting students with EBSA and SEMH needs.
Make a lasting difference by helping young people overcome barriers to learning and thrive in school.
🔗 To view our vacancies, visit https://www.uplands-academy.org/join-us/job-opportunities-1
Please visit https://mynewterm.com/trust/MARK-Education-Trust/2259 to join our talent pool and apply for vacancies across MARK Education Trust.
#MakeYourMARK #jobs #jobsearch #newjob #vacancy #recruitment #education #Wadhurst #EastSussex
Uplands Academy / Published 8 Jul 2026
🎤 For those attending the Performing Arts Showcase this evening, please note that our newly formed PTA will be serving refreshments to raise funds for the school.
Due to a technical issue, we are unfortunately unable to accept card payments, so please bring cash if you would like to make a purchase.
Thank you for your support. We look forward to welcoming you and enjoying a wonderful evening of performances from our talented students.
Uplands Academy / Published 7 Jul 2026
📣 There's still time to book!
We have a few spaces remaining on our Year 4 & 5 Taster Sessions taking place next week. It's a great opportunity for children to explore life at Uplands, meet our fantastic staff and enjoy a range of fun, hands-on activities. We can't wait to welcome them!
Uplands Academy / Published 6 Jul 2026
Week 4 – the World Cup themed pop-up menu continues at Uplands this week! 🌍⚽
It's been great to see so many students opting for the pop-up menu since it launched, hope you are all enjoying it. Each menu is inspired by American, Canadian or Mexican cuisine.
Check out the Week 4 menu below! 👇
Uplands Academy / Published 3 Jul 2026
A huge well done to all Year 6 students who joined us yesterday for the first of two exciting transition days at Uplands Academy! We have another day of activities planned for you to enjoy today and would like to say a big thank you to our wonderful ambassadors who are supporting these sessions.
Visit our Year 6 into Year 7 transition portal to find more information and resources designed to support our new students and their families as they prepare to make the move from primary to secondary school.
👉 https://www.uplands-academy.org/join-us/year-6-into-year-7-transition
#Welcome #Year6intoYear7 #MakeYourMARK
Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash
Uplands Academy / Published 2 Jul 2026
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) summer clubs are now open for booking 🌟
There are 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.
This DfE funded programme offers free places for children who receive benefits-related free school meals.
🔗For more information, click here: https://tinyurl.com/4eswbce5
Uplands Academy / Published 1 Jul 2026
🌟 Year 4 & 5 Taster Sessions at Uplands Academy 🌟
We're excited to invite Year 4 and 5 pupils to join us for our fun and interactive Taster Sessions on Monday 13 July and Wednesday 15 July 2026, from 3.30pm–5.00pm at Uplands Academy in Wadhurst.
These sessions give children the chance to experience our vibrant learning environment, meet our dedicated staff and take part in exciting activities.
Children from our local primary schools will have already received an invitation via their school. However, we do still have a few spaces available for some of the sessions. Children are welcome to attend one or both sessions.
To book a session, scan the QR code or click here: https://tinyurl.com/yhj7hpfc
If you have any questions, please contact us at openevents@uplands-academy.org.
Uplands Academy / Published 30 Jun 2026
Week 3 – the World Cup themed pop-up menu continues at Uplands! 🌍⚽
It's been great to see so many students opting for the pop-up menu since it launched, hope you are all enjoying it. Each menu is inspired by American, Canadian or Mexican cuisine.
Check out the Week 3 menu below! 👇
Uplands Academy / Published 26 Jun 2026
🎉 On Friday 19 June, we celebrated a really special milestone with our fantastic Year 11s as they marked the end of their time at Uplands Academy.
The afternoon kicked off with a lovely leavers’ assembly and awards ceremony – a chance to reflect, recognise achievements and celebrate everything they’ve accomplished.
Then it was time for shirt signing, plenty of laughs, great food and even an ice cream van 🍦
Huge congratulations to the whole year group – you did it! We’re so proud of all the hard work you’ve put in, especially over exam season. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy a well-earned summer ☀️
Before that, we hope all of our Year 11 students have a fantastic time at prom this evening with their friends and members of staff. Have an amazing night!
Year 11 – this isn’t goodbye! We’d love you to stay part of the Uplands community by joining our Alumni Network. It’s a great way to keep in touch, hear about opportunities and support younger students as you move on to your next steps.
Sign up today - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/ULYr8fiCeF
Whatever’s next – sixth form, college or an apprenticeship – we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you.
Mr Gander summed it up perfectly:
“It’s been a privilege to watch this year group grow and achieve so much during their time at Uplands. They’ve supported one another, embraced every opportunity, and should be incredibly proud of everything they’ve accomplished.”
Well done, Class of 2026 – the future is yours ✨
For more photos, please visit the news page on our website.