Uckfield Matters Magazine Article - September 2023

Uckfield College celebrates prestigious ‘Outstanding’ OFSTED judgement

Following a rigorous inspection, Uckfield College was delighted to announce their overall rating as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted earlier this year. Leadership and Management, Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and the Sixth Form were all graded ‘Outstanding’ by the team of five HMI inspectors, who were unanimous in their praise for the College, and wrote that the ‘Uckfield qualities of love, integrity and kindness permeate the school’.  Also highly recommended was the College’s ‘ambitious and broad curriculum’, the ‘typically excellent behaviour’ and the teachers’ ‘excellent subject knowledge’ which is used to ‘inspire and engage students’.  The Sixth Form was highlighted by Ofsted as an ‘exceptional experience’ where students achieve very highly and benefit from comprehensive careers support. Further highlights are the extensive super-curricular programme, superb facilities, strengths in sport and performing arts, and a thriving student leadership team.

Sara Marshallsay, College Principal, said: ‘This prestigious judgement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our entire College community and we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development and success of Uckfield College in recent years. This includes our hardworking and dedicated governors and staff team, our families, the local businesses and organisations who support the College, our partner primary schools and, of course, our fantastic students!

We set out to serve our local community, providing the absolute best we can, both academically and personally for all of our students. We are also very aware that ‘Outstanding’ does not mean ‘perfect’. All schools, irrespective of their OFSTED judgements, can always be even better. We are determined to maintain our high standards in providing an excellent education for the young people in our community, and to continue improving and developing.”

The full report is available to view on both the Uckfield College and OFSTED websites.  If you have a  child who may wish to join Uckfield College, the College is holding an Open Evening on Thursday 19th September for Year 5 and 6 students and the Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 6th November. Further details are available on the website.

Were you a student at the school in the past?

Amidst the new buildings, the College’s history is also being celebrated, with a display in the entrance hall for staff, students, parents and visitors, which tracks its development, moving from 50 students in its beginnings in 1953 to over 1600.

Mrs Marshallsay explained that the College is keen to hear from its alumni. “We would really like to keep in touch with previous students of the College and also know how much current students can benefit from and be inspired by hearing from past students. We run a variety of events including practice interviews, networking events, Careers Fairs and guest speaker opportunities.”

If you were a student at Uckfield College, please get in touch with Stephanie Aguilera, Aspirations Leader, s.aguilera@uckfield.college if you would like to hear more and be involved. You can also join Uckfield College’s growing network of Alumni on our LinkedIn page Uckfield College Alumni - LinkedIn"