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Copies of communications sent to our families can be found on the website.

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Chailey School is a mixed, non-selective, community secondary school located in the village of South Chailey, Chailey, just outside Lewes in East Sussex, UK. Chailey School offers a wide range of aca…

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Add new guardians and contacts for your child on the Parent Portal and Parent App

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This article explains how primary guardians can add new guardians and contacts for their child using the Parent Portal or Parent App. It details the steps to view the child’s profile, add new conta…

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School Calendar (What’s On) - Chailey School

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Chailey School is a mixed, non-selective, community secondary school located in the village of South Chailey, Chailey, just outside Lewes in East Sussex, UK. Chailey School offers a wide range of aca…

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TO REPORT YOUR CHILD ABSENT DUE TO ILLNESS OR A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT

·         Log into Arbor

·         Navigate to 'Quick Actions' and click - this is usually in the top left of the screen

·         Click 'Attendance'

·         Click 'Log Absence'

·         Enter the reason for absence

·         Click 'Log Absence'

FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES

office@chaileyschool.org

01273 890407

TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE SEND SURGERY

(Friday Mornings)

srodd@chaileyschool.org

01273 890407

TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE SLT SURGERY

(Friday after school)

srodd@chaileyschool.org

01273 890407

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Open Events

These events are open to Year 10 & 11 students.

We encourage Year 11 students to visit at least two colleges in advance of applications being made.  Application deadlines vary, but many are by end of December this year, so please do your best to make time to attend open events at any college you are considering.

For information about colleges, open events, apprenticeships and much more, visit the Careers & Work-Related Learning Padlet.

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Welcome to KS3 Evening - 5.30pm 6th November 2025

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Welcome to KS3 Evening - 5.30pm 6th November 2025

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Back to All Events

BRIGHTINKERS HALF TERM CLUB (Key Stage 3: Yrs 7, 8 & 9)

Join us on an entertaining and eye-opening journey of discovery as we dive into the weird and wonderful world of YOUR BRAIN. Traveling way, way back to it's prehistoric beginnings, and tracing a path right up to the modern-day digital world, we'll be looking at how your brain evolved, how it works, and how easily it can be fooled!

Packed with fascinating facts, stunning science, and mind-melting illusions, we'll show you just how amazing your brain is and how, sometimes, it isn't always as smart as it thinks it is - be prepared for interactive games and lots of audience participation!

Once we've equipped you with the necessary knowledge of how your brain ticks, we'll also teach you a new superpower - CRITICAL THINKING! The essential life skill that helps children navigate the world around them, safely and smartly, spotting the difference between facts, opinions and lies.

This thought-provoking session is perfect for curious kids (and adults*) encouraging their natural inquisitiveness and giving them the confidence to think for themselves.
Come ready to question everything - and leave a little wiser (and harder to fool!).
* This event is aimed primarily at Key Stage 3 children (11-14yrs old) though other children are welcome. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Kevin is the founder of BRIGHTHINK, a non-profit organisation that hosts events about science, critical thinking and S.T.E.M. He is passionate about science communication and the importance of communicating such ideas in a clear, engaging and entertaining way. He is also an animator and Illustrator, having worked on several children's TV shows for CBBC and CBeebies, and the father of two teenage children.

EVENT FAQs:
Where will the event take place?

The event will take place in the private upstairs function room - The Nightingale Room - at The Grand Central Pub, Brighton. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access available at this venue.

What age group is this event aimed at?

This event is aimed primarily at Key Stage 3 children (11-14 years old*) to introduce them to the skills and benefits of Critical Thinking. Younger children are welcome, though some of the concepts may be a little too complex, there will be lots of fun and interactive games for all!

What expect on the day?

The event will include a digital presentation, with audio and visual illusions, and interactive games & challenges for the audience, covering 4 topics:
Evolution of the Brain: How and why your brain evolved the way it did.
History of the Brain: What we know about your brain and how it works.
The Amazing & Fallible Brain: The incredible things your brain can do, and the ways it can be fooled.
Critical Thinking - We'll teach your child the super power of critical thinking which will help them guard against misinformation and lies.
Come prepared to get involved, and muck in - there will be lot's of audience participation (there may even be prizes)!

BRIGHTINKERS HALF TERM CLUB (Key Stage 3: Yrs 7, 8 & 9)

Join us on an entertaining and eye-opening journey of discovery as we dive into the weird and wonderful world of YOUR BRAIN. Traveling way, way back to it's prehistoric beginnings, and tracing a path right up to the modern-day digital world, we'll be looking at how your brain evolved, how it works, and how easily it can be fooled!

Packed with fascinating facts, stunning science, and mind-melting illusions, we'll show you just how amazing your brain is and how, sometimes, it isn't always as smart as it thinks it is - be prepared for interactive games and lots of audience participation!

Once we've equipped you with the necessary knowledge of how your brain ticks, we'll also teach you a new superpower - CRITICAL THINKING! The essential life skill that helps children navigate the world around them, safely and smartly, spotting the difference between facts, opinions and lies.

This thought-provoking session is perfect for curious kids (and adults*) encouraging their natural inquisitiveness and giving them the confidence to think for themselves.
Come ready to question everything - and leave a little wiser (and harder to fool!).
* This event is aimed primarily at Key Stage 3 children (11-14yrs old) though other children are welcome. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Kevin is the founder of BRIGHTHINK, a non-profit organisation that hosts events about science, critical thinking and S.T.E.M. He is passionate about science communication and the importance of communicating such ideas in a clear, engaging and entertaining way. He is also an animator and Illustrator, having worked on several children's TV shows for CBBC and CBeebies, and the father of two teenage children.

EVENT FAQs:
Where will the event take place?

The event will take place in the private upstairs function room - The Nightingale Room - at The Grand Central Pub, Brighton. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access available at this venue.

What age group is this event aimed at?

This event is aimed primarily at Key Stage 3 children (11-14 years old*) to introduce them to the skills and benefits of Critical Thinking. Younger children are welcome, though some of the concepts may be a little too complex, there will be lots of fun and interactive games for all!

What expect on the day?

The event will include a digital presentation, with audio and visual illusions, and interactive games & challenges for the audience, covering 4 topics:
Evolution of the Brain: How and why your brain evolved the way it did.
History of the Brain: What we know about your brain and how it works.
The Amazing & Fallible Brain: The incredible things your brain can do, and the ways it can be fooled.
Critical Thinking - We'll teach your child the super power of critical thinking which will help them guard against misinformation and lies.
Come prepared to get involved, and muck in - there will be lot's of audience participation (there may even be prizes)!

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THINK SMART: Discover Your Amazing Brain and How To Use It Wisely! - Brighthink

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Join us, this October half term, on an entertaining and eye-opening journey of discovery as we dive into the weird and wonderful world of YOUR BRAIN. We'll be looking at how your brain evolved, how it works, and how easily it can be fooled - and we'll teach you the superpower of CRITICAL THINKING!

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Year 10 Work Experience Evening Wednesday 12th November 5.30pm

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Year 10 Work Experience Evening Wednesday 12th November 5.30pm

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More details to follow shortly

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It was so heartwarming to see such a fabulous turn out with nearly 50 students involved. Every team was so supportive of their peers and matches were played with team spirit and sportsmanship at the forefront. Weald were particularly well organised, making sure their team was rotated fairly and even using a whiteboard for team tactics!

Results were:

1st - Firle

Joint 2nd - Caburn/Weald

4th - Glynde

5th - Ashdown

6th - Ditchling

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Year 10 Parents Evening - Thursday 20th November 2025 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm

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Year 10 Parents Evening - Thursday 20th November 2025 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm

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More details to follow shortly

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Wreath Making Event - Wednesday 26th November 2025

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Wreath Making Event - Wednesday 26th November 2025

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Save the date for this FOCS fundraiser - more details to follow after half term

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School will be closed to all students on Friday 28th November and Monday 1st December 2025

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Battle of the Voices Tuesday 9th December 6pm

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Battle of the Voices Tuesday 9th December 6pm

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More details to follow

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School Concert Thursday 11th December 6pm

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School Concert Thursday 11th December 6pm

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More details to follow

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On Saturday we welcomed 50 eager year 10 students to start their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. After a brief introduction the students set out completing a 3-activity carousel. They learnt all about how to use a 'Trangia' stove safely and effectively and used their new found knowledge to make some hot chocolate, to varying degrees of success! On the second station they looked at camping equipment, discussed what they will need for their expedition, as well as putting up tents and using storm shelters. Finally, they practiced their map reading skills and put their knowledge to the test in some quizzes and mini games.

A big well done to all those who have signed up and I look forward to seeing what you will accomplish as the year goes on.

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65 Year 11 Geographers visited Brighton's CBD to investigate sustainable transport as part of their GCSE course - Students completed a range of data collection techniques, from field sketching to asking members of the public their views and experiences of transport provision within the city. On our return to school, students consolidated their findings ready to start presenting and analysing their results after half-term.

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Our Year 7 boys travelled to local rivals Priory and battled hard for a close 6-4 loss! The boys showed great spirit throughout and are improving game by game. Toby H was MOM for some great runs and bagging himself 2 goals.

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Students have continued to enjoy weekly forest school sessions this last term. We have seen an increase in wildlife due to the work that was completed last year including the clearing of densely populated areas of brambles which have made way for tree and plant growth, and more space for animals. Students have been developing their confidence, self-esteem, and resilience through supported risk-taking, and activities like den-building, fire-lighting, and tool use.  Next term we will be continuing to improve the biodiversity of the woodland by planting trees as well as creating more natural spaces for students to enjoy the woodland. Food continues to be the best part of the session, with this terms snacks being dropped scones, eggy bread, pancakes, bread and bacon sandwiches!

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Each student in each Year 7 tutor group have planted a bulb this week in our community’s 'wild orchard' at the front of the school.

This will help to:

-Broaden the biodiversity of our grounds

-Provide nectar from native plant species for insects in spring

-Connect all young people more to the natural world

-Help students feel a long-term connection with the school and its community in the future – ‘we planted those!’

-Make you smile when you see the bulbs flower each spring – we hope!

The bulbs planted are: wild (native) daffodils, wild bluebells, snowdrops, wood anemones, snakeshead fritillaries.

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As we come to the end of our first half term of the academic year at Chailey School, I want to thank all students and their families for their commitment to our values of kindness, resilience, and community. We never take for granted the fantastic support we receive from our families, and I am delighted that the rest of this headteacher's newsletter can showcase the opportunities students have experienced this week at Chailey School.

I also want to thank families for the kind words of support they have given me during my first term here at Chailey, and you all have my personal and professional commitment to give your child the very best experience possible.

We have exciting times ahead of us, including developing the sports facilities we have here, as well as continuing to drive outcomes in addition to improving student wellbeing.

I wish you all a wonderful half term.
Mr Holt

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Mr Holt got a bit carried away on Thursday afternoon as Chailey faced Downlands in what was billed 'The Battle of The Holts' as Mr Holt's brother is the Head of PE at Downlands. We are delighted that the team put in an excellent performance and won 5-1!

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Can we please politely remind families that only authorised vehicles should be using the school car park for drop off and collection at the beginning and end of the school day