We want to pronounce students' names accurately and we're aware that some students may find it difficult to correct a teacher when they get it wrong. Therefore, if your child has a difficult to pronounce name, please feel free to email office@chaileyschool.org with a phonetic pronunciation of the game or if you prefer, a recording of the name being said. We will disseminate this to staff and seek to get it as right as possible.

• Be aged 11 - 13 on Setp 26th 2026

• Have read at least three Jacqueline Wilson books

• Live or attend school in East Sussex

• Be available on Saturday 26 September 2026

• Have parent or guardian permission to take part

Applications may be submitted in writing (up to 200 words) or as a short video (up to 2 minutes). The deadline for applications is Friday 31 July 2026.

Chailey School has been selected to take part in the Tesco Stronger Starts community funding scheme. We are raising money to fund our careers trips and activities for KS3 and KS4 students during the 2026–2027 academic year.

These trips give students vital real‑world experiences, helping to raise aspirations and support informed choices about post‑16 and post‑18 pathways by meeting employers, visiting workplaces and exploring future options.

How to cast your vote

• Shop in: Tesco Burgess Hill Superstore & Express, Haywards Heath Express Stores at Northlands Wood and Hazelgrove Road

• Make a purchase of any value

• Receive one red or blue token per transaction at the checkout - if you aren't given one, there is usually a box that you can help yourself to tokens from 🙏

• On your way out, place your token in the Tesco Stronger Starts voting box and vote for Chailey School

Where you can vote

• Burgess Hill Superstore, RH15 9QT

• Haywards Heath Walnut Park Express, RH16 3TG

• Burgess Hill Gatehouse Express, RH15 9XB

• Haywards Heath Express, RH16 3PH

Voting closes on: 31^st July 2026

The project with the most votes in our region can receive up to £1,500, so every single vote really does count. Please support us by voting when you shop — and encouraging family and friends to do the same.

Thank you for your support with this, we have raised money this way for the last two years and have been able to increase the amount of trips that we can run, so every little really does help!

We are seeing an increase in students wearing oversized jogging bottoms for PE. We would like to remind families that jogging bottoms should be appropriately sized, not overly baggy, and fitted with an elasticated, cuffed or tapered ankle.

Oversized jogging bottoms are not suitable for PE activities and may present a safety risk, potentially resulting in injury.

Please could I ask that you ensure that your child wears appropriately sized jogging bottoms as described above, to support both safety and participation in PE lessons.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

·         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)

SENDCO@chaileyschool.org

01273 890407

TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE SLT SURGERY

(Friday after school)

srodd@chaileyschool.org

01273 890407

Sunday marked it's culmination with the Gathering of the Goblins Event at Goodwood. Theo and James accompanied the team and competed in the over 12s race, which Theo won!

They spoke confidently with delegates, engaged in meaningful conversations, and delivered a presentation to an audience of more than 100 people. It was inspiring to see them communicate their ideas so clearly and passionately.

The group also had the opportunity to meet several well-known figures, including Zack Polanski, wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham, and the Deputy Mayor of London. These encounters made an already memorable day even more special.

In recognition of their hard work and dedication, the students were awarded the runner-up prize—a fantastic achievement that reflects the quality of their project and presentation.

As we made our journey home, there was a real sense of pride in everything the students had accomplished. Perhaps the greatest success of the day was watching them grow in confidence. They were articulate, engaging, knowledgeable, and represented themselves and the school with distinction.

It was a genuine pleasure to see their development, and they should all be incredibly proud of what they achieved.

This week, our Year 10 students have been out on work experience placements across the local area, and we are incredibly proud of the way they have approached this important opportunity.

Feedback from employers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on students' excellent behaviour, enthusiasm, maturity and willingness to learn. One comment that particularly stood out described a Chailey student as "the most amazing student" -  a wonderful reflection of the high standards our students bring to their placements. 

Across a wide range of placements, students have demonstrated the Chailey Values and represented the school exceptionally well. Employers praised students for their professionalism, positive attitudes and readiness to take on new challenges, with many describing them as a credit to the school.

Students embraced a variety of responsibilities during the week, gaining valuable insight into different industries including education, construction, visitor attractions and community organisations. They impressed employers with their willingness to learn, strong work ethic and ability to contribute positively to their workplaces.

One particularly heartwarming piece of feedback came via a member of the public, who contacted the school after meeting Cameron during his placement. She described a "wonderful interaction", commenting on his politeness and noting what a fantastic ambassador he was for both himself and the school.

Several students working in local primary schools also received excellent feedback for supporting staff and younger pupils, particularly during a busy sports day event. Their initiative, teamwork and positive relationships with children were highlighted by staff.

Throughout the week, students have demonstrated maturity, professionalism and resilience, making a real impression in their workplaces. Whether working with local businesses, schools, construction companies, healthcare providers or community organisations, they have represented the school exceptionally well.

Work experience plays an important role in helping students develop confidence, build employability skills and explore future career pathways. It has been fantastic to see them stepping outside their comfort zones, embracing new challenges and making the most of the experience.

Keep an eye out for photos in the next newsletter.

Well done, Year 10 – you have done yourselves and Chailey School proud!

Looking ahead, next year's Work Experience Week for our current Year 9 students will take place from 28 June to 2 July 2027. Please look out for the invitation to our launch event in November. However, it is never too early to start thinking about and securing a placement, and we encourage students to begin exploring opportunities over the coming months.

Gail Wickens

Careers & Work-Related Learning Coordinator

We have had an incredible week across our school community. Our Year 10s have thrived at their work experience placements, our Year 9s have enjoyed Wales camp, and our Year 8s and Year 7s have represented the school brilliantly on day trips and in school events. Next week we will be sure to include a bumper edition of this newsletter with lots of photos from the week.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Mr Holt