• 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.

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

Only in exceptional circumstances will requests for access be considered. If you believe your circumstances warrant an exception, please write to the Head Teacher (srodd@chaileyschool.org) outlining the reasons for your request. Any permission granted will be at the Head Teacher's discretion.

Proceedings began with the Year 10 Interhouse Table Tennis Tournament and the Year 9 Interhouse Badminton Tournament, with competitors representing their houses with tremendous commitment, skill and sportsmanship throughout.

In the Year 10 Table Tennis competition, Monty and Ollie produced a sterling performance for Ashdown, remaining unbeaten and winning all of their matches to help their house make an excellent start to Sports Week.

Meanwhile, in the Year 9 Badminton tournament, Oliver and Soren were equally impressive for Weald, going through the entire competition undefeated and showcasing some outstanding badminton along the way.

A huge congratulations goes to all participants, who represented their houses superbly and contributed to a highly competitive and enjoyable opening day.

Away from the competitive action, the Year 7 Just Dance participation event saw an excellent turnout. Students brought incredible enthusiasm and energy to the session, creating a vibrant atmosphere and making the event a huge success.

Current House Standings

Ashdown and Weald currently sit joint top of the leaderboard on 16 points, with Caburn close behind on 14 points. With plenty more events still to come, Sports Week promises an exciting battle for house honours.

Well done to everyone involved, and good luck to all competitors for the rest of the week!

The Key Cup – Activity 1: Staff v Year 9 Netball

The inaugural fixture of The Key Cup got off to a sizzling start as staff and Year 9 students faced off in an entertaining netball contest.

With both teams fielding strong line-ups, the match was played over three eight-minute thirds and expertly officiated by Edie and Tilly. When reminded that they were not allowed to show any bias, the pair responded with complete sincerity, declaring that: “No, we have a job to do!”

The staff team started the brighter of the two sides, quickly establishing control of the game. Miss Batton’s excellent movement around the court proved hugely influential, helping the staff race into a 2-0 lead in the opening stages.

Year 9 responded well and showed some fantastic passages of linking play. Their persistence was rewarded when Phoebe Briggs produced an excellent long-range shot to reduce the deficit to 2-1, bringing her team right back into contention.

As the match progressed, however, the staff team began to pull away. Their experience and composure in possession created a growing advantage on the scoreboard. Despite this, Year 9 continued to battle admirably, with Niamh and Connall producing a series of outstanding defensive interventions. Their resilience at the back prevented the scoreline from becoming even more one-sided.

After an entertaining and competitive encounter, the final whistle confirmed a 10-4 victory for the staff team, giving them the perfect start to their Key Cup campaign.

Opposition Players of the Match

· Staff's Opposition Player of the Match: Connall – rewarded for a superb defensive display that repeatedly frustrated the staff attack.

· Students' Opposition Player of the Match: Mr Atherall – recognised for his influential contribution and strong all-round performance for the staff team.

A fantastic opening event for the Key Cup, played in great spirit by both teams and setting the tone for an exciting competition ahead.

A government study has found that young people who gave up social media benefited from better sleep, less stress, improved focus, and spent more time with friends and family. The study involved more than 300 families who tried three types of restrictions: an overnight curfew, full removal of social media apps, and a 15-minute daily limit per app. The government cites the findings as providing further evidence to support the ban on social media for under-16s which was announced last month.

There will be no cricket club next week

Day 2 of Sports Week brought another fantastic display of competition, determination and house spirit, beginning with closely contested Year 7 Table Tennis and Year 8 Badminton events.

The Year 8 badminton tournament proved particularly exciting, with a number of high-quality matches and exceptional individual performances keeping the standings incredibly tight throughout. In the end, Ashdown narrowly edged out their closest rivals, Caburn, to secure victory and maintain their unbeaten record. Despite finishing second, Caburn demonstrated outstanding technical skill and pushed the eventual winners all the way.

The Year 7 table tennis competition was equally competitive. Ditchling emerged as overall champions despite suffering a defeat to second-placed Ashdown during the event, highlighting just how closely matched the teams were.

Attention then turned to the opening athletics events of Sports Week, with the 1500m races and field events taking centre stage. A slightly cooler morning and a gentle breeze provided welcome conditions for the runners. Every athlete showed remarkable effort and determination, with Annabelle from 7 Ditchling producing an outstanding performance, pushing herself to the max in order to claim first place in her year group. All competitors deserve recognition for their resilience, intelligent pacing and impressive sprint finishes.

The field events also saw large numbers of students stepping forward to represent their houses, with participants embracing the challenge and contributing valuable points to their teams. There were several standout performances across the day, including two new school records in the shot put. Will in Year 8 and Seb in Year 10 both rewrote the record books with exceptional throws.

Competition remained fierce across the other field events. Vida in Year 10 came agonisingly close to setting a new school record in the javelin, while Year 7 students Matty and Theo produced one of the contests of the day in their javelin competition, with Matty ultimately securing victory after a superb battle.

It was a fantastic day of athletics, filled with impressive performances, teamwork and determination. As results continue to be calculated, anticipation is building ahead of Friday's showcase track events, where houses will battle once again for crucial points in this year's Sports Week competition.

Day 3 of Sports Week 2026 delivered another fantastic afternoon of competition, with students and staff showcasing skill, determination and outstanding sportsmanship across a range of events.

Year 7 Interhouse Badminton

The Year 7 Interhouse Badminton competition was dominated by an outstanding Ashdown team. Displaying excellent technical ability throughout, Ashdown proved untouchable as they won every one of their matches to secure a convincing victory.

Behind them, the battle for second place was incredibly tight between Caburn and Ditchling. With the teams unable to be separated on results, goals scored were needed to decide the standings. In the end, Caburn edged ahead by the narrowest of margins to claim second place, leaving Ditchling just behind after a highly competitive contest.

Year 8 Interhouse Table Tennis

The Year 8 Table Tennis competition was equally closely fought. Ashdown and Firle both produced excellent performances and finished with the same number of game victories, meaning a final play-off was required to determine the overall winner.

In a tense deciding match, Ashdown held their nerve and secured the victory, adding another Interhouse title to their growing Sports Week tally. Firle pushed them all the way and can be proud of a superb effort.

Record-Breaking 800m Performances

There was some exceptional running on display in the 800m races, with students producing some of the standout individual performances of the week so far.

The highlight came in the Year 8 boys' race, where both the first and second-place finishers broke the existing school record. Eron and Jake delivered truly outstanding runs, setting a remarkable standard and demonstrating the strength of middle-distance running within the year group.

The Key Cup – Staff vs Year 10 Volleyball

One of the most anticipated events of the day saw the staff take on Year 10 in the annual Key Cup Volleyball match.

The staff team came flying out of the blocks, winning the opening game by an impressive 12-point margin. Year 10 grew into the contest as the match progressed and received additional support when Mr Ward and Miss Batton crossed over to represent the Year 10 side in their roles as Year 10 form tutors.

Despite the improvement from Year 10, the staff's experience and consistency proved decisive. Strong teamwork and solid play enabled them to take the match by three games to one and retain bragging rights in an entertaining encounter.

Just Dance Participation Event

Away from the competitive fixtures, the Year 8 Just Dance participation event brought plenty of energy, enthusiasm and creativity. Students showed off some excellent moves and impressive shapes, while a special cameo appearance from Ms Milland, supporting her tutor group in 8 Caburn, added to the fun and excitement.

Year 7 Sports Afternoon

Year 7 students enjoyed an exciting and energetic Sports Afternoon as part of Sports Week, taking part in a range of alternative events that tested a variety of skills. Instead of traditional athletics competitions, students competed in fun challenges including the ever-popular Welly Wang and Basketball Shooting, alongside other activities requiring accuracy, dexterity and power.

Every student played their part, earning valuable points for their tutor group and contributing towards their house's overall Sports Week total. The afternoon was filled with enthusiasm, teamwork and friendly competition, with students encouraging one another and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship throughout.

After all results were added together, the final house standings were:

1. Ashdown

2. Firle

3. Glynde

4. Ditchling

5. Weald

6. Caburn

Congratulations to Ashdown House for securing first place, and well done to all Year 7 students for their fantastic effort and positive participation. The event was a great success and a fitting contribution to an exciting Sports Week. 🏆🎯🏀

A Brilliant Day of Sport

Day 3 perfectly captured the spirit of Sports Week, combining high-level competition with enthusiastic participation. From Ashdown's dominance in badminton and table tennis, to record-breaking performances on the track and the entertaining staff-versus-students volleyball showdown, there were memorable moments throughout.

Most importantly, it has been wonderful to see both students and staff embracing sport, competing with determination, and supporting their houses and one another so admirably. The sense of community, encouragement and school spirit continues to make Sports Week 2026 a joy to be involved with.

So, as the school year draws to a close we have finished the year long, intergenerational art project with Homes First who provide sheltered housing in East Sussex.  I couldn't pass up the invitation to visit Meridian Court in Peacehaven this week, where artwork from Year 11 art and photography students is now being permanently displayed to brighten up the sterile hallways and social spaces in the sheltered housing. I was touched to find out that residents had requested particular artworks to be places outside their doorways and that the staff had thoughtfully placed artwork for residents like Max's AmEx photograph next to a resident's door who loves football!

The arts are often quoted as transforming peoples lives; it is a privilege to watch this first hand. It was fantastic to see the faces of the students when they walked into the exhibition space in Marine Workshops and saw their artwork displayed in a professional gallery space earlier this year. It was equally as wonderful to see how much energy our students gave the two resident artists we worked with; John and Sarah. 

A parent wrote to me, explaining "choosing Photography gave my son the self-confidence he needed at a really crucial time in his school journey and the course has taught him so much about himself: self-worth, his commitment and potential as an individual."  Another student wrote to me and said that " the seascapes exhibition was awesome and it really helped me grow my confidence." 

Thank you to Nikki Petersen, Kittie Ogden and Mel Carnell from Homes First, who were so supportive to us in making this intergenerational project such a success. 

Just under 50% of our art and photography cohort this year are going to do art/ media or photography based courses in college next year, and we wish them every success in their creative endeavours. 

Keep a look out in the newsletter for our students' artwork that has been entered for Farleys House Biennial Schools Competition and the Emerging Sussex exhibition in Marine workshops in the autumn term. 

Ms Katona 

Day 4 of Sports Week delivered another action-packed schedule, packed with competitive matches, impressive performances and plenty of school spirit across a variety of events.

Interhouse Badminton

The Interhouse Badminton competition was dominated by Glynde, who produced a flawless display to win all of their matches and comfortably secure first place.

The battle for second place proved much closer, with Firle and Weald separated by the finest of margins throughout the competition. In the end, Firle edged ahead on points scored to claim second place, leaving Weald to settle for third after an excellent showing.

Interhouse Table Tennis

The Interhouse Table Tennis competition was equally competitive and went right down to the final crucial match. The outcome rested on the meeting between Ditchling and Ashdown, with the overall title hanging in the balance.

After a series of closely fought contests, Ditchling emerged victorious by the narrowest possible margin, winning the competition by just one point. The standard of play throughout the event was exceptional, highlighting both the skill and determination of the competitors.

Just Dance Participation Event

The Just Dance participation event attracted an excellent turnout from Year 9, despite a late change of venue. Students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, creating a fantastic atmosphere full of energy and enjoyment.

Weald accumulated the highest number of points on the day, but the real success of the event was the participation and enjoyment shown by all students involved.

The Key Cup

Day 4 also featured the latest contests in the Key Cup, with two highly anticipated fixtures:

• Year 8 vs Staff – Table Tennis

• Year 7 vs Staff – Rounders

Year 8 vs Staff Table Tennis

The table tennis fixture produced some outstanding rallies and high-quality play. The standout doubles pairing for the staff was undoubtedly Ms Milland and Mrs Ullmann, who surprised many students with their technical ability, clever tactics and strategic match play.

Despite the staff's impressive performances, the Year 8 team proved too strong overall. Combining skill, consistency and determination across both singles and doubles matches, the students secured an overall victory.

Congratulations to Year 8 on a superb win!

Year 7 vs Staff Rounders

The final event of the day was the eagerly awaited rounders match between Year 7 and the staff.

The students made an excellent start while batting, producing several powerful hits and putting the staff under early pressure. However, the staff responded in style, led by some fabulous batting performances from Mr Ward, Miss Batton and Mrs Rodd, helping their team establish a 1.5-rounder lead going into the second innings.

The quality remained high throughout the match, with both teams delivering excellent batting and fielding displays. Special mention goes to Mr Hopwood, whose outstanding commitment saw him spending much of the game on the floor in pursuit of the ball!

After a thoroughly entertaining contest, the staff held on to secure an 8.5–6.5 victory.

Key Cup Overall Result

With victories in both the rounders and the broader series of events, the staff claimed the Key Cup with an overall 3–1 victory.

While the staff ultimately lift the trophy, all students and staff involved competed with tremendous effort, sportsmanship and enthusiasm throughout the competition. It was a fantastic conclusion to another memorable day of Sports Week.

Students were challenged to think about their strengths, achievements and future aspirations, while practising the professional skills needed to make a positive first impression. The feedback from interviewers will help students identify areas for development as they begin to think more seriously about their post-16 pathways and future careers.

The event was extremely well received by our students. Those we spoke to said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and felt much more confident after completing their interview. Many commented that they now feel better prepared for future college interviews and have a clearer understanding of how to present themselves effectively in a professional setting.

Students also praised the Octopus Energy team for being approachable, supportive and encouraging throughout the day. They were genuinely excited by the positive feedback they received and appreciated the constructive advice that will help them continue to develop their employability skills and confidence.

We are incredibly grateful to the team from Octopus Energy for giving their time, expertise and encouragement. Their support has provided our students with an authentic insight into the world of work and the importance of preparing effectively for interviews.

Every student received a cuddly Octopus to take home, which led to the unusual but rather amusing sight of dozens of octopuses making their way around the school by the end of the day. It was a fun reminder of an event that left students feeling motivated, confident and proud of their achievements.

Well done to all of our Year 10 students for approaching the day with enthusiasm, maturity and professionalism. Experiences like these are invaluable in helping young people build the confidence and employability skills they need for future success.

Gail Wickens

Careers & Work-Related Learning Coordinator

The Greatest Show proved to be a truly unforgettable occasion, bringing together exceptional musical talent, community spirit, and joyous celebration in a wonderful evening that marked the conclusion of the Music Department's programme of events for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Blessed with glorious sunshine, families and friends gathered to support performers and enjoy an evening filled with outstanding entertainment. The atmosphere was one of warmth and excitement, with picnics consumed, laughter in the air, and a shared sense of pride in the achievements of our musicians.

Guiding the audience through the event were our fantastic comperes, Milly and Jack, whose energy, confidence, and good humour kept the show moving seamlessly from one performance to the next. Their engaging presentation helped create a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere for performers and guests alike.

The musical performances were nothing short of exceptional. The orchestra provided a superb accompaniment throughout the evening, demonstrating remarkable skill, precision, and musicality. Their performance laid the foundation for a programme that showcased the breadth of talent within the department.

A series of outstanding vocal performances captivated the audience, with soloists delivering songs with confidence, passion, and maturity. Each performer brought something unique to the stage, earning enthusiastic applause and admiration from the crowd.

The choir was equally impressive, filling the venue with rich harmonies and uplifting energy. Their dedication and hard work were evident in every piece, and their performances provided some of the evening's most memorable moments.

Beyond the music, the event was a wonderful celebration of our school community.

As the final notes rang out and the audience showed their appreciation, it was clear that The Greatest Show had been a resounding success. It was a fitting and joyful way to bring to a close an outstanding year of musical performances and achievements.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success, including our performers, staff, volunteers, families, and supporters. As we celebrate the end of the 2025-2026 Music Department programme, we also look forward with excitement to the opportunities ahead. We look forward to opening our doors once again next term and welcoming both familiar faces and new families to another year of music-making, creativity, and community.

Our students have been an absolute credit to the school and their families this week as they have participated in sports week. Today concluded the week with track events. Congratulations to Ashdown who were our overall winners, but as you know, our value of 'participation' means a huge amount to our school, and it was fantastic to see so many students and staff involved across the week.  Our value of creativity also shone through in Thursday night's concert. Musicians treated families and staff to an array of genres and performances whilst the audience enjoyed their picnics. Thank you to everyone involved, and we hope all families have a lovely weekend.

Mr Holt