News and events
Our latest news and events give you an insight into life at school.
Our latest news and events give you an insight into life at school.
End-of-Term Arrangements | Term six ends on Friday, 17 July, at 12:00.
Sixth Form Newsletter | Please find the Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter from the Sixth Form Team here.
Summer Fair Early Closure | On Wednesday, 15 July, the school day will end at 14:10. The Summer Fair will start at 15:15.
Fixtures for the Week | The following fixtures are taking place this week:
Extra-Curricular Clubs | There will be no extra-curricular clubs this week.
Uniform Expectations This Week | With another week of warm weather forecast, we would like to remind families of the temporary uniform arrangements that will be in place next week to help keep students comfortable while maintaining our high standards of presentation.
Students should attend school wearing their full academy uniform with the following adaptations:
Please note that PE kit should not be worn to school and students are expected to attend in full academy uniform with the adaptations outlined above.
To help students stay comfortable throughout the day, we encourage all students to bring a refillable water bottle and recommend that sunscreen is applied before leaving home each morning.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain both high standards and a comfortable learning environment for all students.
Sports Days | Our Sports Days will take place next week on the following days:
The team have made adaptations to the events to remove long periods of vigorous sporting activity and changed some events that would traditionally be outside, these have been changed to indoor activities. There are some sports that will take place outside but these will take place in the morning. Should families not want their child to take part in Sports Day, please contact Mr Sheehan (tsheehan@liftbexleyheath.org).
Year 10 Geography Trip | On Monday, our Year 10 GCSE Geography students travelled to Folkestone for an exciting fieldwork visit, collecting the data they will use as part of their GCSE Geography qualification.
After a 90 minute journey to the Kent coast, students spent the morning investigating coastal processes through a range of physical geography enquiries. Working in teams, they measured beach profiles, completed pebble size and shape surveys, and produced detailed field sketches to investigate how sediment changes across the beach. These first-hand investigations helped students develop a deeper understanding of coastal erosion, transportation and deposition, bringing the theory they have studied in lessons to life.
In the afternoon, students turned their attention to human geography by exploring the impact of Folkestone's regeneration on the local area. They carried out environmental quality surveys, mapped different land uses and confidently interviewed members of the public to gather opinions on how regeneration has influenced tourism and the town's economy. Although not everyone agreed to take part in the questionnaires, our students showed resilience, professionalism and excellent communication skills throughout the day.
The visit provided students with invaluable experience of collecting primary data using the same geographical enquiry techniques expected in their GCSE examinations. They demonstrated impressive accuracy, teamwork and independence while representing Lift Bexleyheath impeccably. Their respectful behaviour and positive attitude drew praise from members of the public and staff alike.
Despite returning home a little tired and with a few students catching more sunshine than they had planned, it was a fantastic day of learning beyond the classroom. Experiences like these help our students develop not only their geographical knowledge but also the confidence and practical skills that will support them in their GCSE studies and beyond.
Safeguarding | Nail Files | The safety and wellbeing of all students is our highest priority, and we are grateful for the continued support of our families in helping us maintain a safe learning environment.
We would like to remind families that nail files and other similar sharp grooming items should not be brought into school. While these items are commonly found in personal care kits and are not usually intended to cause harm, they can present a safety risk within a school setting. For this reason, items such as metal or glass nail files, nail scissors, cuticle tools and any other sharp objects are not permitted on school premises.
We ask that families take a few moments to check their child's school bag from time to time and remind them that objects which may seem harmless at home may not be appropriate to bring into school. If students are ever unsure whether an item is suitable, they should speak to a member of staff before bringing it into school.
Where prohibited items are found, they will be confiscated in line with the school's behaviour and safeguarding procedures. Depending on the circumstances, families may be contacted and further action may be taken where necessary.
By working together, we can continue to provide a safe, respectful and positive environment in which all students can learn and thrive. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in helping us keep our school community safe.
If you have any concerns about your child’s safety or wellbeing, please contact the school’s safeguarding team without delay: safeguarding@liftbexleyheath.org. In an emergency, or if you believe a child may be at immediate risk, please contact the police directly. Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep our community safe.
Thorpe Park Rewards Trip | We are delighted to announce that our annual Thorpe Park Rewards Trip will take place on Thursday, 16 July, and excitement is building across the academy.
This special event celebrates the achievements of our Year 07, Year 08 and Year 09 students who have demonstrated consistently high standards throughout the academic year. Students were selected in recognition of their commitment to our academy maxims, their positive behaviour and attitude to learning, and the significant improvements they have made over the course of the year.
Students will depart the academy at 07:30 and are expected to return at approximately 15:30. The day promises to be a fantastic opportunity for students to celebrate their success, enjoy time with their peers, and create lasting memories before the end of term.
We are incredibly proud of all the students who have earned a place on this year's trip. Their hard work, resilience and commitment have been recognised, and this is a well-deserved reward for an outstanding year.
We are all looking forward to an exciting day at Thorpe Park and can't wait to celebrate the achievements of our students together!
Year 12 Brilliant Club Trip | We are incredibly proud to celebrate a group of our brilliant Year 12 students who recently celebrated their graduation from The Scholars Programme, a prestigious academic initiative run by The Brilliant Club.
To mark the culmination of their hard work, the students travelled to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, for a graduation ceremony.
The Scholars Programme is designed to give school students a genuine taste of higher education.
The programme challenged them to:
Writing a university level essay is a daunting task for any school student, but our Year 12s rose to the challenge with incredible determination. The overall standard of work was exceptional, showing a level of critical thinking that bodes incredibly well for their future UCAS applications.
A special mention must go to two of our students who did the near impossible, they received a First for their essays! Achieving a First at this level is a phenomenal accomplishment. Well done to all our Scholars Programme Graduates.
Year 06 Transitions | This week, we were delighted to welcome our new Year 06 students for two exciting Transition Days on Tuesday, 07 and Wednesday, 08 July, giving them their first real taste of life at secondary school. Across the two days, students threw themselves into a variety of activities designed to help them feel confident, excited and ready for September. They attended a range of introductory lessons, met many of the teachers who will be supporting them next year, and began to find their way around the school whilst making new friends along the way.
A particular highlight for many was lunchtime! Students enjoyed experiencing our canteen, with delicious meals including North African harissa lemon chicken with rice on Tuesday and a traditional roast chicken dinner on Wednesday. There were also plenty of other favourites available, including freshly made pizza, jacket potatoes and our popular salad bar, ensuring there was something for everyone.
The transition programme also included some fantastic enrichment activities. Students took part in a high-energy street dance workshop led by an external provider, where teamwork, confidence and plenty of smiles were on display. They also enjoyed a drama session centred around the importance of kindness, encouraging them to think about how they can help create a welcoming and supportive school community.
Our transition experience continued into the evening as we welcomed families to school for our annual Transition Evenings. Families attended an informative presentation packed with practical advice and guidance to help everyone prepare for a smooth start in September. Following the presentation, families explored the school through an interactive trail, giving them the opportunity to meet key members of staff and discover more about the support available. Along the way they sampled delicious food from our canteen, visited our wellbeing, SENDCo and uniform information stands, and every new student was able to choose and take home a free book. There was also an ice cream pit stop, the chance to chat with current students about life at the school, enjoy performances from our talented young musicians and singers, and hear first-hand from one of our current Year 07 students, who shared their own transition experience and reassured families about the exciting journey ahead.
The enthusiasm, positivity and confidence shown by our newest students over the two days has been wonderful to see. We would like to thank all of the staff, student leaders and families who helped make the transition events such a success. We cannot wait to welcome our new Year 07 cohort back in September and look forward to seeing them on 04 September and continue the exciting journey they have already begun.
Parent comments:
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the hard work that went into the transition days and the parent information evening. My child came home smiling and talking excitedly about starting school, which has really put our minds at ease. The information shared with parents was also incredibly helpful and reassuring. We really appreciate everything you've done to make this such a positive experience.
As a first-time school parent, I was feeling quite nervous, but everyone was so welcoming and approachable. My son is counting down the days until September, and that's entirely thanks to the lovely experience you've created.
It was clear how much thought and care had gone into every detail. My daughter came away feeling confident and happy.
I would personally like to thank you for all the school has done so far to help make the transition for my daughter as smooth as possible. Just being able to meet some of the other children and teachers and also get to know the school a little has helped to soothe her anxieties and she is now excited and looking forward to starting her next chapter.
Year 10 Rewards Trip | This week, we were delighted to celebrate the hard work, commitment and achievements of our fantastic year 10 students with a well-deserved rewards trip to a bowling alley.
Throughout the year, our students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, from achieving 100% attendance, earning the highest maxim merit points to consistently displaying positive behaviour, resilience and a strong commitment to their learning. The rewards trip was our way of recognising and celebrating these outstanding accomplishments.
The students had a fantastic time enjoying the day with their peers, creating lasting memories and celebrating the success they have worked so hard to achieve. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm, teamwork and positive attitudes throughout the trip.
A huge congratulations to all the students who earned their place on this rewards trip. We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved this year and look forward to celebrating even more success in the future. The students are already asking when the next rewards trip will be !
Lost Property | We have an ever-growing Lost Property collection, which contains coats, blazers, shoes and much more. If your child has lost an item, please look at the Gallery of Lost Property on this page.
If you recognise an item, please encourage your child to go to the library, where Ms Eldridge safely stores any lost items. At the end of each term, items not collected will be used to support other students, given to charity, or destroyed.
Sixth Form Enrolment | We were delighted to welcome prospective Year 12 students to our recent Lift Bexleyheath Sixth Form Taster Day, giving them the opportunity to experience life as one of our sixth form students.
Throughout the day, students took part in a range of engaging lessons across our subjects, met our teaching staff and current students, explored our excellent facilities and discovered what makes Lift Bexleyheath such a supportive and ambitious place to continue their education.
The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic, with students embracing new challenges, making new friendships and gaining a real insight into sixth form life. Students experienced the high-quality teaching and broad curriculum that we are proud to offer.
Many students also enjoyed learning about the wider opportunities available beyond the classroom, including our enrichment programme, careers events, university and apprenticeship support, leadership opportunities and the many benefits of joining our sixth form, including a Chromebook device and £50 uniform voucher for eligible students.
The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the welcoming environment, enthusiastic teachers and the confidence they gained about taking the next step in their education.
If you are in Year 11 there is still time to apply for a place starting this September. Please send us an email and we will share an application link with you: sixthformadmission@liftbexleyheath.org
Most Improved Pizza Party | At Lift Bexleyheath, we believe that success is about more than just the final outcome, it's about the determination, resilience and commitment our students show every day to become the very best versions of themselves.
On Friday, we were delighted to celebrate the achievements of students who have made exceptional progress throughout the term. Rather than recognising only the highest performers, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the students who have worked hard to improve in areas that make a real difference to their success.
Students were recognised for a wide range of achievements, including improved academic performance, excellent attendance, positive behaviour, resilience, effort, attitude to learning and the determination they have shown to overcome challenges. Every improvement, no matter how big or small, deserves to be celebrated, and we are incredibly proud of the commitment these students have shown.
To mark their success, students were invited to a special Pizza Party where they celebrated alongside their Year Group Leads and Pastoral Managers. It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on how far they have come, recognise their hard work and enjoy spending time together as a year group.
At Lift Bexleyheath, our culture is built on the belief that excellence is a habit. By recognising progress as well as achievement, we encourage every student to continue striving, growing and believing in what they can accomplish. We look forward to celebrating even more success as our students continue to aim high, work hard and make positive choices every day.
Congratulations to every student who was recognised, you have shown that effort, perseverance and a commitment to improvement truly make a difference.
World Challenge | Morocco Adventure | Our World Challenge students have now been in Morocco for over a week, and what an incredible journey it has been! Throughout the expedition, they have embraced every challenge with determination, resilience and a real sense of adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
One of the most rewarding parts of the expedition has been giving back to the local community. Students have worked tirelessly alongside local people to help build a school for a village, making a lasting contribution that will benefit children and families for years to come. The project has given our students a unique opportunity to understand the importance of service, teamwork and global citizenship.
The adventure has also tested students both physically and mentally. Over three days, they trekked through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, climbing to an impressive altitude of 3,500 metres. The challenging terrain demanded perseverance, resilience and encouragement from one another, and every student rose to the occasion. Reaching such heights was an incredible achievement and a testament to their determination.
Alongside the physical challenge, students have immersed themselves in Moroccan culture. They have explored the contrast between bustling cities and traditional villages, gaining a deeper understanding of the country's rich history, customs and way of life. They have also embraced the opportunity to sample a wide variety of authentic Moroccan cuisine, experiencing flavours and traditions that many had never encountered before.
The expedition has been about so much more than travel. It has developed students' confidence, independence, leadership and resilience while broadening their understanding of the world around them. They have represented Lift Bexleyheath with maturity, kindness and enthusiasm throughout every stage of the journey, and we could not be prouder of everything they have accomplished.
We look forward to welcoming the group home and hearing more about their incredible experiences and the lasting impact this remarkable adventure has had on them.
Year 10 Gurdwara Trip | A group of our Year 10 students recently visited a local Gurdwara to deepen their understanding of Sikhism and learn more about the importance of places of worship within different faith communities.
During the visit, students explored the Gurdwara and found out more about its role as a place for prayer, reflection, learning and community. They learned about key features of the building, including the prayer hall, and developed their understanding of how Sikhs show respect when entering and worshipping in the Gurdwara.
Students also learned more about important Sikh beliefs and values, including equality, service, generosity and respect for others. They discovered how these values are reflected in the daily life of the Gurdwara, particularly through the langar, where free meals are offered to everyone regardless of their faith or background.
The visit gave students an excellent opportunity to ask thoughtful questions, hear directly from members of the Sikh community and connect their classroom learning with a real place of worship. They showed great curiosity, maturity and respect throughout the experience and represented Lift Bexleyheath extremely well.
Experiences such as this help our students become more knowledgeable, respectful and worldwise, while encouraging them to appreciate the beliefs, traditions and cultures of others. Any students that have not yet had any opportunity to go to the gurdwara will be able to go in September.
Local MP Visit | What an incredible opportunity for our students to welcome Daniel Francis MP to Lift Bexleyheath this week!Our student leaders proudly led a tour of the school, sharing their experiences of life at Lift Bexleyheath and speaking confidently about the education they receive. They showcased not only our school but also the ambition, curiosity and confidence that we strive to develop in every student.
The visit then turned into a fascinating question-and-answer session, where students asked thoughtful questions about how decisions are made in Parliament, the policies and ballots currently being considered, and what life is like as a Member of Parliament.One question that certainly caught everyone’s attention was whether all schools could receive funding for air conditioning to better support learning during periods of extreme heat.
Daniel Francis MP listened carefully to the students’ views and committed to looking into the issue further.We are incredibly proud of the maturity, confidence and curiosity our students demonstrated throughout the visit. Opportunities like these help our young people become informed, engaged citizens who understand how they can influence the world around them.
Thank you, Daniel Francis MP, for taking the time to visit us and inspire our students.
Astronomy and STEM Club Update | This week, students in the Astronomy and STEM Club successfully completed the construction of their water rockets, an exciting first step towards learning about rocket engineering. Over the past week, students have worked hard to build their rockets while developing an understanding of the science and principles behind rocket flight.
On Monday, 22 June, all groups will launch their rockets during the club session. The aim is to test how far each rocket can travel and then use the results to make improvements in the following weeks.We are also delighted to announce that our Key Stage 03 students have registered for the UK Rocketry Challenge.
Preparations and construction work for the competition will begin in September 2028.In addition, students will have the opportunity to take part in an educational trip to the Euro Space Center in Belgium, where they will explore space science and technology through a range of interactive activities.We look forward to sharing more updates on the students' progress and achievements in the coming months.
We Love to Read | As we head into the summer break, we want to help our students avoid the "Summer Slide", the natural slip in reading skills that happens when kids take a six-to-eight-week break from books. Research shows that students who don't read over the summer can lose up to two to three months of reading progress, meaning they spend September catching up rather than moving forward.
Encouraging just a little bit of regular reading over the holidays isn't about extra homework; it keeps their minds sharp by:
We will be introducing a summer reading challenge for our students next week which will be shared in Latest News next week. However, below are 10 ways in which you can support your child’s reading development over the summer holidays:
RSE Drop Down Days | This week, students in Years 08–12 took part in our annual Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) drop-down days, providing dedicated time to explore topics that support their personal development, wellbeing and safety both now and in the future.
Each programme was carefully tailored to the age and stage of the students, ensuring that discussions were appropriate, informative and relevant. Across the week, students explored a range of important topics including healthy and unhealthy relationships, consent, coercive and controlling behaviour, online safety, child sexual exploitation, forced marriage, honour-based abuse, sexual harassment and where to access support if they ever have concerns for themselves or others.
The sessions encouraged students to think critically about respect, personal boundaries, equality and making informed, responsible decisions. They also reinforced the importance of recognising harmful behaviours, understanding the law and knowing how to seek help from trusted adults and support services.
At Lift Bexleyheath, our Relationships and Sex Education curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to build healthy relationships, stay safe and become respectful, responsible members of society.
Our Year 07 students will complete their RSE drop-down day next week, with content specifically designed to support them as they continue their transition into secondary school.
Year 10 & Year 12 Work Experience | Students in Year 10 and Year 12 will be on Work Experience next week. This is a valuable opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience of the workplace, develop employability skills, build confidence, improve communication, and gain a better understanding of potential career pathways. Work experience also enables students to apply their learning in a real-world setting and strengthen future applications for college, university, apprenticeships, and employment.
Students who have secured a placement should attend their workplace punctually and conduct themselves professionally throughout the week.
Students who have not secured a work experience placement must attend school each day in full and appropriate school uniform. They will follow a blended programme of curriculum learning and virtual work experience activities, designed to help them continue developing key workplace and career-related skills.
Year 09 and 10 Tuition Update | We are excited to inform you that we secured online tuition to a selected group of Year 09 and Year 10 students throughout the six week summer holiday. In addition, we will be providing in- school tuition for selected Year 09 students during the final week of the summer holiday. Parents and carers of students chosen for these programmes will be contacted next week with further details.
Summer tuition provides many benefits, including helping students retain key knowledge, strengthen literacy and numeracy skills, close learning gaps, and build confidence before the new academic year. It also offers personalised support and additional practice in areas where students may need further development. Students who engage in summer learning are often better prepared for the challenges of the next school year and are more likely to make strong academic progress.
We look forward to supporting our students in making the most of these valuable opportunities.
Summer Fair | We are delighted to invite you to our very first Summer Fair, which will take place on Wednesday, 15 July at 15:15. We hope you will be able to join us for an afternoon of fun, games, and community spirit as we celebrate the end of another wonderful school year. We would love to see as many families as possible attend and help us make this a special event for our school community. A reminder that we will only be taking physical money so please bring small change to pay for things.
To help make our Summer Fair a great success, we would be incredibly grateful for any donations you are able to provide. We are looking for raffle prizes, books for our charity book stall, new or nearly new items that could be used as prizes or sold at the fair, and any other suitable donations that would help support the event. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, is greatly appreciated and will help us raise valuable funds for our school.
If you are able to donate, please bring your items to the school reception, where they can be left for Mr Rayner, who will collect all donations. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity. Your continued support helps make events like our Summer Fair possible, and we look forward to seeing you and your families on Wednesday 15 July at 15:15.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
