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 Letter from the Principal | A letter from the Principal to mark the end of the academic year. Please find the letter here.
Year 06 to Year 07 Letter | Please find our newest transition letter here.
Start-of-Term Arrangements | Term one starts on Friday, 04 September at 08:30.
Family Welcome Back Meetings | To support families with school return to ensure that everyone is prepared, we will be holding two Welcome Back meetings virtually on the following days:
Links to these meetings will be shared closer to the time.
Uniform Purchasing | Let's purchase the right things | Although the summer holidays have only just begun, we know that many families will already be preparing for September by purchasing new school uniform. We would like to take this opportunity to remind families to carefully read our Uniform & Clothing Policy, which is linked. Taking a few minutes to check the policy before making purchases can help avoid unnecessary expenses. Unfortunately, every year some families buy items that do not meet our expectations and then need to purchase replacements before or shortly after the start of term. Key points to remember:
Please also ensure that:
We are incredibly proud of the high standards our students uphold each day. A smart uniform promotes a sense of belonging, pride and professionalism, and ensures that every student starts the school year ready to learn.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain these high expectations. By purchasing the correct items now and following the Uniform & Clothing Policy, we can ensure that every student begins the new academic year positively without the need for corrections or additional purchases. Some useful images for shoes that you should or should not buy are below. The ones in the red box should not be bought.
Scout Success | Congratulations to Yosha in Year 07, who has been recognised with a prestigious award from 2nd Welling Scouts in recognition of his exceptional commitment, leadership and service.
Yosha attends Scouts every week, where he develops a wide range of practical skills including first aid, fire lighting, woodcraft and outdoor survival. His Scout Leader praised his unwavering commitment, noting that he rarely misses a meeting and consistently volunteers for every opportunity, including parades, church services, fundraising events and residential camps.
Currently serving as an Assistant Patrol Leader, Yosha was also recognised for demonstrating "exemplary leadership skills" during the group's summer camp in Wales. His dedication has placed him firmly on the path to becoming a Patrol Leader in the future.
Yosha's achievement reflects many of the qualities we celebrate at Lift Bexleyheath: commitment, leadership, resilience and service to others. We are incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished outside of school and look forward to seeing what he achieves next.
Summer Work for Students in Year 10 and Year 12 | As mentioned in our updates evening ans newsletter, students can access their summer work through the links provided here. We encourage all students to complete the tasks before returning to school to make sure they are ready for their return.
Summer Homework for Year 07 - 09 | In response to family requests, we continue to issue homework over the summer period to ensure that whilst students can enjoy a well-earned opportunity to rest, relax, and spend time with family and friends, they also have work available to ensure that regression in progress does not take place. While holidays are important for recharging, it is also beneficial for students to continue engaging their minds through regular learning activities.
To support learning, all students are expected to complete their assigned holiday homework. Spending a short amount of time each day reading, revising, or completing set tasks helps reinforce knowledge and ensures students return to school feeling confident and prepared for the new academic year. Maintaining some mental activity during the holiday also helps develop positive study habits.
The exercises have been designed to be manageable and should not take up the entire holiday period. We therefore encourage students to plan their time wisely by completing a little each day rather than leaving everything until the last minute. This approach reduces stress and allows plenty of time to enjoy holiday activities.
As a reminder, our Homework platforms remain;
Please note that the Homework will be due by 22:00 on Monday 31 August 2026, which is the end of the academic year.
Parents and carers can support students by providing a quiet place to work, fostering good organisation, and checking that tasks are completed before the submission date.
Lift Bexleyheath Summer Fair | What an incredible afternoon! We were delighted to welcome students, families, staff and members of our local community to Lift Bexleyheath's very first Summer Fair.
The event was a wonderful celebration of everything that makes our school special. The site was filled with laughter, music and smiles as visitors enjoyed a fantastic range of activities, including carnival games, arts and crafts, gift stalls and much more. It was wonderful to see so many families spending time together and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was seeing so many of our staff choose to attend with their own families. It perfectly reflected one of our core maxims, Community and Family and demonstrated that Lift Bexleyheath is more than just a school; it is a place where lasting relationships are built and everyone is welcomed.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to every family, community member, volunteer and member of staff who supported the event. Your enthusiasm and generosity helped make our first Summer Fair such a memorable success.
Ms Luthfa, Principal, said:
"Our Summer Fair was everything we hoped it would be, a joyful celebration of our school community. Seeing students, families, staff and local residents enjoying the afternoon together reminded us of the importance of creating opportunities to connect beyond the classroom. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make our first Summer Fair such a success."
One parent commented:
"It was fantastic to see the school open its doors to the community in this way. The atmosphere was so welcoming, the activities were brilliant and it was lovely to spend time with staff and other families."
A Year 08 student added:
"My favourite part was seeing everyone having fun together. It felt like one big family, and I can't wait for the next one!"
We had a number of families that were either running their own stalls or volunteering at the event and we would like to give them a big thank you for their hard work and support.
We would also like to thank our new Year 07 families that came to the event and the families that spent time with them to make them feel welcome.
Following such a fantastic first event, we are already looking forward to making next year's Summer Fair even bigger and better. Thank you once again to everyone who came along, .we can't wait to welcome you back next year!
Thorpe Park | The Ultimate End-of-Year Rewards Trip| On Thursday, 150 of our students enjoyed an exciting day out at Thorpe Park as part of Lift Bexleyheath's ultimate rewards trip.
Whilst we reward students at the end of each term, this annual event is much more than a day out, it is a celebration of the students who have demonstrated our values throughout the year. Invitations are awarded to students who have consistently shown excellence through their engagement with school, strong academic outcomes, excellent attendance and punctuality, and positive contributions to our school community. Importantly, the trip also recognises those students who have made significant improvements during the year, celebrating the determination, resilience and commitment they have shown to achieving their personal best.
The weather was kind, and there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day as students enjoyed the park's thrilling rides and attractions. From adrenaline-fuelled roller coasters to family favourites, there was something for everyone to enjoy. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces as students spent time with friends, challenged themselves to try new experiences and created lasting memories together.
Our students were a real credit to Lift Bexleyheath. Their outstanding behaviour, maturity and respect for one another, park staff and members of the public were exemplary throughout the day, reinforcing the high standards we expect both inside and outside of school.
A huge thank you goes to the staff who generously gave their time to organise and supervise the trip. Their dedication ensured that students were able to enjoy a safe, memorable and well-deserved celebration of their achievements.
Here are some quotes from students that attended the trip:
"Thorpe Park was an amazing reward. It felt great knowing we'd earned our place by working hard throughout the year. My favourite ride was Stealth, and it was brilliant spending the day with my friends."
"I was really proud to be invited. I've worked hard to improve my attendance and behaviour this year, so it meant a lot that the school recognised my progress. It motivates me to keep improving next year."
"The atmosphere was brilliant from the moment we arrived. Everyone was enjoying themselves, and it was one of the best school trips I've ever been on. Thank you to all the teachers who made it happen."
We are incredibly proud of every student who earned their place on this year's trip and are already looking forward to seeing even more students strive towards joining us for next year's ultimate rewards experience. At Lift Bexleyheath, we believe that excellence is a habit, and we are proud to celebrate not only high achievement but also the hard work, resilience and improvement that help every student to achieve, belong and thrive.
RSE Year 07 Drop Down Day | This week, our Year 07 students took part in their Relationships and Sex Education Drop-Down Day, delivered by the School of Sexuality Education.
Throughout the day, students explored important topics including puberty, anatomy, personal hygiene, periods, challenging taboos, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), consent, personal boundaries, seeking consent, and online safety. These sessions provided students with accurate, age-appropriate knowledge while equipping them with the skills to build healthy, respectful relationships and stay safe both online and offline.
The facilitators were extremely complimentary about our students, commenting on how "It was lovely to see students challenging each other's thinking and discussing the type of community they wanted to foster." Their willingness to engage thoughtfully in discussions demonstrated maturity, empathy and a genuine commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive school community.
At Lift Bexleyheath, we are committed to providing a high quality Personal Development curriculum that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. Opportunities such as our RSE Drop-Down Days help develop students' confidence, wellbeing and understanding of the importance of respect, equality and positive relationships.
Rewards Assembly | We were delighted to celebrate our students during our end-of-term celebration assemblies. These special events gave us the opportunity to recognise the hard work, commitment and achievements of our students throughout the year.
From academic excellence to most improved and excellent attendance, participation in clubs and enrichment activities, and achievements beyond the classroom, it was fantastic to see so many students recognised for their dedication and success. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished.
As we reflect on another successful year, we continue to encourage all of our students to live our Lift Bexleyheath Maxims every day: Aim Higher, because Excellence is a habit; value Community and Family by supporting one another; embrace a positive Culture, where learning is engaging, enjoyable and built on strong foundations; become Worldwise by embracing new experiences and different perspectives; and remember that Individuals Matter. These values are at the heart of our academy and help prepare our young people to thrive both in school and beyond.
World Challenge | Morocco Expedition | After an unforgettable 14 day expedition, our World Challenge students have returned from Morocco with memories that will last a lifetime and a newfound confidence in themselves. Students returned safely back to the UK on Thursday.
The expedition pushed students far beyond their comfort zones. From trekking through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, where they experienced spectacular scenery and tested their resilience, to working alongside a local community on a meaningful project, every day presented new opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and independence.
The final part of the journey allowed students to experience Morocco's rich culture. They travelled to the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira, where they enjoyed a well-earned afternoon relaxing on the beach after completing their mountain trek. They then spent a day exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech, navigating the famous souks, practising their bargaining skills, sampling traditional Moroccan cuisine and choosing souvenirs and gifts to take home for their families.
Throughout the expedition, students learned to cook together, manage their own equipment, solve problems as a team and support one another through every challenge. These experiences helped them build resilience, confidence and friendships that will stay with them for years to come.
Quotes from the students on the trip this year:
"The mountain trek was the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the thing I'm most proud of. I learned that I'm capable of much more than I thought."
"Working with the local community really put things into perspective. It was amazing to know that we were making a difference while learning about another culture."
"I loved exploring the markets in Marrakech and relaxing in Essaouira after the trek. The whole trip was an incredible adventure, and I've come back much more confident than when I left."
Reflecting on the expedition, students spoke passionately about how much they had grown as young leaders. They returned with greater resilience, independence and appreciation for different cultures, qualities that will continue to support them both in school and beyond.
We are incredibly proud of every student for embracing every challenge with determination, enthusiasm and courage. They represented Lift Bexleyheath exceptionally well throughout the expedition and truly embodied our values of striving for excellence, supporting one another and becoming worldwise citizens.
Safeguarding | Keeping your child active and safe over the holidays | London Borough of Bexley Holidays and Activities | The London Borough of Bexley is delivering the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which is funded by the Department for Education.
The HAF programme provides a variety of fun activities, including sports, food-making activities, arts and crafts and other exciting opportunities to learn and develop skills. It’s for school-aged children and young people from Reception to Year 11, and runs during the Easter, summer and winter school holidays.
Places are funded for those who receive benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM) only, (except in extenuating circumstances where vouchers can be issued by the Local Authority on receipt of a professional referral), and attend a school in Bexley. Children and young people also receive a free balanced meal as part of their day.
Benefits-related Free School Meals are available to children and young people if their parents receive one of the qualifying benefits. Please note that they are different from universal infant free school meals, which provide free meals to all pupils in reception, year 1 and 2, and the Mayor’s Free School Meals Initiative (which provides free meals to all pupils in Key Stage 2 attending a school in a London Borough). https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/holiday-activities-food-programme.
The Met Police have launched a campaign called SpeakSafe. This is an initiative to request that young people log areas in the community where they feel unsafe.
Here is a link to the website: www.speaksafe.co.uk
A reminder that it is unsafe for children to be in public areas once retail shops have shut down, and we recommend that children are home by 6pm for their safety.
As the hot summer weather continues, please remember our previous guidance about water safety.
Please see below for a list of support agencies
Emergency services 999 (feeling unwell call NHS 111)
Papyrus (Hope line UK 0800 068 4141, text 0786003996)
MIND - 0300 102 1234
Domestic abuse 0808 2000 247
ChildLine – 0800 1111
Samaritans – 116 123
Family Lives – 0808 800 2222
Young Minds – 0808 802 5544 (Parents Helpline); text YM to 85258 (young people)
If you have any concerns about your child’s safety or wellbeing during the summer, please contact the school’s safeguarding team without delay: safeguarding@liftbexleyheath.org. This email we be monitored during the holidays.
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.
We Love to Read | Celebrating Our Reading Success! | First and foremost, we have some incredible news to share. Thanks to the hard work of our students, the brilliant guidance of our teaching staff, and your steadfast support at home, we have seen a fantastic rise in reading proficiency. Currently, 82% of our students are classified as secure readers. When compared to 76% in the previous academic year, this represents a wonderful 6% increase!
Becoming a secure reader unlocks every area of the secondary curriculum, from decoding complex science problems to analysing historical sources. We are incredibly proud of our students for putting in the effort to achieve this.
While we want everyone to enjoy a well-deserved, restful break, we also want to ensure our students don't lose the hard-earned progress they've made. Educational research consistently shows that secondary school students face a phenomenon known as the "summer slide". On average, students can lose up to two months of reading proficiency over the six-week summer holiday if they stop reading entirely.
The good news is that this reading dip can easily be avoided and to support students and families with this we are officially launching our school Summer Reading Challenge! We are challenging every student to:
We will be collecting these reviews during the first week back in September. The best recommendations will be celebrated and shared across the school community and there will be fantastic prizes for students who complete the challenge!
Thank you for your continued partnership in making literacy a priority.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
