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.
Ofsted Report | As you know, we were visited by Ofsted at the end of April. At the end of 2025, Ofsted changed the way it reports on school inspections and no longer issues one word judgements. Instead, schools are now graded across a five point scale from ‘exceptional’ to ‘urgent improvement’, with ‘expected standard’ the new benchmark for high-performing schools.
We are delighted that Lift Bexleyheath is meeting these standards in all areas inspected. These include achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing and Sixth Form.
This is a very positive report and shows that we are doing exactly what we need to do as a school so that all our students do well.
I do hope you will read the whole report in full, linked here but in the meantime I have added some of the highlights:
Key Dates Term 06 Reminders:
Sixth Form Newsletter | Please find the Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter from the Sixth Form Team here.
Fixtures for the Week | The following fixtures are taking place this week:
If you have any questions about the fixtures, please contact Mr Sheehan, Faculty Director for Sports (tsheehan@liftbexleyheath.org).
Parents' Evening Term 06 | This term, families of Year 08 students will have the opportunity to meet with all of their child’s subject teachers face-to-face to discuss their engagement, progress, and attainment over the year. Families of Year 07, Year 09, Year 10 and Year 12 will be able to meet virtually with their child's teachers if they do not teach Year 08. Appointments will open for booking from Saturday, 27 June 2026 at 14:00. Families can book appointments using the school’s online booking system. Please note that appointments are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Information on booking appointments can be found on the Parents' Evening page of the school's website. If you have any questions regarding our Parents' Evening’s, don't hesitate to get in touch with Ms Fisher, Data Manager (dfisher@liftbexleyheath.org).
Inclusion Virtual Events | Term 06 | Families of SEND students will be provided with the opportunity to meet with Ms Hajarie, SENDCo, on a Tuesday. This is a continuation of the opportunities that were provided during previous terms. These sessions will be 15 minutes and will be virtual. The dates are as follows:
Appointments are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis and will open ten days before the event on a Saturday afternoon at 14:00. Information on booking appointments can be found on the Parents' Evening page of the Academy's website. If you have any questions regarding our Parents' Evening’s, don't hesitate to get in touch with Ms Fisher, Data Manager (dfisher@bexleyheathacademy.org).
Uniform Expectations During Hotter Weathers | With the arrival of warmer weather, we want to ensure all students remain safe, comfortable, and ready to learn throughout the school day. Please support us by helping your child prepare for the hot conditions over the coming days.
Please note that cargo shorts, sports shorts, denim shorts, cycling shorts or any other casual styles are not permitted.
Students choosing to wear skirts should continue to ensure that they are worn at an appropriate knee length, in line with the school's uniform expectations.
While we are making sensible adjustments to help students stay cool, we still expect all students to arrive in full, correct school uniform each day (unless directed otherwise) and to maintain high standards of personal presentation. Our expectations remain high, and we appreciate your support in upholding them.
Inclusion | Motivation and Resilience | Every learner experiences moments when things feel difficult. For young people with SEND, barriers to learning may sometimes affect confidence and motivation. Helping children understand that progress comes through effort, practice and support can make a significant difference.
Families can encourage resilience by recognising small achievements, praising effort, and helping young people reflect on what they have learned from challenges. Instead of focusing only on outcomes, celebrating persistence and improvement helps build a positive attitude towards learning.
Motivation can look different for every child. Some young people may respond well to routines and clear expectations, while others may benefit from choice, encouragement, or connecting learning to their interests.
Our aim is to help young people develop the confidence to keep trying, problem-solve, and believe in their ability to grow. With the right support, setbacks can become opportunities to develop determination and self-belief.
Principal's Drop-ins | The Principal, Rubeka Luthfa, is offering families the opportunity to book a virtual drop-in meeting. The Principal said:
"A huge thank you to the families who dropped by to chat with me this week! We had some fantastic conversations, balancing real problem-solving with exciting new ideas and some incredibly kind feedback about our school. Connecting with you is the best part of my week, and I can't wait to continue these weekly drop-ins for the rest of the term."
These sessions are designed to provide a direct line of communication with the Principal. Families may use this time to discuss any unresolved concerns, ask questions about the school, or simply have a general check-in.
Each appointment will last 20 minutes. To ensure fair access for all families, we kindly ask that bookings are only made if you are able to attend. The dates are as follows:
Once a booking has been made, the Principal will contact you via email to gather further information about the purpose of the meeting. This will allow any necessary preparation to take place in advance and help ensure that the time is used as effectively as possible.
A range of appointment times has been made available to accommodate different schedules and maximise accessibility for all families.
Information on booking appointments can be found on the Parents' Evening page of the Academy's website. If you have any questions regarding our Parents' Evening’s, don't hesitate to get in touch with Ms Fisher, Data Manager (dfisher@bexleyheathacademy.org).
KS3 End-of -Year Assessments | Our KS3 hall based assessments continue this week. The assessments that will be completed are as follows:
Students that miss assessments will complete them on the next available date.
Year 10 & 12 Mock Examinations | Our Year 10 students have approached their first mock examinations this week with maturity and resilience, and we are incredibly proud of how well they have managed the experience.
Next week’s examination schedule is outlined below, including approximate start and finish times. Please note that these timings do not include any additional time allocated for students with access arrangements, as this will vary depending on individual needs.
The Year 12 timetable can be found on the Sixth Form Newsletter.
KS3 Futures | It's been an exciting week working alongside our families through a series of co-production meetings focused on the future of Key Stage 3. On Wednesday and Thursday, we met with current KS3 families, and on Friday we welcomed our Year 06 families to listen, discuss, and debate the developmental needs of students as they move into, and through Key Stage 3.
Families bring a perspective that no internal survey can fully replicate. They see how school experiences are reflected at home: what their children talk about, what they are proud of, what motivates them, and what they may find challenging. These sessions gave us valuable and structured access to those insights. We are committed to ensuring that family voices continue to shape our provision. If you would like to contribute your thoughts and experiences, please take a few moments to complete our short Google Form. It takes approximately three minutes to complete, and your feedback will help inform our ongoing work. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to develop the very best KS3 experience for our young people.
Extra-Curricular Clubs | Summer Production | We are delighted to invite you to join us for our end-of-year production of ‘Alice’, taking place on Wednesday, 01 and Thursday 02 July at 17:00.
The Performing Arts Faculty and our talented young people have been working incredibly hard in preparation for this exciting production. With a brilliant set design, imaginative staging, lively music, and outstanding performances, audiences can expect a truly memorable theatrical experience.
This production showcases the dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm of our students, who have poured their energy into bringing this classic story to life. From rehearsals to production design, every detail has been carefully crafted to ensure a performance full of energy, humour, and heart. We would be thrilled to welcome you to support the cast and crew and share in what promises to be a wonderful celebration of their hard work and talent. We look forward to seeing you there!
Only ticket holders will be admitted so please complete this form to ensure that you are allowed entry to this event.
What's been happening in ICT/Business/Media this week? | Our students have had an exceptional term filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and meaningful collaboration across a range of subjects and this week has not been any different.
In Economics, students took part in the highly regarded UrbanPlan UK workshop, where they stepped into the role of urban developers. Working in teams, they explored the complex forces that shape land development and urban regeneration, balancing economic viability with social impact and environmental sustainability. This immersive experience not only strengthened their analytical and decision-making skills but
Our Year 12 Business students demonstrated impressive professionalism during their Unit 4: Customers and Communication assessments. Delivering confident and well-structured presentations, they showed a strong understanding of customer needs and effective stakeholder engagement. Equally commendable was their mature approach to peer feedback, reflecting the teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in both further study and the workplace.
Meanwhile, Level 03 Digital Media students have made an exciting start to their Photography for Digital Media Products unit, following the successful completion of their Journalism coursework. Taking their learning beyond the classroom, students have been exploring outdoor environments to develop their practical photography skills. Through experimenting with composition, lighting, and perspective, they have shown real enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. We are excited to see how these ideas evolve into their final portfolios.
Overall, it has been a term marked by curiosity, ambition, and a growing confidence in applying learning to real-world contexts.
Safeguarding | Supporting students without social media | This month the Government announced its intention to introduce a social media ban for under-16s, with legislation expected to be progressed during the coming months and implementation anticipated in early 2027. The proposals are designed to strengthen online safety measures and reduce young people's exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, exploitation and other online risks.
While the details of the legislation may continue to develop, these discussions provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on how we can better safeguard young people online and help them develop healthy digital habits. For many secondary school pupils, social media is woven into everyday life. It is where they communicate with friends, follow interests, celebrate achievements and connect with communities. At the same time, it is a space where young people may encounter risks such as cyber-bullying, exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation, pressure to conform, and contact from individuals who may not have their best interests at heart. As a result, safeguarding in the digital age extends far beyond the school gates and requires parents, carers and schools to work together to support children in navigating the online world safely.
Now is a good time for families to begin making small, manageable changes that encourage a healthier relationship with technology. Rather than imposing sudden bans or restrictions, gradual changes are often more effective. Simple steps such as creating device-free family time, encouraging phones to be charged outside bedrooms overnight, and agreeing sensible screen-time boundaries can help children develop balance and self-awareness. These conversations are most successful when they focus on well-being and healthy habits rather than punishment.
One of the most powerful safeguarding tools available to parents is open communication. Children are far more likely to seek help when they feel they can talk honestly about their online experiences. Taking an interest in the apps, games and platforms they use sends a clear message that online safety is a shared responsibility rather than something imposed upon them. Asking questions about what they enjoy online, who they interact with and whether they have ever encountered anything that made them uncomfortable can create valuable opportunities for discussion and support.
A common concern raised by parents is how any future restrictions might affect participation in extra-curricular activities such as football, dance, gymnastics, drama, music and other hobbies. Many clubs and organisations use social media to share updates, celebrate achievements and communicate with members. Young people often enjoy documenting their progress and sharing successes with friends and family. In these situations, parents can play an active role by creating content together with their children. A football player might review match highlights with a parent before sharing them, while a dancer might select photographs from a performance together with their family. This collaborative approach allows young people to continue celebrating their achievements while providing opportunities to discuss privacy settings, appropriate sharing and the importance of protecting personal information. We will also continue to use our school website to continue to celebrate the successes of students in a menaingful way.
Some families may also choose to use parent managed accounts to showcase a child's sporting, artistic or community achievements. This can provide an additional layer of safeguarding while still allowing children to engage positively with their interests. Importantly, it enables parents to model responsible online behaviour and helps children understand that their digital footprint can have long-term implications.
Ultimately, safeguarding is not about removing technology from children's lives or shielding them from every possible risk. Instead, it is about equipping them with the skills, confidence and resilience to make safe choices, recognise concerns and seek help when they need it. As technology continues to evolve, the most valuable lessons we can teach young people are those that will remain relevant regardless of the platforms they use: critical thinking, respectful communication, awareness of privacy and consent, and the confidence to speak to a trusted adult if something does not feel right.
With the proposed ban expected to come into force in early 2027, families have an opportunity to begin preparing now. By making small changes, maintaining open conversations and remaining actively involved in their children's digital lives, parents can help ensure that any future transition is less disruptive and more focused on safeguarding, well-being and positive engagement with technology. The goal is not simply to restrict access, but to equip young people with the knowledge, resilience and confidence to thrive both online and offline.
Morocco Trip Update | This week, students that are going on the two week trip to Morocco had their first training day to help them prepare for the trip with their World Challenge Trip Leader. This involved the run through of the physical activities that they will be completing and going through the equipment that they will be needed for the trip. Our World Challenge Montenegro 2027 students have their first team meeting on Wednesday, 24 June 15:15. It will be in C316. This is an opportunity to come together and share their fundraising ideas and start developing their understanding of sustainable travel.
What's been happening in Social Science this week? | This week in Social Science, our Year 12 Health and Social Care students have made an excellent start to their new unit, exploring how public health initiatives make a real difference to people’s lives.
Students have been investigating key contemporary issues such as lifestyle choices and addiction, linking these topics to challenges faced within our local community. Through this, they are developing a deeper understanding of why public health matters, not just nationally, but right on their doorstep.
A key focus has been learning how to use evidence to analyse public health concerns and evaluate how services, campaigns, and government strategies work to support individuals and communities. It has been fantastic to see students engaging thoughtfully with these important topics and beginning to think like future health and social care professionals.
We are excited to see the outcome of their work, as students will soon be presenting their research findings, showcasing both their knowledge and their growing confidence in discussing real-world issues.
Safeguarding | Outdoor activities in hotter weather and water safety
We urge all parents to take note of guidance provided by the London Fire Brigade and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) regarding the risks of open water in heatwaves.
RNLI Advice Here Published Friday 19 June 2026
With more hot weather forecast for much of the UK, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging people heading to the coast or open water to follow essential water safety advice, which could save lives. The charity is sharing lifesaving advice, including what to do if you find yourself in danger in the water; what to do if you see someone else is struggling; awareness of key risks like cold water shock, and the best ways to stay safe – such as by choosing a lifeuarded beach.
The RNLI is appealing to people to remember and share its water safety advice with family and friends, particularly young people and teens, who accounted for the majority of the drowning fatalities during the last heatwave. Ross Macleod, RNLI Water Safety Manager, said:
‘With another hot weekend on the way we are urging families to talk about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water with younger family members and friends.
‘We are also encouraging them to share our free downloadable social media videos and posts, which will help us to reach a younger audience with vital lifesaving advice which could save lives in coastal and inland waters.
‘Cold water shock is a real danger, which we particularly want people to be aware of. The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly. It’s best to enter the water slowly to gradually acclimatise.
‘Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should fight the panic instinct and Float to Live – try to relax and float on their back, with head tilted back, gently moving their hands and legs to help them stay afloat. This buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming to safety.
‘If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw, phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.
‘If you are visiting the coast this weekend, the safest option is a lifeguarded beach, where you should swim between the red and yellow flags. If you can’t choose a lifeguarded beach, find out about your chosen beach before you visit – check weather and tide times and read local safety signage.’
RNLI’s water safety advice:
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is Float to Live:
If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:
The RNLI website has a list of RNLI guarded beaches here.
Sixth Form Interviews | The countdown to September 2026 is officially on, and the excitement is building! Next week, we are thrilled to welcome a fantastic group of external candidates to our campus for their Sixth Form interviews. To our incredible current Year 11 students: this is your moment to secure your future with us. If you haven’t done so already, make sure to submit your application as soon as possible to lock in your place. Staying on for Sixth Form means continuing your journey in a familiar, supportive environment while unlocking amazing new independence, specialized subjects, and leadership opportunities.
For the many Year 11 students who have already taken that step and applied, congratulations! You should have now received your conditional offer. If you have submitted your application but haven’t seen your offer come through yet, or if you are suddenly having second thoughts about your subject choices, entry requirements, or the admissions process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The Sixth Form team is always here and more than happy to help guide you through the next steps.
We also want to remind you about our exciting Recommend a Student initiative! Do you know a bright, motivated Year 11 student from outside our school who would thrive at Lift Bexleyheath Sixth Form? As we mentioned last week, if you recommend a student who subsequently enrols and joins us in September, we will send you a £20 voucher as a massive thank you. To make a referral, simply email Mr Read with the student’s name and contact details.
We can't wait to welcome both our brilliant current students and fresh new faces to the Lift Bexleyheath Sixth Form family next term!
Careers Insight Talks | Purchase & Procurement | This week, students had the privilege of hearing from Andrea Weed, Procurement and Contracts Manager at Lift Schools, who has more than 30 years of experience in the procurement profession.
Andrea delivered an engaging and insightful presentation, sharing her career journey from starting work as a chef at the age of 18 to progressing through roles including Assistant Food Buyer and Head of Procurement. Having worked across seven organisations, including the police service, Andrea demonstrated the wide range of opportunities available within procurement and supply chain management.
Students learned about the diverse areas within procurement, including purchasing, strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier relationship management, category management, and procurement analytics. Andrea explained how procurement professionals help organisations achieve value for money, prevent fraud, build strong supplier partnerships, and deliver social value to communities.
The session highlighted the exciting aspects of the profession, including negotiating major contracts, influencing organisational decisions, and managing large-scale projects. Students were fascinated to learn that procurement teams oversee contracts worth millions of pounds and play a vital role in ensuring organisations operate efficiently.
Andrea also outlined the different pathways into procurement, including apprenticeships, university degrees, graduate schemes, NVQs, Higher National Diplomas, BTECs, and professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). Salary progression, from entry-level procurement assistant roles to senior leadership positions such as Procurement Director, was also explored.
We encourage parents and carers to continue these conversations at home and explore opportunities in procurement, supply chain management, and related sectors using the LMI widget.
What's been happening in English this week? | Mrs Mack-Poole has been delighted with the progress and enthusiasm shown by her Year 08 class this week. Students have fully immersed themselves in their rhetoric unit, exploring powerful and influential speeches from history.
Inspired by these examples, students have gone on to craft and deliver their own persuasive speeches on topics they feel strongly about. From thought-provoking ideas about ambition to passionate reflections on nature and the world around them, their work has been both creative and compelling.
It has been fantastic to see students growing in confidence as speakers, using persuasive techniques to express their ideas with clarity and conviction. The quality of their speeches has been truly impressive, and a real testament to their hard work and engagement this term.
Huge shout out to our incredible EAL English Communications Club, which is officially the place to be every Thursday after school! This isn't just an ordinary club; it's an absolute joy for both our staff and students. We’ve built a vibrant, safe, and caring space where students are supercharging their English skills while having a blast and making lifelong friends along the way. Packed with high-energy competitions, catchy songs, brain-busting quizzes, and tons of awesome games, the energy is always electric. It’s the consistently friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes this club an absolute standout, don't miss out on the fun!
Trip to the Gurdwara | On Thursday, 18 June, our Year 12 students stepped outside the classroom and into a vibrant cultural experience as part of their Personal Development programme. The group traveled to the stunning Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend, opening a window into the rich traditions, worship, and daily life of the Sikh community.
The day was packed with eye opening moments. Students were treated to a guided tour of the Gurdwara, exploring the magnificent prayer hall and learning about the profound significance of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture). It wasn't just a history lesson; our students truly connected with the core values of faith, peace, and shared community that define Sikhism. One of the absolute highlights of the visit was spending time in the Langar Hall. Here, students discovered the beautiful Sikh tradition of Langar, where free meals are served to anyone and everyone, sitting together as equals. It was a powerful, real-world lesson in humility, equality, and selfless community service.
Our Year 12s did us incredibly proud throughout the day. They engaged thoughtfully with members of the community, asking insightful questions and showing a genuine curiosity about different faiths and cultures.
It was a deeply rewarding trip that did so much more than teach facts, it sparked meaningful conversations about respect, tolerance, and the beauty of living in our wonderfully diverse society!
This week's assembly | Refugee Week | This week, our whole-school assembly took on a deeply meaningful focus as we stood together in solidarity with refugees across the UK and around the world. Marking National Refugee Week, our assemblies gave students the chance to pause, reflect, and cultivate empathy for the millions of people who have been forced to rebuild their lives from scratch. It was incredibly heartening to see our school community come together with such open minds and compassionate hearts.
To help ground our discussions, students explored exactly what it means to be a refugee. Put simply, a refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution, war, or violence. Unlike people who choose to move abroad for work or study, refugees leave everything behind because staying alive depends on it. Students learned about the difficult journeys these individuals face, often escaping conflict, political unrest, or threats to their basic human rights, all in search of a safe place to call home.
The assembly also celebrated the resilience and incredible contributions that refugees have made to our society over the years. Students became familiar with the inspiring stories of famous refugees who went on to change the world. From Albert Einstein, who fled political persecution to reshape modern physics, to pop icon Rita Ora, who came to the UK as a young child escaping conflict in Kosovo, and even legendary author Judith Kerr, who gave us beloved stories like The Tiger Who Came to Tea after fleeing Germany. These stories beautifully illustrated that being a refugee is a chapter in someone's life, not their whole identity, leaving our students with a powerful message of hope, tolerance, and human potential.
Our First Summer Fair | We are absolutely thrilled to announce that this year, we will be hosting our first-ever Summer Fair!
Our school is home to a wonderfully diverse community, and this event will be a grand celebration of the different cultures, traditions, and backgrounds that make us who we are. Our main goal is to bring families, staff, and neighbours together for a day of joy, connection, and shared experiences. We are currently planning a variety of attractions, including a Kick N Stick Football/Rugby Darts inflatable, a circus skills workshop, gladiator-style games, and a coconut fly challenge. In addition, we hope to have music throughout the event to create a lively atmosphere, alongside cultural activities such as henna art, face painting, and opportunities for students to wear and showcase traditional cultural clothing. These activities will help us celebrate the rich diversity within our school community and support the aims of Culture Week. We look forward to what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of fun, learning, and celebration, and we will share further details closer to the event.
To make this inaugural event an unforgettable success, we need your help! There are two fantastic ways for our families to get involved:
Are you a budding entrepreneur, a talented baker, a craft maker, or a local business owner? We want to showcase the incredible talents within our community! We are offering families the opportunity to rent a stall at the fair to sell their own products or promote their services.
If you don't want to run a stall but still want to be a part of the magic, we would love to have you on board as a volunteer. Whether you can spare an hour to help set up, run a traditional game, or help pack away at the end of the day, your time and energy will make all the difference. Please complete this form here to volunteer.
The Principal said:
"This Summer Fair is all about unity, culture, and community spirit. We want it to be an event created by our community, for our community. We cannot wait to see the amazing stalls, tastes, and talents our families bring to the table!"
Save the date, start thinking about your stall ideas, and keep an eye out for further details regarding the official date and timings in next week’s update!
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
