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.
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).
Trips Next Week | The following trips are taking place next week:
School Closure this Week | During this week's exceptionally high temperatures, we made the difficult decision to close the school building for two days to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. While our classrooms may have been temporarily closed, learning certainly did not stop.
Thanks to the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our students and the support of our families, we were able to move seamlessly to remote learning. Students logged into their virtual lessons, engaged with live and independent learning activities, and submitted high-quality work through our online learning platforms.
It was fantastic to see such strong levels of attendance and participation throughout the two days, with students continuing to demonstrate our values of resilience, responsibility and ambition despite the unusual circumstances. Teachers continued to provide feedback, answer questions and support students to ensure that learning remained purposeful and uninterrupted.
We would like to thank all of our families for their patience, flexibility and encouragement during this period. Your support enabled our students to continue making excellent progress from home.
Teachers shared:
Honestly the engagement is fantastic. Just had an email from one of my Photography club students about how to join tomorrow so now sorting out a google classroom for them and some prompts! It's so lovely!! | Ms Priscott
The Year 07 and 08s I've taught today have been brilliant. So engaged. I've really enjoyed teaching remotely. Hope everyone is safe and doing well! | Ms Ezimokhai
My students were on-time for their lessons and took time to ask me how I was. The students confidently spoke through their Chromebooks and participated in the breakout room discussions and worked hard. What a great community we have. | Mr Ephson
The experience highlighted the strength of our school community and demonstrated that, whatever the circumstances, learning at Lift Bexleyheath continues.
Uniform Expectations From Monday | Our high expectations for our uniform return from Monday. The uniform policy can be found here.
A clear, consistent uniform policy is about much more than just what students wear. It plays a vital role in the wellbeing of our young people:
We want to work closely with families to protect our students from the pressures of social media and peer expectations regarding appearance. To ensure a smooth start to the new term, we would like to offer the following reminders:
Our goal is to ensure that every student can walk through our gates feeling focused, equal, and ready to learn, without the distraction of "fast-fashion" pressures. We appreciate your continued support in upholding these standards and helping us create a safe, focused environment for all our children. A reminder that the following clothing is not part of our uniform policy:
In it to Win it | Monday | We are excited to announce that our popular “In It to Win It” attendance celebration is back next week! All students who attend school on the day will automatically be entered into a series of prize draws taking place throughout the school day. During each period, five lucky winners will be announced, with a range of fantastic prizes available to be won.
This is our way of recognising and rewarding excellent attendance and commitment to learning. To be in with a chance of winning, all students need to do is attend school on Friday. We look forward to celebrating with our students!
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).
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.
Important Free School Meal Changes | Families whose children are currently eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) have been emailed their vouchers for the Bexley School Summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme 2026, along with an information letter from the HAF Team.
The HAF Programme provides eligible children with access to a wide range of exciting holiday activities, opportunities to make new friends, and nutritious meals throughout the summer break. We strongly encourage all eligible families to take advantage of this fantastic programme.
The Department for Education has announced two significant changes to Free School Meal eligibility from the next academic year:
If your child currently receives Free School Meals, we will be writing to you shortly to request the information needed to complete the annual eligibility check.
Please respond as soon as you receive our letter. Failure to provide the requested information could result in your child's Free School Meal entitlement ending from Monday, 31 August 2026, which may also affect access to benefits such as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme and additional funding provided to the school. If your child is not currently receiving Free School Meals but you believe your family may now qualify, please contact our Data Manager, Ms Fisher (dfisher@liftbexleyheath.org). We will be happy to advise you and help you through the application process.
Assembly This Week | Leadership Focus | This week’s assembly focused on leadership, responsibility and making a positive contribution to our school community.
Students explored what leadership really means, recognising that it is not about having a title but about setting a good example, helping others, showing kindness and taking responsibility for our actions. We discussed how every student can demonstrate leadership through their everyday choices, whether that is supporting a classmate, taking pride in their work or contributing positively to school life.
The assembly also highlighted the many ways students can get involved in the wider community, including eco-projects, peer mentoring, charity fundraising and school events.
Looking ahead, students were reminded about several exciting opportunities coming up this term, including the Summer Fair, Culture Week, sports days, science trips and work experience placements. We also shared information about student leadership opportunities for next year, with applications opening soon and student voting for Head Boy and Head Girl taking place in September.
The assembly ended with a simple but important message: every student has the opportunity to lead through their actions and make a positive difference to our school community.
Year 10 into Year 11 Information Evening: "Year 11 Ready" | As our Year 10 students prepare to take the final leap into their crucial exam year, we are hosting a vital Year 10 into Year 11 Information Evening. This session is designed to ensure students, parents, and carers are fully equipped, aligned, and ready for the road ahead. The session will be on Wednesday, 08 July at 18:00 and this will be a virtual event. A link will be sent to you closer to the time.
What We Will Cover
Year 11 moves fast, but we are here to map out the journey so there are no surprises. During this evening, we will share essential insights on:
Success in Year 11 is a team effort. This evening will provide you with a definitive blueprint for the upcoming academic year, ensuring a smooth, confident, and stress-free start in September.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to make the year ahead a massive success!
Year 10 Barcelona Trip | Our Year 10 Barcelona Trip has been an unforgettable success, providing students with an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, history and language while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Throughout the visit, our students represented Lift Bexleyheath with exceptional maturity, respect and enthusiasm. They embraced every opportunity with curiosity and confidence, and the staff were immensely proud of the exemplary behaviour they displayed from start to finish.
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the breathtaking Sagrada Família, where students discovered the extraordinary work of architect Antoni Gaudí. They learned how his designs were inspired by the natural world and marvelled at the way sunlight filters through the magnificent stained-glass windows, transforming the basilica into a kaleidoscope of colour. Many students commented that it was unlike anything they had ever experienced before.
Football enthusiasts were equally captivated during the FC Barcelona Stadium Tour, exploring the history of one of the world's most iconic football clubs. Students enjoyed seeing the impressive trophy collection, reliving famous moments in the club's history and gaining an insight into the legacy of FC Barcelona.
The trip also offered plenty of opportunities for fun and creativity. At the Museum of Illusions, students posed with interactive 3D artworks, producing some fantastic photographs while challenging their perception. A visit to La Boqueria Market introduced students to authentic Spanish cuisine, with many sampling local delicacies and fresh produce. Beau declared the chocolate-covered strawberries to be "the best treat of the trip!"
No visit to Barcelona would be complete without time at the beach. Students enjoyed swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, relaxing on the sand and strengthening friendships outside the classroom. Lily summed up the experience perfectly, saying, "I enjoyed doing back flips in the water!"
As a Modern Foreign Languages trip, students were encouraged to use their Spanish throughout the visit. Whether ordering ice creams, buying souvenirs or speaking with local shopkeepers, students confidently applied the language they have been learning in lessons. Seeing their confidence grow as they communicated with native Spanish speakers was a real highlight for staff.
Students also immersed themselves in Spain's rich cultural heritage, attending a spectacular flamenco performance which showcased the passion and artistry of this traditional dance. The evening concluded with a visit to the stunning Magic Fountain, where music, lights and water combined to create a truly memorable experience.
Beyond the sightseeing, one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was seeing students build new friendships, support one another and grow in confidence. The inclusive atmosphere throughout the visit reflected the very best of our school community, with students encouraging each other to try new experiences, sample new foods and step outside their comfort zones.
The trip has undoubtedly broadened students' cultural understanding, strengthened their language skills and created memories that will stay with them for years to come. We are incredibly proud of every student for the way they embraced every opportunity and represented themselves, their families and Lift Bexleyheath so positively.
Students shared:
"The Sagrada Família was amazing. I've never seen anything like it before. I tried paella for the first time and ended up really liking it!"
"The flamenco show was extremely impressive. The music and dancing were fascinating. Park Güell and Casa Batlló were beautiful, and I loved learning about Gaudí and his designs."
"It was a great experience. I loved exploring the market and having a laugh with my friends at the beach. Swimming in the sea and visiting the Illusion Museum made memories I'll never forget."
"¡Muchas gracias a the teachers! It was a surreal experience and the best holiday of my life. I learnt so much about Spanish culture, tried lots of new foods and loved every single part of the trip."
"I practised my Spanish which was really fun. The Sagrada Família was fascinating and the food was delicious."
"The Magic Fountain really was magical! I'll remember this trip for the rest of my life."
Safeguarding | Staying safe Outside | With warmer weather arriving, many young people will be spending more time outdoors with friends, taking part in sports, travelling independently or enjoying local parks and attractions. While the sunshine brings many opportunities to stay active and social, it is important that young people understand how to stay safe in the heat and protect themselves from the risks associated with high temperatures.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to painful sunburn and increase the risk of long-term skin damage. Parents are encouraged to remind their children to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, ideally SPF 50, before going outside and to reapply it regularly throughout the day, particularly after sweating or swimming. Wearing lightweight clothing, a hat and UV-protective sunglasses can also help reduce exposure to the sun's harmful rays. Whenever possible, young people should seek shade during the hottest part of the day, between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm, as harmful UV rays remain strong even when it is cloudy.
Staying well hydrated is equally important. Teenagers can become dehydrated more quickly than they realise, especially when they are physically active or travelling. Encouraging your child to carry a reusable water bottle and drink water regularly throughout the day can help prevent dehydration. Water is the best choice in hot weather, while excessive consumption of caffeinated or energy drinks should be avoided as these may contribute to dehydration.
Parents should also be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion, which occurs when the body becomes too hot and loses excessive amounts of water and salts. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, tiredness and cool, clammy skin. If someone develops these symptoms, they should be moved to a cool place, encouraged to rest, given plenty of cool water to drink in small amounts, and helped to cool down with damp towels or cool water. Most people recover quickly if treated promptly.
More serious is heat stroke, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Warning signs include a very high body temperature, hot flushed skin, confusion, unusual behaviour, rapid breathing, severe headache, seizures or loss of consciousness. If heat stroke is suspected, call 999 immediately. While waiting for emergency services, move the person to a cool place and begin cooling them with cool water, wet towels or fanning. Food or drink should not be given if the person is unconscious or confused.
As many secondary-aged students spend increasing amounts of time outdoors during the summer months, talking to them about staying hydrated, protecting themselves from the sun and recognising the early signs of heat-related illness can help them make informed and safe choices. By taking these simple precautions, families can help ensure that everyone enjoys the warmer weather safely.
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.
Summer Fair | We are delighted to announce that on Wednesday, 15 July, Lift Bexleyheath will be hosting our very first Summer Fair, a fantastic opportunity for students, families, staff and the wider community to come together and celebrate the end of another successful school year.
To make this event as enjoyable as possible, we are asking for your support. We would be incredibly grateful for donations of raffle prizes, whether big or small, as well as good-quality pre-loved books for our charity book stall. Every contribution will help create an exciting event for our community while raising valuable funds to support future opportunities and enrichment for our students.
If you are able to donate, please bring your items to Reception and let the team know they are for the Summer Fair. Thank you in advance for your generosity and continued support. We are looking forward to welcoming our school community to what promises to be a fun-filled afternoon of games, entertainment, refreshments and fundraising. Together, we can make our very first Summer Fair a memorable event for everyone!
Principal's Drop-ins | The Principal, Rubeka Luthfa, is offering families the opportunity to book a virtual drop-in meeting.
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).
Year 11 Celebrations | Class of 2026 | This week was a truly special one for our Year 11 students as we celebrated the culmination of five years of hard work, growth and achievement at Lift Bexleyheath.
The week began with our Year 11 Leavers' Assembly, a memorable occasion that gave students and staff the opportunity to reflect on the journey they have shared together. From academic successes and personal milestones to sporting achievements, enrichment activities and lasting friendships, the assembly celebrated the many accomplishments of this remarkable year group. There were plenty of smiles, laughter and a few emotional moments as students looked back on their time at school and the memories they have created along the way.
The celebrations continued on Thursday evening with the highly anticipated Year 11 Prom. Students arrived in style and enjoyed a fantastic evening filled with music, dancing, photographs and celebrations. It was wonderful to see everyone come together one final time to mark the end of an important chapter in their education.
Prom provided the perfect opportunity to recognise the resilience, determination and ambition that our Year 11 students have demonstrated throughout their school journey. The atmosphere was one of excitement and pride as students celebrated with friends and staff before embarking on the next stage of their education, training or employment.
We are incredibly proud of everything our Year 11 students have achieved and would like to thank them for the positive contribution they have made to our school community. We wish them every success, happiness and fulfilment in the future and look forward to celebrating their GCSE results with them later this summer.
Join Our Sixth Form | Our applications for Sixth Form for September 2026 are now open. Email sixthformadmission@liftbexleyheath.org to find out more.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
