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.
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).
Sports Days | Our annual Sports Days will be taking place on the following dates. Only students that have signed up to compete will be taking part. Students must bring their school PE kit on this day as well as bottled water.
Trips This Week | The following trips are taking place this week:
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.
Year 06 Transitions Events | A reminder that on Tuesday and Wednesday next week, we open the doors to our Year 06 Students. Students will arrive at our Asda Gate at 09:00 and will leave at 14:30. Students are required to wear their school uniform and trainers for the day. Jewellery is not permitted.
We will be holding an information evening on Tuesday and Wednesday for families to attend where we will be sharing key information about the start of the new academic year. Families have recieved their specificed times and dates to attend.
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).
Year 08 | Tate Britain Trip | This week, our talented Year 8 Art students enjoyed an inspiring visit to Tate Britain, with Z Band attending on Monday, Y Band on Tuesday and X Band on Wednesday.
The trip gave students the exciting opportunity to explore an incredible collection of artworks spanning different periods of history. Seeing world-famous masterpieces up close brought their classroom learning to life, allowing them to appreciate the scale, detail and impact of original works in a way that simply can't be replicated in the classroom. Students enthusiastically discussed the artists' techniques, styles and creative ideas, deepening their understanding and appreciation of art.
One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to sketch directly from the original artworks. This hands-on experience helped students strengthen their observational drawing skills while encouraging them to pay close attention to composition, colour, texture and fine detail. It was fantastic to see their creativity flourish as they immersed themselves in the gallery environment.
Throughout the visits, our students were exemplary ambassadors for Lift Bexleyheath. They demonstrated outstanding behaviour, showed great respect for the gallery and its visitors, and embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity and maturity.
A wonderful week of artistic inspiration that we hope will continue to influence and motivate our young artists in the classroom!
Inclusion | Celebrating Success in All its Forms | Success is about much more than grades or academic achievement. Children and young people demonstrate success in many different ways, for example, through building friendships, expressing creativity, solving problems, developing emotional resilience, gaining independence, showing kindness, and making personal progress. For children and young people with SEND, recognising and celebrating these achievements is essential for building confidence, self-esteem, and a positive sense of self.
Families play a vital role in helping young people recognise their strengths and celebrate their successes. Acknowledging effort, perseverance, and progress rather than focusing solely on outcomes helps children understand that their abilities can grow and develop over time. Even the smallest step forward can represent a significant personal achievement.
A strengths-based approach focuses on what young people can do and values the unique qualities, talents, and interests that make each individual special. By recognising and celebrating these strengths, we help children and young people develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.
This week, we encourage families to celebrate every achievement, no matter how big or small. Every step of progress deserves recognition, and every young person should be reminded that their strengths, efforts, and achievements truly matter.
Year 07 | Science Museum Trip | Our Year 7 students enjoyed an exciting and inspiring visit to the Science Museum this week, where they had the opportunity to explore the incredible world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Throughout the day, students discovered a wide range of fascinating exhibitions, from the history of space exploration and aviation to groundbreaking medical innovations and the development of modern technology. They explored galleries filled with historic inventions, interactive displays and hands-on exhibits, allowing them to experience science in a fun and engaging way.
One of the highlights of the visit was seeing iconic objects that have helped shape our understanding of the world, including rockets, aircraft, historic scientific instruments and cutting-edge technological innovations. Students were encouraged to ask questions, investigate how things work and think about how scientific discoveries continue to influence our everyday lives.
The interactive exhibits proved particularly popular, giving students the chance to experiment, solve problems and challenge themselves through a variety of engaging activities. These experiences helped bring many of the scientific concepts they have been learning about in the classroom to life.
Beyond the educational value, the trip also encouraged curiosity, teamwork and independent learning. Students embraced every opportunity to explore, discuss and discover something new, demonstrating enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the world around them.
We are incredibly proud of how Year 07 represented Lift Bexleyheath throughout the visit. Their excellent behaviour, positive attitudes and respectful conduct were praised, making them outstanding ambassadors for our school.
It was a fantastic day of discovery, and we hope the experience has inspired many of our students to continue asking questions, thinking scientifically and exploring the exciting possibilities that STEM has to offer.
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Year 10 Gurdwara Trip | Our Year 10 X Band students had a fantastic educational visit to the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend, where they were warmly welcomed by members of the Sikh community.
The visit began with a guided tour of the Gurdwara, giving students the opportunity to explore the key features of a Sikh place of worship and learn about its importance within the local community. Students then took part in an engaging session on Sikh beliefs, values and traditions. Throughout the presentation, they demonstrated genuine curiosity, asking a continuous stream of thoughtful and insightful questions that reflected their enthusiasm to learn.
To conclude the visit, students were invited to share a meal in the Langar, the Gurdwara's community kitchen, where everyone is welcomed to eat together regardless of their background or beliefs. Experiencing this first-hand enabled students to gain a deeper appreciation of the Sikh values of equality, selfless service and community.
Visits such as these are an essential part of our Personal Development curriculum. They bring classroom learning to life while developing students' cultural capital and promoting the Fundamental British Values of mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs. We are incredibly proud of the maturity, curiosity and exemplary behaviour demonstrated by our Year 10 students throughout the day.
Year 10 and 12 RSE DDD | This week, both our Year 10 and Year 12 students also participated in dedicated Relationships and Sex Education Drop Down Days, with learning carefully tailored to meet the needs of each year group and support students at different stages of their development. Year 12 students took part in a full-day programme on Thursday 02 July, while Year 10 students completed their sessions across half a day on Friday 03 July.
Across the day, students explored a range of important topics including healthy relationships, consent, sexual health, online safety, personal wellbeing and making informed, responsible decisions. Year 10 students also took part in specialist sessions focusing on the serious issues of female genital mutilation (FGM), recognising and responding to sexual violence, understanding personal boundaries and knowing where to seek support.
Students across both year groups demonstrated exceptional maturity throughout the day, engaging positively in discussions, asking thoughtful and insightful questions, and contributing to a respectful learning environment where sensitive topics could be explored safely and confidently.
These sessions form an important part of our wider Personal Development curriculum, equipping students with the knowledge, confidence and life skills needed to stay safe, build healthy and respectful relationships, understand their rights and responsibilities, and make informed choices throughout their lives. For our Year 12 students, the programme also supported their preparation for university, apprenticeships, employment and independent living.
We are incredibly proud of the maturity, respect and engagement shown by both Year 10 and Year 12 throughout these experiences. Opportunities such as these continue to ensure that our students leave Lift Bexleyheath not only with strong academic qualifications but also with the character, understanding and confidence to thrive in modern Britain.
Safeguarding | Family-Based Violence During Major Sporting Events | Major sporting events bring communities together and create opportunities for celebration and shared experiences. However, research has consistently shown that periods surrounding high-profile sporting events can also coincide with an increase in incidents of domestic and family-based violence. While sport itself does not cause abuse, heightened emotions, increased alcohol consumption, gambling-related stress, and existing patterns of abusive behaviour can contribute to an increased risk for some families. It is important to remember that abuse is always the responsibility of the individual choosing to use violence or controlling and coercive behaviour.
Children and young people can be significantly affected by domestic abuse, even if they do not witness the violence directly. Hearing arguments, living in an atmosphere of fear, or being aware that abuse is taking place can have lasting consequences for their emotional wellbeing and development. Children who experience domestic abuse may become anxious, withdrawn, or fearful, have difficulty sleeping or concentrating, or display changes in behaviour, mood, or school attendance. They may also experience low self-esteem, depression, or emotional distress, and without appropriate support, the effects of trauma can continue into later life. Schools therefore have a vital role in recognising these signs, providing a safe environment, and ensuring children receive the support they need.
Adults experiencing domestic abuse may also show signs that they need help. They may become increasingly isolated from family and friends, appear anxious or withdrawn, have unexplained injuries, or seem fearful of their partner. Abuse is not limited to physical violence and can include emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, and digital abuse, as well as controlling or coercive behaviour.
If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child or family, it is important to act. Speak to your school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), listen carefully and without judgement to anyone who shares a concern, and never assume that someone else will report it. If there is an immediate risk of harm, always contact the emergency services by calling 999.
Support is available for anyone affected by domestic abuse. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. Children and young people can access confidential support through Childline on 0800 1111, while adults who are worried about a child can seek advice from the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. Local domestic abuse support is available from www.bexleydomesticabuseservices.org.uk
Every child deserves to feel safe, secure, and supported both at home and at school. By remaining vigilant, recognising the signs of domestic abuse, and responding promptly to concerns, we can help protect children and families and ensure that those who need support receive it as early as possible. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
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.
Alice Production | A huge thank you to all of our families and friends who joined us this week to support our talented students in their outstanding production of Alice.
This year's performance offered something a little different from our previous productions. Rather than relying on elaborate sets and scenery, our students embraced a more creative and theatrical style, carefully using lighting, props and movement to transport the audience into the wonderfully curious world of Wonderland. Every scene was thoughtfully crafted, demonstrating the students' creativity, confidence and understanding of how simple theatrical techniques can have a powerful impact.
The production followed Alice as she tumbled down the rabbit hole into a magical world filled with unforgettable characters. Audiences delighted in her encounters with the White Rabbit, the mischievous Cheshire Cat, the eccentric Mad Hatter and March Hare at their famous tea party, the wise Caterpillar, and the formidable Queen of Hearts, whose dramatic cry of "Off with their heads!" brought plenty of excitement and laughter. Throughout her adventure, Alice learned to navigate a world where very little made sense, discovering resilience, curiosity and confidence along the way.
Our students delivered performances full of energy, humour and imagination, captivating audiences from beginning to end. Their dedication during weeks of rehearsals was evident in every scene, and they should be incredibly proud of what they achieved. The creative use of lighting, carefully selected props and expressive performances combined to produce a truly award-worthy show that showcased the exceptional talent within our school community.
Well done to every member of the cast, crew and staff who helped bring this magical production to life, and thank you once again to our families for your continued support. Your encouragement and enthusiasm helped make the performances such a memorable success.
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!
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.
Join Our Sixth Form | Our applications for Sixth Form for September 2026 are now open. Email sixthformadmission@liftbexleyheath.org to find out more.
Cinema Rewards Trip | This week, a number of our students enjoyed a well-earned reward trip to the cinema in recognition of their excellent effort, positive behaviour and commitment throughout the year.
Students were treated to a special screening of Toy Story 5, the much-loved animated classic that follows the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their toy friends. Filled with humour, excitement and heartwarming messages about friendship, loyalty and teamwork, the film was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
The trip provided a fantastic opportunity for students to relax, celebrate their achievements and spend time with their peers outside the classroom. Their exemplary behaviour throughout the visit was a real credit to themselves, their families and the school, and they represented our community with pride.
Reward experiences like these are an important way of recognising the hard work and dedication our students demonstrate every day. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to celebrating many more successes with them in the future.
Well done to all of the students who earned this special reward, and thank you to the staff who accompanied the trip and helped make it such an enjoyable experience.
Euro Space Centre Update | Deposit Reminder | We are pleased to share that we have received an exceptionally high level of interest in the upcoming Euro Space Centre residential trip for students in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 10.
To move to the next stage of the process, we are now asking families who wish their child to be considered for a place to pay a £100 deposit via the Arbor payment system (Euro Space Trip) by Thursday, 17 July.
Please note that places will be allocated after the deposit deadline, and demand is expected to exceed availability. Deposits are fully refundable in the event that your child is not allocated a place on the trip.
We strongly encourage all interested families to complete payment by the deadline to ensure their child is included in the allocation process for this exciting enrichment opportunity.
What's been happening in Personal Development this week? | This week in Personal Development, our students have been developing their understanding of healthy relationships and the importance of staying safe in the digital world.
Year 9 students have focused on recognising unsafe, unhealthy and suspicious online behaviours, exploring how some online interactions can mirror real-life risks. Through thoughtful discussion and age-appropriate scenarios, students considered how individuals may use shared interests, friendly conversations or a sense of familiarity to build trust, highlighting the importance of staying alert and making safe choices online.
As part of the lesson, students also learned where they can go for support and how to report concerns if they ever feel unsafe online. These discussions have helped reinforce the importance of setting personal boundaries, thinking critically about online interactions and knowing that trusted adults and support services are always available to help.
Developing students' confidence to navigate the online world safely is a key part of our Personal Development curriculum, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions both now and in the future.
What's been happening in Geography this week? | Year 07 conducted their assessments this week on UK Coasts! Their question was centred around explaining how Harlech Beach, located in Northwest Wales formed. The beach is located within a bay. There is land to the north and south of the bay protecting it from the wind meaning the waves are gentle and carry fine sediment. As the waves approach the coast, they slow down, lose energy and deposit the fine sediment. Overtime Harlech Beach built up through the repetition of this process.
Year 08 learnt about how many countries in the Middle East get their water. The Middle East has a very arid climate meaning there is a lack of groundwater and surface water (lakes and rivers) available to use for a growing demand with population growth and an increase in wealth. The next best option is desalination which is the process of taking salty water and transforming it into freshwater through evaporation. However, this is very expensive and can cause lots of environmental damage.
Year 09 conducted their try nows after an assessment last week. These lessons involve students going through their assessments and completing tasks in order to improve their assessments if they were to do them again. This is an excellent opportunity for all students, especially future GCSE geography students as we will be building on plenty of knowledge developed this year, next year.
Year 10's lessons looked slightly different this week. With the GCSE Geography field trip coming up, students had two preparation lessons. The 1st lesson went through the physical part of the field trip, exploring how the sediment size and shape changes as you move up the beach at Folkestone. Data will be collected through measuring the beach profile, conducting a pebble survey and drawing field sketches. The 2nd lesson went through the human side of the field trip, exploring how regeneration has impacted the tourism industry in Folkestone. Data will be collected through an environmental quality survey, land use survey and a questionnaire for members of the public.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
