Latest News & Updates

End-of-Term Arrangements | Term One ends on Friday, 17 October, at 15:10. 

Year 11 Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Year 11 Newsletter here. 

Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Sixth Form Newsletter here. 

Year 06 Transitions Events | Our Year 06 Transitions events for the September 2026 intake start this half term. All information regarding these events can be found here.  Due to high demand, we’re pleased to announce that additional dates have been released for our Open Morning tours. If you haven’t yet had the chance to book, we encourage you to reserve your place soon, as spaces fill up quickly. The additional tour dates and times are as follows and can be booked here  and the dates are as follow:

• Monday, 06 October | 09:00 & 10:10 

• Tuesday, 07 October| 09:00 & 10:10 

• Wednesday, 08 October | 09:00 & 10:10 

• Thursday, 09 October | 09:00 & 10:10 

• Friday, 10 October | 09:00 & 10:10 

Fixtures Next Week | The sports fixtures for next week are:

• Monday | Year 07 Football | Girls' | HOME | 14:00 - 15:30

• Tuesday | Year 09 Football | Girls' | HOME | 15:40 - 17:00 

• Thursday | Year 10 Football | Boys' | AWAY | 15:00 - 17:00

• Friday | Year 10 Football | Girls' | AWAY | 14:00 - 17:00

Families would have been contacted if their child is involved in a fixture. If you have any question about the fixtures, please contact Mr Sheehan, Faculty Director for Sports (tsheehan@liftbexleyheath.org). 

Parents' Evening for Term 01 | We’ve received a few questions about the upcoming Parents’ Evening, so we wanted to share some helpful information to make things clear for everyone:

• Year 07 Families: This Parents’ Evening will take place in person at the school. We look forward to welcoming you onsite!

• All Other Year Groups: Parents’ Evening appointments for other year groups will be held virtually. Please do not come to the school site, as teachers will be meeting families online.

• Meeting Availability: Due to time constraints, teachers will only be able to discuss the child for whom the appointment has been booked. If you wish to speak about another child, please make a separate appointment.

• Onsite Requests: Families attending the Year 07 Parents’ Evening will not be able to meet with teachers from other year groups on the night.

• Staff Availability: Teachers taking part in the Year 07 event will not be available for appointments with other year groups.

We hope this helps clarify how Parents’ Evening will run. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, we appreciate your support in helping the evening go smoothly for everyone.

Wellbeing Week | Next week marks an exciting milestone as we launch our very first Wellbeing Week at Lift Bexleyheath! This special week is designed to help students reflect on, explore, and strengthen their understanding of wellbeing, both in school and in their everyday lives.

Throughout the week, students will take part in a range of activities and discussions focused on promoting mental, emotional, and social wellbeing:

• Assemblies on Wellbeing | exploring practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and supporting both ourselves and others.

• Wellbeing Survey | giving every student a voice to share their experiences and ideas, helping us to shape future wellbeing initiatives and support systems.

• Student Panel | providing a platform for students to discuss wellbeing from their own perspective and suggest ways to make our school an even more supportive environment.

• Wellbeing Conversations with Prep Champions | offering individual guidance, encouragement, and time for students to talk openly about what matters most to them.

• Kooth  Drop-ins  | Students will have the opportunity to hear from Kooth and meet the Kooth team. Kooth is a confidential online mental health and well-being service specifically designed for children and young people. It provides safe, professional support in a flexible, accessible way, allowing students to seek help from qualified counsellors anytime they need it. 

At Lift Bexleyheath, we are proud to place well-being at the heart of our school community. We look forward to hearing our students’ voices, learning from their insights, and continuing to build a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.

Extra-Curricular | Drama Club | Our wonderful Drama Club, led by the passionate and inspiring Ms McGibbon, is a vibrant space where creativity takes centre stage! Each week, students explore the exciting world of drama, experimenting with new techniques, genres, and performance styles through fun, hands-on activities that build confidence, imagination, and teamwork.

Every session brings something fresh and exciting. In Week 04, students took on the challenge of improvisation, learning how to think quickly, react authentically, and collaborate to create spontaneous and entertaining scenes. The energy in the room was fantastic!

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or simply curious to give drama a try, Drama Club welcomes everyone. Come along, unleash your creativity, and let Ms McGibbon lead you on a journey through the joy and magic of performance!

Careers Insight Talks | Paediatrician | As part of our ongoing Careers Insight Talks, held every fortnight, students have the chance to hear directly from professionals across a wide range of industries. These sessions are designed to help students broaden their understanding of potential career paths, discover the skills and qualifications needed for different professions, and gain real world inspiration as they start to think about their own futures.

This week, we were delighted to welcome Dr Se Yeon Park, an NHS Consultant Paediatrician, who delivered an inspiring talk about his career in medicine. Dr Park shared his personal journey, from his early education and medical training to his current role caring for children and supporting families. He gave students valuable insight into what it takes to become a doctor, including the importance of academic commitment, empathy, teamwork, and lifelong learning.

His presentation offered a fascinating look into the day-to-day responsibilities of a paediatrician, from diagnosing and treating young patients to working closely with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

These Careers Insight Talks play a vital role in helping students make informed decisions about their education and career pathways, while also showing them the wide variety of opportunities available after school. We’re grateful to Dr Park for sharing his experience and inspiring our students to think ambitiously about their own futures.

We encourage you to discuss with your child what they learned from the session and explore careers in medicine together using the LMI (Labour Market Information) widget. 

Jack Petchey Gold Award Winner | Alfie, Year 10 | We are thrilled to celebrate Alfie, who has been nominated and awarded the prestigious Jack Petchey Gold Award for Army Cadets 2025!

Alfie has earned this recognition through his exceptional commitment, outstanding attendance, and willingness to support new recruits. He generously shares his knowledge, helping others grow and succeed, and his resilience and dedication truly set him apart.

As an outstanding Lance Corporal, Alfie embodies the values of leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and the positive impact he continues to have on his fellow cadets.

Masterclasses | Expanding Minds Beyond the Classroom | Next week’s Morning Masterclass promises to be even more exciting. Ms Kobewka will be leading a fascinating and timely talk on Geo-Engineering, exploring whether innovative technologies and large-scale interventions could help combat the effects of climate change. Students will gain insight into the science behind these emerging solutions, as well as the ethical and environmental questions they raise.

If you’re curious about the future of our planet, the power of human innovation, or simply enjoy exploring big ideas, this is one session you won’t want to miss!

Year 07 Transitional Events | Term 01 Virtual Drop-in Sessions | Families of Year 07 students will be provided with the opportunity to meet with Ms Golding, Year Group Lead, this term.  These sessions will be 15 minutes and will be virtual. The dates are as follows:-

• Wednesday, 8 October 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00

• Wednesday, 15 October 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00

Appointments are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis and will open a week before each event. 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 07 Girls' Football Success | A huge well done to our Year 07 girls’ Football Team for an incredible start to their football journey at Lift Bexleyheath! In their very first match in the Kent Schools Cup, the girls delivered a stunning 3-0 victory against Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is that the team has been training together for only three weeks! Their teamwork, determination, and skill shone through from the very first whistle.

A special shout-out goes to our goal scorers, Luisa and Holly S, whose goals helped secure the win. We can’t wait to see the girls continue their journey and progress through the next rounds of the competition.

Keep an eye on these rising stars, the future of Lift Bexleyheath football looks bright!

Cricket Success | Jake, Year 10 | Congratulations to Jake Reeve, who has achieved an outstanding milestone by winning the MCC West Kent National Finals in cricket!

Jake had the incredible opportunity to play at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, showcasing his skill, dedication, and sportsmanship on one of cricket’s most famous stages.

We are immensely proud of Jake’s achievement and can’t wait to see where his talent and hard work take him next!

Free School Meals | Free School Meals (FSM) are a government-funded scheme designed to ensure that children from eligible families receive a nutritious meal at school each day, at no cost to the family. This not only helps to support students’ health and concentration in lessons, but also removes the worry of having to provide money daily for school meals. Importantly, applying for FSM is completely confidential – students who receive them are not identified separately, and all meals are served in the same way as for any other student.

Submitting an application for FSM can also benefit families beyond the immediate support of a daily meal. Schools receive additional funding, known as the Pupil Premium, for every child registered for FSM. This funding is then used to provide extra resources, interventions, and opportunities that directly support students’ learning and well-being. Examples of how some of this funding is used at the school is as follows:

• Chromebooks for every student 

• Covering the most of nearly all trips to ensure that all students can attend 

• Mentoring and counselling 

• Booster clubs

• After-school interventions

• Clubs

Even if a child prefers to bring a packed lunch, completing the FSM application ensures the school can access this vital funding, which in turn benefits the whole school community. Families are strongly encouraged to check their eligibility and complete an application if they qualify. Please review this document which outlines the criteria and links on how to apply.

Chromebook Insurance | We charge £15 a year for Chromebook Insurance. This will be per Chromebook supplied. We will start to request payment for this from Monday, 08 September through ParentPay. This cost goes towards the cost of maintaining the Chromebook and is needed to ensure that we can continue to provide students with this resource which is needed for their education. Should damages occur to the Chromebook and the Chromebook does not have Chromebook insurance, we will request the full cost of the repair or the full cost of a replacement device which will be £210.

Parents' Evening | In response to valuable feedback from families, we will be introducing a Priority Parents’ Evening system designed to offer more meaningful engagement and flexibility for all year groups.

Starting next year, each year group will be assigned a Priority Parents’ Evening, during which families will be invited to attend the academy in person for face-to-face meetings with their child’s teachers. For example, if Year 07 is selected as the first Priority group, Year 07 families will attend on site, while other year groups will still be able to meet with staff virtually on the same evening.

This new model allows us to offer:

• A dedicated opportunity for each year group to engage face-to-face with staff

• The chance to view students' work and books during the appointment

• A deeper understanding of each child’s progress, strengths, and areas for development

• Continued access to virtual appointments for all other year groups during each event

We believe this blended approach offers the best of both worlds, maintaining the convenience of virtual meetings while reintroducing the benefits of in-person conversations and direct engagement with students' learning. Moving forward, Parents' Evenings will start at 14:30 and end at 18:30. This offers more appointments for each event. The Parents' Evening will be taking place on the following dates: 

• Wednesday, 15 October | Year 07 Priority 

• Thursday, 11 December | Year 11X & Sixth Form Priority 

• Monday, 15 December | Year 11Y & Sixth Form Priority 

• Wednesday, 11 February | Year 09 Priority 

• Thursday, 26 March | Year 10 Priority 

• Thursday, 09 July | Year 08 Priority

Year 11 Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Year 11 Newsletter here. 

Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Sixth Form Newsletter here. 

Year 06 Transitions Events | Our Year 06 Transitions events for the September 2026 intake start this half term. All information regarding these events can be found here. 

Fixtures Next Week | The sports fixtures for next week are:

• Monday | Year 08 Football | Girls' | HOME | 15:00 - 16:30

• Friday | Year 09 Football | Girls' | AWAY | 15:30 - 17:00

Families would have been contacted if their child is involved in a fixture. If you have any question about the fixtures, please contact Mr Sheehan, Faculty Director for Sports (tsheehan@liftbexleyheath.org). 

Year 10 Pastoral Manager Update | For the remainder of this half-term, Ms Crawley will be away from the school. In her absence, the following staff members will be the key contacts for Year 10:

• Ms Kelly | Family Liaison Officer | kdelly@liftbexleyheath.org 

• Ms Caba | Year 10 Student Success Leader | acaba@liftbexleyheath.org 

• Ms Ikuesan | Year 10 Year Group Lead | mikuesan@liftbexleyheath.org 

• Mr Kirby | Year 09 & Year 10 Assistant Principal | jkirby@liftbexleyheath.org 

Safety Notice | We want to make you aware of an incident that took place on Old Road, Crayford, where a primary aged child reported being approached and grabbed by a man, possibly linked to a nearby van. Thankfully, no harm came to the child, and the police are now investigating. This week, we have spoken directly to all students to remind them about the importance of keeping themselves safe when travelling to and from school.

We ask families to support this by:

• Talking to your child about staying alert and aware of their surroundings.

• Encouraging children to walk with friends or trusted adults where possible, especially if walking longer distances.

• Reminding children not to speak to or approach strangers and to move to a safe place immediately if they feel unsafe.

• Reporting any suspicious behaviour to the police via 101, or 999 if there is an immediate risk.

• To come straight to school in the morning and avoid handing around the broadway or local community. To straight home afterschool.

The local Safer Neighbourhood Officers will also be carrying out reassurance visits near the area and surrounding schools.

Thank you for working with us to help keep all of our children safe.

Year 06 | Art Attack Workshop | This week, we were delighted to welcome Year 06 students and their families to our Art Attack Workshop, part of a series of special events designed to help families get to know our school and feel confident in making this important next step decision.

In the workshop, students rolled up their sleeves and immersed themselves in the vibrant world of watercolour painting. Guided by our art staff, they experimented with techniques such as wet-on-wet blending, creating washes, layering colours, and adding fine detail with brush control. Many students explored themes from nature, painting landscapes, flowers, and abstract designs that reflected their own creativity.

The atmosphere in the art room was full of energy and imagination. Students not only enjoyed the chance to express themselves but also discovered how art can be both relaxing and challenging. For many, it was a moment to try something new, build confidence in their artistic skills, and see what it feels like to be part of our school’s creative community.

Families had the chance to see their children engaged, focused, and proud of their work, an inspiring glimpse of the opportunities that await them here.

One parent remarked, “It was lovely to see how supportive the staff were and how much fun the students had while learning new skills.” Another added, “This workshop really showed us the kind of nurturing, creative environment this school offers.”

The Art Attack Workshop was not just about painting; it was about connection, creativity, and giving Year 06 families a real sense of what makes our school such a special place to learn and grow.

Girls' Football Success | Our Year 08 & 09 girls’ football team have kicked off the season in fantastic style, securing two impressive wins from their opening matches!

In the Kent Cup, the girls dominated against Harris Beckenham with an incredible 6–0 victory, showing just how strong and determined they are on the pitch. They then carried their momentum into the English Schools’ Cup, where they battled hard to defeat James Allen’s Girls’ School 2–0 in a brilliant display of skill and teamwork.

As always, the team impressed with their team spirit, technical ability, and outstanding sportsmanship, a real credit to the school. Special congratulations go to our goal-scorers: Bella T (Year 08), Isabelle F (Year 09), and Sophie M (Year 09), whose finishing helped secure these fantastic results.

With such a strong start, the team are definitely ones to watch this season, well done, girls!

Careers | Lovell | This week, we were delighted to welcome Lovell, a leading provider of innovative residential construction and regeneration projects across England, Scotland, and Wales, to our school. Their visit gave students from Year 07 to Year 13 a valuable insight into the diverse and rewarding career paths available within the construction industry.

Through engaging presentations, students learned about the wide range of roles within the sector, spanning everything from engineering and project management to design, sustainability, and skilled trades. A particular focus was placed on apprenticeships, which offered students practical examples of how they can gain professional qualifications while earning valuable hands-on experience. This helped students understand alternative pathways into the workplace beyond traditional university routes.

Students also took part in a collaborative tower-building competition, which encouraged them to apply creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, key qualities that are essential in both construction and many other industries. Activities like this allowed students to experience first-hand how communication and collaboration are vital in real-world projects.

Opportunities like these are an important part of our careers education, as they help students broaden their horizons, link classroom learning to future opportunities, and make more informed decisions about their education and career pathways. By hearing directly from professionals, students gain not only industry knowledge but also the inspiration and confidence to explore careers they may not have previously considered.

Antisocial Behaviour | This week, we have been speaking to all students about the importance of positive behaviour both inside and outside of school. Part of this has focused on antisocial behaviour, what it is, why it is harmful, and the consequences it carries.

Antisocial behaviour refers to actions that cause distress, alarm, or nuisance to others in the community. This can include things such as vandalism, littering, verbal abuse, intimidating behaviour, or disrupting public spaces. Even seemingly small actions can have a big impact on how safe and respected others feel in their neighbourhoods.

We want to make it clear to families that if a student is caught taking part in antisocial behaviour outside of the academy, whether in school uniform or not, they will face sanctions in school. When students are a part of Lift Bexleyheath, they are representing the academy at all times, and their actions reflect directly on our whole school community.

Our mission goes beyond academic success. At Lift Bexleyheath, we aim to support our students to become responsible, respectful, and kind young people who make a positive difference in the world. This week’s education around antisocial behaviour ensures that every student understands what is expected of them. Therefore, there is no excuse for poor behaviour in the community.

We ask for the support of parents and carers in reinforcing this message at home. Together, we can help our young people make the right choices and contribute positively to our community.

Masterclasses | Expanding Minds Beyond the Classroom | This week, over 70 students had their thinking stretched and their curiosity sparked during a fascinating masterclass on paradoxes. From mathematical puzzles to philosophical dilemmas and even linguistic twists, students were challenged to look at problems from fresh perspectives, and many even brought along paradoxes of their own to share!

These masterclasses are a vital part of our enrichment programme, giving students the opportunity to dive into ideas beyond the school curriculum. By exploring big concepts and challenging questions, students not only deepen their subject knowledge but also develop critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, skills that will benefit them in both their studies and future careers.

We’re already looking forward to next week’s session, when Mr Uwaechi will be unlocking the secrets of the power of mathematics in what promises to be another thought provoking lecture.

Message from the NHS | The NHS have shared this video to all families across the borough regarding influenza. Please take time to watch this with your child.

Extra-Curricular Clubs | 3D Art Club | We’re excited to share what’s happening in our 3D Art Club, where students explore the world of sculpture and bring their creativity to life in bold, three-dimensional forms!

In 3D Art Club, students work on projects that go beyond the classroom, using a variety of materials to build larger, more ambitious sculptures. They learn to think about space, structure, and design while also studying the work of inspiring artists such as Auguste Rodin, Barbara Hepworth, and Alexander Calder. These artists’ innovative approaches help spark new ideas and encourage students to take risks in their own artmaking.

Through collaboration and experimentation, club members gain confidence and discover the joy of shaping their ideas into physical works of art.

Here’s what some of our students had to say about their experiences:

• “I love being able to make bigger projects than we do in class—it feels like I’m really building something important.” | Year 09

• “Studying real sculptors has given me ideas I never thought of before. I even tried using wire like Calder!” | Year 08

• “3D Art Club is the place where I can be creative in new ways. I get to experiment and see my ideas come to life.” | Year 07

The 3D Art Club is more than just making art, it’s about building creativity, problem solving, and confidence. We can’t wait to see what amazing works our student artists create next!

Free School Meals | Free School Meals (FSM) are a government-funded scheme designed to ensure that children from eligible families receive a nutritious meal at school each day, at no cost to the family. This not only helps to support students’ health and concentration in lessons, but also removes the worry of having to provide money daily for school meals. Importantly, applying for FSM is completely confidential – students who receive them are not identified separately, and all meals are served in the same way as for any other student.

Submitting an application for FSM can also benefit families beyond the immediate support of a daily meal. Schools receive additional funding, known as the Pupil Premium, for every child registered for FSM. This funding is then used to provide extra resources, interventions, and opportunities that directly support students’ learning and well-being. Examples of how some of this funding is used at the school is as follows:

• Chromebooks for every student 

• Covering the most of nearly all trips to ensure that all students can attend 

• Mentoring and counselling 

• Booster clubs

• After-school interventions

• Clubs

Even if a child prefers to bring a packed lunch, completing the FSM application ensures the school can access this vital funding, which in turn benefits the whole school community. Families are strongly encouraged to check their eligibility and complete an application if they qualify. Please review this document which outlines the criteria and links on how to apply.

Chromebook Insurance | We charge £15 a year for Chromebook Insurance. This will be per Chromebook supplied. We will start to request payment for this from Monday, 08 September through ParentPay. This cost goes towards the cost of maintaining the Chromebook and is needed to ensure that we can continue to provide students with this resource which is needed for their education. Should damages occur to the Chromebook and the Chromebook does not have Chromebook insurance, we will request the full cost of the repair or the full cost of a replacement device which will be £210.

Parents' Evening | In response to valuable feedback from families, we will be introducing a Priority Parents’ Evening system designed to offer more meaningful engagement and flexibility for all year groups.

Starting next year, each year group will be assigned a Priority Parents’ Evening, during which families will be invited to attend the academy in person for face-to-face meetings with their child’s teachers. For example, if Year 07 is selected as the first Priority group, Year 07 families will attend on site, while other year groups will still be able to meet with staff virtually on the same evening.

This new model allows us to offer:

• A dedicated opportunity for each year group to engage face-to-face with staff

• The chance to view students' work and books during the appointment

• A deeper understanding of each child’s progress, strengths, and areas for development

• Continued access to virtual appointments for all other year groups during each event

We believe this blended approach offers the best of both worlds, maintaining the convenience of virtual meetings while reintroducing the benefits of in-person conversations and direct engagement with students' learning. Moving forward, Parents' Evenings will start at 14:30 and end at 18:30. This offers more appointments for each event. The Parents' Evening will be taking place on the following dates: 

• Wednesday, 15 October | Year 07 Priority 

• Thursday, 11 December | Year 11X & Sixth Form Priority 

• Monday, 15 December | Year 11Y & Sixth Form Priority 

• Wednesday, 11 February | Year 09 Priority 

• Thursday, 26 March | Year 10 Priority 

• Thursday, 09 July | Year 08 Priority

Year 11 Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Year 11 Newsletter here. 

Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Sixth Form Newsletter here. 

Year 06 Transitions Events | Our Year 06 Transitions events for the September 2026 intake start this half term. All information regarding these events can be found here. 

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, Support Services Team (deldridge@liftbexleyheath.org) 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.

Emails to Inclusion | If you have any questions for the Inclusion Team, please use the send@liftbexleyheath.org email. This email account for Inclusion is checked every 48 hours, there are likely to be longer delays if you try to contact the Inclusion Team through their personal emails. 

Extra-Curricular Clubs | We’re excited to share that all our club activities, which can be found here,  are now in full swing! Clubs play a vital role in personal development by building students’ confidence, encouraging collaboration, and providing opportunities for curriculum enhancement through fun, hands-on experiences. 

This week, our Chess club saw our more experienced players from last year mentoring beginners, helping them to develop strategic thinking in a supportive learning environment. Students participating in Table tennis engaged in one-on-one matches, sharpening their reflexes and strategies and receiving valuable guidance from Mr Whittam. In the Drawing Room, students were introduced to the world of architecture and landscape design, exploring professional, real-world commissions and replicating them using pencil.  A huge congratulations to everyone who took part in a club this week. 

Attending a club for 45 minutes a week adds up to more than 25 hours dedicated to personal growth, new skills, and meaningful connections over the course of a school year. That’s more than a full day and night spent developing new skills, exploring interests, and having fun outside the classroom!

Year 06 Transitions Evening | This week, we were thrilled to welcome over 400 families to our Open Evening at Lift Bexleyheath! The atmosphere was buzzing as our staff and students showcased what makes daily life here so special. From guided tours to inspiring conversations, families got a real insight into the opportunities, support, and community spirit that define our school. Families were even able to try the famous canteen food that staff and students love! Our students truly shone, impressing visitors with their confidence, enthusiasm, and pride in their school, we couldn’t be prouder of how brilliantly they represented Lift Bexleyheath. Transition events like this are more than just an introduction, they are a vital step in helping young people feel excited, prepared, and inspired as they begin their journey from primary to secondary school.

Our Year 06 Transitions events for the September 2026 intake start this half term. All information regarding these events can be found here. Always, we have a range of events to support the transitions process to help families make their decision. 

Dynamic Progress Reporting (DPR) | Thank you to everyone who joined us this week for our session on the Dynamic Progress Reporting (DPR) system. This is a tool we introduced last year and are now fully embedding across the school.

We know how important it is for parents and carers to have regular updates on their child’s progress, not just at the end of the year. DPR has been designed with this in mind. It provides live updates showing how your child is progressing against the specific key objectives for their year group in every subject. The platform is simple, clear, and easy to navigate, giving you a real-time picture of your child’s learning journey.

All parents will have access to DPR by the end of this half term. If you were unable to attend the session, a recording is available for you to watch at your convenience.

What's been happening in Performing Arts this week? | Our Year 10 Performing Arts students have officially begun their GCSE journey and are currently focusing on building the essential foundation of knowledge and skills they will need before starting their coursework later this year.

This term, students are exploring the concept of stereotypes in performance. They are learning how to construct believable characters by considering a range of defining characteristics such as background, beliefs, occupation, personal history, and other influencing factors.

To put this into practice, students are working on a scenario set in a lift. In this activity, a variety of contrasting characters find themselves stuck together, which creates tension and opportunities for character development. As the scene unfolds, each character is challenged to either change, confess, or reinforce their original attitudes and behaviours.

This exercise not only helps students develop their performance skills but also deepens their understanding of how to portray complex, evolving characters on stage.

What's been happening in Science this week? 

Year 13 | Electrochemical Cells
Year 13 students constructed a basic electrochemical cell, giving them valuable hands-on experience with the scientific principles behind real world energy storage and conversion. By combining different metals with an electrolyte solution, they generated an electric current, mirroring the processes that power everyday devices such as AA batteries, car batteries, and portable electronics. Learning about electrochemical cells is particularly important, as it not only deepens students’ understanding of redox reactions and energy transfer but also links directly to global challenges such as developing sustainable energy technologies and renewable storage solutions.

Year 10 | Heart Dissection
As part of their study of the circulatory system, Year 10 students carried out a heart dissection to explore its structure and function in greater depth. This activity enabled them to identify key features such as the chambers, valves, arteries, and veins, and to connect each structure with its role in pumping blood and maintaining circulation. Dissections are a vital part of learning biology because they allow students to visualise and physically interact with organs, helping them move beyond textbook diagrams to gain a more authentic understanding of how the human body works. This knowledge not only strengthens their grasp of human biology but also highlights the importance of cardiovascular health in everyday life.

Innerscope Motivational Speech | James Aidoo | This week, we welcomed James Aidoo onsite to deliver his renowned keynote speech to our Year 11 and Year 13 students, focused on motivation, resilience, and preparation for exams. His powerful message was designed to help students develop the mindset and strategies needed to tackle what is undoubtedly one of the most challenging years of their education. With GCSEs and A-levels shaping the next steps in their academic and career journeys, this session provided timely inspiration and practical advice.

Students left the keynote feeling empowered and ready to take ownership of their success. Here’s what some of them had to say:

• “James made me realise that success is about consistent habits, not just last minute revision. I’m going to set a proper study routine and stick to it.”  | Year 11 student

• “The speech reminded me that setbacks don’t define me, I just need to keep moving forward. I’ll use that mindset when revision feels tough.” | Year 13 student

• “I learned that self-belief is just as important as preparation. From now on, I’ll start each week with clear goals.” | Year 11 student

• “James helped me see exams as an opportunity, not something to fear. I’m going to stay positive and focus on what I can control.” – Year 13 student

• “The talk made me realise how much my effort now will shape my future. I’ll keep reminding myself why I’m working so hard.” | Year 11 student

The session not only motivated students but also gave them practical strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and maximise their potential as they prepare for this pivotal year.

Free School Meals | Free School Meals (FSM) are a government-funded scheme designed to ensure that children from eligible families receive a nutritious meal at school each day, at no cost to the family. This not only helps to support students’ health and concentration in lessons, but also removes the worry of having to provide money daily for school meals. Importantly, applying for FSM is completely confidential – students who receive them are not identified separately, and all meals are served in the same way as for any other student.

Submitting an application for FSM can also benefit families beyond the immediate support of a daily meal. Schools receive additional funding, known as the Pupil Premium, for every child registered for FSM. This funding is then used to provide extra resources, interventions, and opportunities that directly support students’ learning and well-being. Examples of how some of this funding is used at the school is as follows:

• Chromebooks for every student 

• Covering the most of nearly all trips to ensure that all students can attend 

• Mentoring and counselling 

• Booster clubs

• After-school interventions

• Clubs

Even if a child prefers to bring a packed lunch, completing the FSM application ensures the school can access this vital funding, which in turn benefits the whole school community. Families are strongly encouraged to check their eligibility and complete an application if they qualify. Please review this document which outlines the criteria and links on how to apply.

Chromebook Insurance | We charge £15 a year for Chromebook Insurance. This will be per Chromebook supplied. We will start to request payment for this from Monday, 08 September through ParentPay. This cost goes towards the cost of maintaining the Chromebook and is needed to ensure that we can continue to provide students with this resource which is needed for their education. Should damages occur to the Chromebook and the Chromebook does not have Chromebook insurance, we will request the full cost of the repair or the full cost of a replacement device which will be £210.

Parent Portal Arbor App | Please ensure you have access to your Parent Portal account, where student timetables, progress report cards, and student information is held. Please contact info@liftbexleyheath.org if you need your Parent Portal login information sent to you again.

Parents' Evening | In response to valuable feedback from families, we will be introducing a Priority Parents’ Evening system designed to offer more meaningful engagement and flexibility for all year groups.

Starting next year, each year group will be assigned a Priority Parents’ Evening, during which families will be invited to attend the academy in person for face-to-face meetings with their child’s teachers. For example, if Year 07 is selected as the first Priority group, Year 07 families will attend on site, while other year groups will still be able to meet with staff virtually on the same evening.

This new model allows us to offer:

• A dedicated opportunity for each year group to engage face-to-face with staff

• The chance to view students' work and books during the appointment

• A deeper understanding of each child’s progress, strengths, and areas for development

• Continued access to virtual appointments for all other year groups during each event

We believe this blended approach offers the best of both worlds, maintaining the convenience of virtual meetings while reintroducing the benefits of in-person conversations and direct engagement with students' learning. Moving forward, Parents' Evenings will start at 14:30 and end at 18:30. This offers more appointments for each event. The Parents' Evening will be taking place on the following dates: 

• Wednesday, 15 October | Year 07 Priority 

• Thursday, 11 December | Year 11X & Sixth Form Priority 

• Monday, 15 December | Year 11Y & Sixth Form Priority 

• Wednesday, 11 February | Year 09 Priority 

• Thursday, 26 March | Year 10 Priority 

• Thursday, 09 July | Year 08 Priority

RE Opt Out | Religious Education (RE) is an important part of our school curriculum, designed to help students explore different faiths, beliefs, and worldviews, and to develop respect, understanding, and critical thinking about the diverse world around them. RE is delivered through both classroom lessons and educational trips, giving students meaningful opportunities to learn about religion and culture in context. If families would like to request for their child to be withdrawn from RE, they will need to complete the RE Withdrawal Form. Once this form is received, a member of the school team will contact you to discuss this decision further, as we believe RE plays a vital role in promoting tolerance, empathy, and personal development for all students. Complete this form here. 

Year 11 Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Year 11 Newsletter here. 

Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Sixth Form Newsletter here. 

Year 06 Transitions Events | Our Year 06 Transitions events for the September 2026 intake start this half term. All information regarding these events can be found here. We are delighted to invite families of children in Year 06 to our Year 06 Open Evening on Wednesday, 17 September. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience life at Lift Bexleyheath Academy, meet our inspiring students and dedicated staff, take a tour of our facilities, taste samples of the delicious food provided by our chef and hear directly from our Principal about our vision and values. To give every family the best experience, we are offering three start times: 16:00, 16:45, and 17:30. Find out more by clicking here. 

Extra-Curricular Clubs | All Extra-Curricular activities start on Monday, 15 September and students across the school have signed up to their autumn club choices. Please note that clubs will not be taking place on Wednesday, 17 September as we will be hosting our Year 06 Open Evening Event.

Masterclasses | After a hugely successful first year of our masterclasses, we are delighted to announce the return of our Morning Masterclasses, beginning on Tuesday, 24 September at 08:00 with a fascinating session on Paradoxes, delivered by Mr Kirby. These masterclasses will take place in the Main Hall. 

The masterclasses are open to students in all year groups and are designed to go beyond the boundaries of the regular curriculum. They are supra-curricular, meaning they explore ideas, themes, and questions that don’t usually appear in everyday lessons but which encourage students to think more deeply, make connections across subjects, and develop a genuine love of learning.

The purpose of these sessions is to spark curiosity, inspire independent thinking, and nurture inquisitiveness about the world. By engaging with challenging and unusual topics, students are encouraged to broaden their horizons, consider new perspectives, and discover the joy of intellectual exploration. Please encourage your child to attend.

Careers Insight Talks | This week during our Careers Insight Talks, we are shining a spotlight on the profession of Accountant. As part of this initiative, we are keen to involve parents, carers, and members of our wider community. If you would like to share your own career journey and experiences with our students, please complete the attached form. We welcome speakers from all industries and backgrounds, as every career story offers unique inspiration and guidance.

Follow Us On Social Media | We are pleased to announce that we are now on Instagram @lift.bexleyheath https://www.instagram.com/lift.bexleyheath/. Follow us on Instagram to see the wonderful things that happen at Lift Bexleyheath.

Emails to Inclusion | If you have any questions for the Inclusion Team, please use the send@liftbexleyheath.org email. This email account for Inclusion is checked every 48 hours, there are likely to be longer delays if you try to contact the Inclusion Team through their personal emails. 

What's been happening in Art this week? | This week in Art & Design we’ve burst back into the new term with an artistic EXPLOSION of creativity and colour!

Our Year 09 students kicked things off with a challenge: transforming a traditional fruit still life into something bold and dynamic by experimenting with the formal elements of space and texture. Meanwhile, Year 80 have dived into their brand-new Black and White Media Topic, exploring how artists harness the power of contrast to create mood and impact.

Over in Year 07, students have been discovering the expressive possibilities of different types of line, filling their sketchbooks with imaginative mark-making. At KS4, the focus has been on stunning tonal studies of natural forms, inspired by Edward Weston’s iconic pepper photography, while our KS5 artists have been pushing boundaries with ambitious responses to a variety of contemporary 2D practitioners.

We are incredibly proud of the passion, focus, and imagination our students have already shown so early in the term and we can’t wait to see even more creativity unleashed at our Art Clubs in the weeks ahead!

Congratulations Year 07! | We are extremely proud of all our Year 07 students who have completed their first full week of secondary school! Year 07, have faced the challenge of finding their way around a brand new environment, met new friends, and adapted to a whole new routine and they have done it with resilience, courage, and a positive attitude. This is just the beginning, and they have already shown they are ready for the journey ahead. Ms Golding has collected some feedback below from her focus groups:

• Taylor | “Our reading homework is brilliant! My book is called ‘LOST’. It’s a great adventure and I want to do extra work to find out what happens next.”

• Shireen | “I was worried about finding my way around but we got a map to help us and there’s always someone to help if you get stuck.”

• Amy and Yosha | “If we had to describe our school in three words, they would be: fun, interesting, exciting, extraordinary...wait, that’s 4!.”

• Amala | “The playground is spectacular and the food is tasty.”

• Prince | “I love having different teachers for different subjects.”

• Jack | “My science teacher is amazing. We’re learning about plants and cells. The way she explains makes it fun and easy.”

Year 07 Transitional Events | Term 01 Virtual Drop-in Sessions | Families of Year 07 students will be provided with the opportunity to meet with Ms Golding, Year Group Lead, this term.  These sessions will be 15 minutes and will be virtual. The dates are as follows:

• Wednesday, 17 September 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00

• Wednesday, 24 September 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00

• Wednesday, 1 October 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00

• Wednesday, 8 October 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00

• Wednesday, 15 October 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00

Appointments are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis and will open a week before each event. 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 | At our school, we place a strong emphasis on the value of wearing the correct school uniform. Uniform is more than just clothing, it sets a standard of equality, ensuring that no student feels different or singled out because of their appearance. When everyone dresses the same, the focus remains where it should be: on learning, achievement, and personal growth, rather than on fashion or competition over how one looks.

For this reason, we have clear expectations around uniform and presentation. Part of this includes our policy that students in Years 07–11 do not wear make-up. At this age, developing a reliance on make-up can contribute to self-esteem issues and shift attention away from building a healthy and positive mindset. We want all our students to feel confident in themselves as they are, and to understand that their value lies in their character, skills, and achievements, not in appearance. We will continue to issue corrections for make-up and ask students to remove this when they arrive at school. 

We also expect students to follow guidance on skirt lengths. Whilst this may seem like a minor detail to some families, it is an important part of maintaining consistency and high standards. Upholding these expectations helps students understand the importance of presenting themselves appropriately for different contexts an essential skill that will serve them well beyond school, in further education, the workplace, and wider society. Should students attend the school with incorrect skirt lengths, we will provide them with uniform to wear for the day. As some families are aware, we have started to meet with them to address the issue. 

These expectations were made clear when students joined the school, and we ask for the continued support of families in helping us uphold them. By working together, we can ensure that our students maintain high standards, grow with confidence, and make the most of every opportunity their education provides.

Free School Meals | Free School Meals (FSM) are a government-funded scheme designed to ensure that children from eligible families receive a nutritious meal at school each day, at no cost to the family. This not only helps to support students’ health and concentration in lessons, but also removes the worry of having to provide money daily for school meals. Importantly, applying for FSM is completely confidential – students who receive them are not identified separately, and all meals are served in the same way as for any other student.

Submitting an application for FSM can also benefit families beyond the immediate support of a daily meal. Schools receive additional funding, known as the Pupil Premium, for every child registered for FSM. This funding is then used to provide extra resources, interventions, and opportunities that directly support students’ learning and well-being. Examples of how some of this funding is used at the school is as follows:

• Chromebooks for every student 

• Covering the most of nearly all trips to ensure that all students can attend 

• Mentoring and counselling 

• Booster clubs

• After-school interventions

• Clubs

Even if a child prefers to bring a packed lunch, completing the FSM application ensures the school can access this vital funding, which in turn benefits the whole school community. Families are strongly encouraged to check their eligibility and complete an application if they qualify. Please review this document which outlines the criteria and links on how to apply.

Chromebook Insurance | We charge £15 a year for Chromebook Insurance. This will be per Chromebook supplied. We will start to request payment for this from Monday, 08 September through ParentPay. This cost goes towards the cost of maintaining the Chromebook and is needed to ensure that we can continue to provide students with this resource which is needed for their education. Should damages occur to the Chromebook and the Chromebook does not have Chromebook insurance, we will request the full cost of the repair or the full cost of a replacement device which will be £210.

Parent Portal Arbor App | Please ensure you have access to your Parent Portal account, where student timetables, progress report cards, and student information is held. Please contact info@liftbexleyheath.org if you need your Parent Portal login information sent to you again.

Parents' Evening | In response to valuable feedback from families, we will be introducing a Priority Parents’ Evening system designed to offer more meaningful engagement and flexibility for all year groups.

Starting next year, each year group will be assigned a Priority Parents’ Evening, during which families will be invited to attend the academy in person for face-to-face meetings with their child’s teachers. For example, if Year 07 is selected as the first Priority group, Year 07 families will attend on site, while other year groups will still be able to meet with staff virtually on the same evening.

This new model allows us to offer:

• A dedicated opportunity for each year group to engage face-to-face with staff

• The chance to view students' work and books during the appointment

• A deeper understanding of each child’s progress, strengths, and areas for development

• Continued access to virtual appointments for all other year groups during each event

We believe this blended approach offers the best of both worlds, maintaining the convenience of virtual meetings while reintroducing the benefits of in-person conversations and direct engagement with students' learning. Moving forward, Parents' Evenings will start at 14:30 and end at 18:30. This offers more appointments for each event. The Parents' Evening will be taking place on the following dates: 

• Wednesday, 15 October | Year 07 Priority 

• Thursday, 11 December | Year 11X & Sixth Form Priority 

• Monday, 15 December | Year 11Y & Sixth Form Priority 

• Wednesday, 11 February | Year 09 Priority 

• Thursday, 26 March | Year 10 Priority 

• Thursday, 09 July | Year 08 Priority

RE Opt Out | Religious Education (RE) is an important part of our school curriculum, designed to help students explore different faiths, beliefs, and worldviews, and to develop respect, understanding, and critical thinking about the diverse world around them. RE is delivered through both classroom lessons and educational trips, giving students meaningful opportunities to learn about religion and culture in context. If families would like to request for their child to be withdrawn from RE, they will need to complete the RE Withdrawal Form. Once this form is received, a member of the school team will contact you to discuss this decision further, as we believe RE plays a vital role in promoting tolerance, empathy, and personal development for all students. Complete this form here. 

Year 11 Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Year 11 Newsletter here. 

Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Sixth Form Newsletter here. 

First Week Back | This week, our staff were thrilled to welcome students back to the academy, and what an incredible start it has been! Attendance on the first day was outstanding, and we are confident that this level of commitment will continue throughout the year. Returning after six weeks away can be a challenge, but our students came back bursting with energy, positivity, and a real eagerness to get back into learning.

To celebrate the beginning of term, we launched “In it, to Win it”, a random prize draw held throughout the day to recognise and reward students who showed up ready to learn and committed to their education. A huge thank you goes to our families for the effort they put into ensuring students were prepared, on time, and ready for school. Your support makes a real difference, and together we are setting the tone for a fantastic year ahead!

Year 06 Transitions Events | Our Year 06 Transitions events for the September 2026 intake start this half term. All information regarding these events can be found here. We are delighted to invite families of children in Year 06 to our Year 06 Open Evening on Wednesday, 17 September. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience life at Lift Bexleyheath Academy, meet our inspiring students and dedicated staff, take a tour of our facilities, taste samples of the delicious food provided by our chef and hear directly from our Principal about our vision and values. To give every family the best experience, we are offering three start times: 16:00, 16:45, and 17:30. Find out more by clicking here. 

Free School Meals | Free School Meals (FSM) are a government-funded scheme designed to ensure that children from eligible families receive a nutritious meal at school each day, at no cost to the family. This not only helps to support students’ health and concentration in lessons, but also removes the worry of having to provide money daily for school meals. Importantly, applying for FSM is completely confidential – students who receive them are not identified separately, and all meals are served in the same way as for any other student.

Submitting an application for FSM can also benefit families beyond the immediate support of a daily meal. Schools receive additional funding, known as the Pupil Premium, for every child registered for FSM. This funding is then used to provide extra resources, interventions, and opportunities that directly support students’ learning and well-being. Examples of how some of this funding is used at the school is as follows:

• Chromebooks for every student 

• Covering the most of nearly all trips to ensure that all students can attend 

• Mentoring and counselling 

• Booster clubs

• After-school interventions

• Clubs

Even if a child prefers to bring a packed lunch, completing the FSM application ensures the school can access this vital funding, which in turn benefits the whole school community. Families are strongly encouraged to check their eligibility and complete an application if they qualify. Please review this document which outlines the criteria and links on how to apply.

Extra-Curricular Clubs | We are excited to launch a wide-ranging programme of extra-curricular activities for all students at Lift Bexleyheath, starting on Monday, 15 September. Next week, students in Years 07–10 will have the opportunity to choose the clubs they would like to join for the Autumn term. These clubs will run both at lunchtimes and after school, with after-school sessions finishing at either 16:00 later for sports activities. Should students have competitions that they are a part of and these finish later than scheduled, families will be informed. 

We encourage families to take some time to go through the extra-curricular programme with their child/ward and help them decide which clubs they would like to take part in. Your support in this process will ensure students make the most of the exciting opportunities available to them. Please see the plan for extra-curricular clubs for this half term here. 

Safeguarding | WhatsApp Social Media Parent Groups | The school does not recommend the use of WhatsApp groups for parent communication. Many families find WhatsApp groups a helpful way to stay connected, share reminders, and support one another throughout the school year. These groups can be an excellent way to build a sense of community, offering quick updates about homework, trips, or school events, and helping new families feel included and informed. However, while these groups can be very useful, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Without clear boundaries, online group chats can sometimes become a space where false information spreads quickly or where unprofessional or unkind comments are made about staff, students, or other families. This can cause unnecessary conflict, misunderstandings, or harm to the wider school community.

If parents decide to set up a WhatsApp group, we recommend agreeing on some simple group rules to ensure it remains a safe, positive, and respectful space. For example:

• Keep discussions friendly, factual, and school-related.

• Avoid sharing rumours or confidential information.

• Do not post negative or personal comments about staff, students, or other families.

• Respect everyone’s privacy and opinions.

• Use the group to support, not criticise.

Chromebook Insurance | We charge £15 a year for Chromebook Insurance. This will be per Chromebook supplied. We will start to request payment for this from Monday, 08 September through ParentPay. This cost goes towards the cost of maintaining the Chromebook and is needed to ensure that we can continue to provide students with this resource which is needed for their education. Should damages occur to the Chromebook and the Chromebook does not have Chromebook insurance, we will request the full cost of the repair or the full cost of a replacement device which will be £210.

Careers Insight Talks | For the past two years, we have successfully delivered a careers programme that introduces our students to a wide variety of roles and sectors. On Fridays, professionals join our students virtually to share insights about their job, the industry they work in, and the educational or training pathways that led them there. These sessions have played a vital role in raising aspirations, broadening horizons, and helping students discover exciting career opportunities they may not have considered before.

As part of this initiative, we are eager to involve parents, carers, and members of our wider community. If you would like to share your own career journey and experiences with our students, please complete the attached form. We welcome speakers from all industries and backgrounds, as every career story offers unique inspiration and guidance.

In addition, we encourage families to use Labour Market Information (LMI) with their child to explore different professions, gain an understanding of the skills required, and see where future opportunities may lie. By working together, we can equip our students with the knowledge, confidence, and ambition they need to make informed choices about their future. For further information, please contact Dr Lucas, Assistant Principal (flucas@liftbexleyheath.org). 

Parent Portal Arbor App | Please ensure you have access to your Parent Portal account, where student timetables, progress report cards, and student information is held. Please contact info@liftbexleyheath.org if you need your Parent Portal login information sent to you again.

School Photograph Day | Our annual school photograph day will be taking place on Friday, 12 September. 

Bexley Broadway | We would like to share some important concerns regarding Bexley Broadway. While it is a busy local area, it has also become a place where some students are gathering after school, which can expose them to unnecessary risks and distractions. Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our students, both in and out of school, and we want to work closely with families to ensure they are protected.

Staff will be present on Bexley Broadway each day after school to support and safeguard students. However, we ask all families to make sure their child goes straight home after school wherever possible, rather than spending time on the Broadway. This will help minimise risks and keep students focused on their learning. Please be aware that any student who refuses to go home when asked by staff will receive a sanction in school. 

Your partnership is vital in reinforcing this message. Together, we can ensure our young people are safe, avoid negative influences, and remain focused on their education and personal development. Thank you for your continued support in helping us care for and protect our students.

Mobile Phone Concerns | Over the summer holidays, we have become increasingly aware of growing concerns around mobile phone and social media usage among young people across the borough. While mobile phones are extremely useful for families to stay in touch and know where their child is, smartphones in particular come with risks that need to be carefully managed.

One of the biggest concerns is that children can receive unwanted photos and videos via social media or messaging apps. Often, they may not realise that some of these images are illegal, and simply having them on their device could be considered a criminal offence. Beyond the legal implications, such content can also be deeply upsetting and harmful to young people’s well-being.

We strongly encourage families to have open conversations with their children about safe and responsible phone use. Take time to regularly check your child’s phone to ensure they are not receiving or sharing anything inappropriate that could put them at risk. If you come across anything concerning and would like advice, guidance, or support, please contact our safeguarding team at safeguarding@liftbexleyheath.org. Together, we can help keep our young people safe online and support them in using technology responsibly.

Parents' Evening | In response to valuable feedback from families, we will be introducing a Priority Parents’ Evening system designed to offer more meaningful engagement and flexibility for all year groups.

Starting next year, each year group will be assigned a Priority Parents’ Evening, during which families will be invited to attend the academy in person for face-to-face meetings with their child’s teachers. For example, if Year 07 is selected as the first Priority group, Year 07 families will attend on site, while other year groups will still be able to meet with staff virtually on the same evening.

This new model allows us to offer:

• A dedicated opportunity for each year group to engage face-to-face with staff

• The chance to view students' work and books during the appointment

• A deeper understanding of each child’s progress, strengths, and areas for development

• Continued access to virtual appointments for all other year groups during each event

We believe this blended approach offers the best of both worlds, maintaining the convenience of virtual meetings while reintroducing the benefits of in-person conversations and direct engagement with students' learning. Moving forward, Parents' Evenings will start at 14:30 and end at 18:30. This offers more appointments for each event. The Parents' Evening will be taking place on the following dates: 

• Wednesday, 15 October | Year 07 Priority 

• Thursday, 11 December | Year 11X & Sixth Form Priority 

• Monday, 15 December | Year 11Y & Sixth Form Priority 

• Wednesday, 11 February | Year 09 Priority 

• Thursday, 26 March | Year 10 Priority 

• Thursday, 09 July | Year 08 Priority

Sharp Objects | We would like to remind families that sharpeners, scissors, and compasses are not permitted in school. To ensure the safety of all our students, teachers will provide these items in lessons whenever they are needed. This means that students do not need to bring their own from home.

Our priority is keeping students safe at all times, both in school and on their way to and from the academy. Carrying these items could lead to accidents, so we kindly ask for your support in ensuring they are not brought into school. Thank you for working with us to maintain a safe and secure environment for all.

Start-of-Term Arrangements | Term One starts on Wednesday, 03 September at 08:30 for Year 07 & Year 12. For all other year groups, Term One starts on Thursday, 04 September at 08:30.

Year 06 Transitions Events | Our Year 06 Transitions events for the September 2026 intake start this half term. All information regarding these events can be found here. 

NEW Year 07 Update | First Day | Thank you to our families that joined our meeting last night where we helped families prepare for their child's first day. We are very pleased to welcome our new Year 07 students on Wednesday, 03 September, as they begin this important next stage of their educational journey. The Asda gate will be open from 08:00, and all students are expected to arrive on site before 08:30. The transition to secondary school is a significant milestone, and we would like to reassure all families that we are committed to supporting every child throughout this process. Our staff are dedicated to ensuring that all students feel settled, confident, and well-prepared to succeed both academically and personally. We recognise that this change may bring a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, and we will work closely with families to make the start of Year 07 a smooth and positive experience for all.

If you have any questions regarding Year 07 this weekend, please contact Ms Golding, Year Group Lead (ggolding@liftbexleyheath.org) or Ms Aricilar, Pastoral Manager (earicilar@liftbexleyheath.org). 

We have invited some students to Booster Club to further prepare them for the start of their school year at Lift Bexleyheath. This was by invite only and if your child was selected to attend, you would have been contacted already. Booster Club provides additional support with Mathematics and English. Should you have any questions regarding Booster Club, please contact Dr Lucas, Assistant Principal (flucas@liftbexleyheath.org).  

NEW Year 07 Update | Drop-in Sessions | To help support a smooth transition from primary to secondary school, we are offering all Year 7 families the option to book a short virtual meeting with Ms Golding during Term 01. These meetings are designed to provide parents and carers with an opportunity to raise any questions or concerns they may have as their child settles into secondary school. The meetings will be virtual. Appointments will be available on Wednesdays between 16:00 and 18:00. Slots will be released weekly, one week in advance, and can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. We will email families with the days that these meetings are available and how to book. 

Please note that any queries should be directed, in the first instance, to the Pastoral Manager, Mr Aricilar, who will be able to provide support or guidance as needed. The virtual meetings with Ms Golding are intended as an additional opportunity for families who may wish to discuss matters further. Should questions be related to SEND, there will be separate drop-in sessions with the SENDCo, we will email families of students with SEND directly to set these meetings up. 

Email Changes & Homework | As part of our transition to Lift Bexleyheath, our email domain is changing to @liftbexleyheath.org. This process is now underway. We are aware that some students have experienced difficulties logging into certain homework platforms as a result of this change. While this has not affected all students, we want to reassure families that these issues are being addressed and will be fully resolved by Wednesday, 3rd September.

To ensure everything is working smoothly, we will carry out checks in prep classes on Thursday, 4th September to confirm that all students can access the platforms they need. We kindly ask for your patience during this transition. If your child continues to experience any problems after Thursday’s checks, please contact our Data Manager, Ms Fisher (dfisher@liftbexleyheath.org). 

Welcome Back Information Evening | Virtual Meeting | We will be holding a Welcome Back assembly for all of our families on Tuesday, 02 September at 18:00. A link to this meeting can be found here. We will outline everything that you need to know to support your child during the academic year, which will include information about: 

• Parents' Evening 

• Homework Expectations 

• Prep Period

• Reports vs Dynamic Progress Reporting 

• Parent Portal App

• ParentPay

• Extra-Curricular

Getting Ready to Return to School | The start of a new term is an important moment for setting the tone and expectations that will carry us through the year. Getting it right on the very first day ensures that lessons begin smoothly, valuable learning time is not lost, and every student is focused on achieving their best from the outset. To support this, we ask that all families carefully review and follow our uniform and equipment expectations. The School Uniform Policy can be found here, and it is essential that you take time to read it in full before your child returns.

A reminder of the key requirements:

• Uniform: Students must arrive in full school uniform. School shoes must be black and polishable. Skirts must be knee length.

• Appearance: Lashes, acrylic nails, nail polish, make-up, and jewellery are not permitted. Students arriving with these will be asked to remove them at the gate. Jewellery will be confiscated until the end of the academic year, and the academy will not take responsibility for loss or damage.

• Bags: Students must carry a backpack. Handbags or side bags will be replaced at the gate with an academy-issued backpack. This ensures Chromebooks are protected and there is sufficient space for books, stationery, and PE kit.

• Equipment: Students must bring the following each day:

  • 2x black or blue pens

  • 2x red pens

  • 1 pencil, rubber, ruler, and highlighter

  • Colouring pencils

  • Scientific calculator
    Note: Compasses and sharpeners are not permitted.

• Chromebooks: Please ensure devices are fully charged each evening and that students bring their charger to school.

• ParentPay: Please top up accounts to allow students to purchase food without disruption.

By arriving fully prepared, students send a clear message to themselves and others: they are ready to learn, to contribute, and to succeed. A strong, consistent start means we can focus every moment on high-quality teaching and learning. Thank you for your support in making sure every child is fully prepared for the first day back.

Chromebook Insurance | We charge £15 a year for Chromebook Insurance. This will be per Chromebook supplied. We will start to request payment for this from Monday, 08 September through ParentPay. This cost goes towards the cost of maintaining the Chromebook and is needed to ensure that we can continue to provide students with this resource which is needed for their education. Should damages occur to the Chromebook and the Chromebook does not have Chromebook insurance, we will request the full cost of the repair or the full cost of a replacement device which will be £210.

Student Timetables | Please ensure you have access to your Parent Portal account, as student timetables will be available to view from Tuesday, 02 September. Please contact info@bexleyheathacademy.org if you need your Parent Portal login information sent to you again. 

BMX Star Continues to Win! | At Lift Bexleyheath, we are bursting with pride as we celebrate the incredible achievements of Roxie, one of our very own rising stars. Roxie recently competed in the 13–16 Cruiser BMX category, which was merged with the 17–29 Ladies category, making the competition even tougher. Despite the added challenge, Roxie showed outstanding determination and skill, securing the title of British No. 6 in her age group, a truly remarkable accomplishment.

Watching Roxie’s journey in BMX racing has been nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to training, her resilience in the face of challenges, and her passion for the sport are qualities we deeply admire. To compete at this level at just 13 years old is an extraordinary achievement, and we could not be prouder of the progress she has made.

BMX (Bicycle Motocross) racing is a high energy sport that involves sprinting on bikes over purpose built dirt tracks filled with jumps, tight turns, and obstacles. Riders need explosive power, lightning fast reflexes, and razor sharp focus to succeed. The sport became an Olympic discipline in 2008 and has since grown rapidly, inspiring young riders across the globe.

Roxie’s success is also a powerful reminder of the importance of extra-curricular activities outside of school. Whether it’s sport, music, drama, or another pursuit, these opportunities help young people build resilience, confidence, and teamwork skills. For Roxie, BMX has been more than just a hobby, it has given her discipline, drive, and a community that supports her growth both on and off the track.

At Lift Bexleyheath, we believe in celebrating these achievements because they showcase the incredible potential of young people when given the chance to follow their passions. Roxie is proof that hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary results.

We look forward to supporting her as she continues her BMX journey, and we cannot wait to see what she achieves next!

Year 11 & Year 13 Interventions | Students in Year 11 and Year 13 have a longer day in comparison to the rest of the school as they prepare for their final examinations. Students start Period 00 at 07:50 and have a Period 05 which starts at 15:15. This programme will start on the week commencing Monday, 15 September. 

Extra-Curricular | Our extra-curricular clubs programme will start on the week commencing Monday, 15 September. We will be sharing the programme for clubs next week. 

Year 11 & Year 13 Summer Revision & Assignments | Please find the revision and assignments for Year 11 and Year 13 here. The deadline for completiong for this work is Friday, 05 September. 

Year 08 - Year 10 | Summer Homework | The deadline for the homework is Thursday, 11 September 2025. Students can complete this homework over the summer holidays or complete this on the first week back. The homework to complete is on the following platforms:

• Sparx Maths

• Sparx Reader 

• Sparx Science 

• LanguageNut

Each platform will have different deadlines that appear through the holidays. Please ignore these. As long as students complete one piece of homework between Monday, 21 July - Thursday, 11 September from each platform, we will count this as homework completed for the summer. Should families wish to complete additional homework on the platform we are happy for this to happen as this further consolidates what they have learnt. 

Competitions for the Summer | We have a number of competitions that run over the summer holidays. Students have until Friday, 05 September to complete their tasks or submit their entries. There will be a; first, second and third prize for students in each year group. Please encourage your child to take part in at least one of the competitions. For all the competitions that require a submission, please ensure that students write their full name and year group clearly on the submission. These can be submitted to the reception team.

Excellent Examination Results | We are incredibly proud of the outstanding A-Level and GCSE results achieved by our students this year at Lift Bexleyheath. These results are a reflection of the determination, resilience, and commitment our young people have shown throughout their studies. Their hard work and perseverance, often in the face of challenges, have paid off and we are delighted to see them celebrating such well-deserved success.

Sky News joined us for our results days to celebrate the success of our students. Please see here. 

These achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our staff, who have supported, challenged, and encouraged every student to reach their full potential. We are equally grateful to our families, whose encouragement, belief, and daily commitment to ensuring excellent attendance and partnership with the school played a vital role in this success. Together, this collaboration between students, staff, and families has created a culture where ambition and achievement thrive.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff and families who helped make our results days so special. Their presence, organisation, and encouragement created an atmosphere of celebration and pride, ensuring that our students felt recognised and valued for their accomplishments. These moments will stay with our students for years to come, marking the beginning of exciting new journeys ahead.

We will be sharing key performance headlines in the coming weeks.