March 2026
Published 2nd March 2026
We were delighted to return to Passo Tonale for our ski trip this February half term. It was a brilliant week – great skiing, great company, and plenty of moments the students will remember for a long time.
We were lucky with the conditions, with fresh snow throughout the week. One day in particular stood out, when the snowfall meant even our most experienced skiers were spending as much time falling over in the powder as they were skiing - but in the best possible way. It was one of those days where everyone was laughing, helping each other up, and just enjoying being out there.
Across the week, it was great to see students grow in confidence and just get stuck in. For many, it was their first time skiing, and by the end of the week they were moving around the mountain with a real sense of independence. Others were pushing themselves a bit further and making the most of the conditions.
Away from the slopes, the week had a really nice feel to it. Evenings back at Hotel Mirella in Ponte di Legno were a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy being together - it genuinely felt like we were away together as a school community, just enjoying each other’s company.
Trips like this are about more than just skiing. They give students the chance to try something new, spend time with their friends in a different setting, and grow in confidence without really realising it.
As one parent shared afterwards:
“Memorable, and such a great experience, which they will cherish always. The girls both had a truly amazing trip and were very sad to be leaving after such an enjoyable week.”
And as one student put it simply:
“It was the best trip I’ve ever been on.”
Neil Topley, Assistant Headteacher
Published 6th March 2026
On Thursday 5th March the Year 13 Law students went to the Chichester Crown Court. We were lucky enough to speak to a legal advisor, a jury officer, the County Sheriff and the resident Judge Dow. The professionals spoke to us about what they do in their job and welcomed questions from us too. We watched a trial with a jury and some administrative hearings to do with sentencing and organising trial dates. It was very interesting to see all the academic law come to life in the trial and in the Judge’s explanations. What a super day!
Fiona Langstone, Teacher of History and Law
Published 6th March 2026
A group of our Year 7 students enjoyed an exciting visit to the STEM Fest at the brand-new STEM and Higher Education Centre at Chichester College. The event was run by Chichester College students, and it was great to see them sharing their enthusiasm for STEM with our younger visitors.
There were plenty of hands-on activities to try. Students tested their skills on a virtual welding simulator, took part in some very competitive maggot racing, and built creations for the fast-paced Rubbish Racers challenge. They also explored engineering using breadboards, experimented with Computer Aided Design (CAD), and investigated forensic science through fingerprinting.
Other highlights included the Wheels bike, eSports on the Nintendo Switch, and the fascinating SARnd Box, an augmented-reality sandbox that creates mountains and valleys as the sand is moved.
It was a fun and inspiring afternoon that gave our students a glimpse of the many possibilities within STEM. A big thank you to the staff and students at Chichester College for hosting such an engaging event.
Helen Williams, Team Leader of Computer Science
Published 9th March 2026
Three students — Isabelle Nightingale (11Burrows), Kathy Nightingale (12Burrows), and Evie Castle (12King) — recently represented the school at the ACE-CSE Cyber Competition Finals held at the University of Surrey. Reaching the finals was an impressive achievement in itself: the twelve finalist teams were selected from 50 teams who successfully completed a series of fiendishly difficult cyber security challenges during the autumn term.
The day began with students meeting at the Alan Turing statue, before attending a welcome talk and insight into the importance of cybersecurity in society. The main competition then took place in the Ada Lovelace Computer Lab, where teams tackled a range of cyber “Capture-the-Flag” style challenges testing their problem-solving, programming, and cybersecurity skills.
After lunch, students took part in an engaging AI workshop in the same lab, giving them the opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence is being applied within cybersecurity and computing more broadly. The day concluded with the awards ceremony and wrap-up.
Our team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and performed exceptionally well, receiving an Honourable Mention and finishing just 0.5 points behind the prize-winners — an outstanding result in such a highly competitive field. Well done to all three students for representing the school so brilliantly!
Helen Williams, Team Leader of Computer Science
Published 12th March 2026
On 4th March Year 12 students were privileged to participate in a study day at Hampton Court. The focus was Henry VIII and the Reformation. The keynote lecture (focused on Thomas Cromwell) was by Tracy Borman, who is Historic Royal Palaces' Chief Historian and renowned Tudor Historian.
It was a very full day, immersed in Tudor history. We were able to explore the palace through a guided tour, explore reformation related artefacts in The Tudor World and Wolsey Rooms Exhibition, speak to current history undergraduates at UCL, and had the opportunity to ask questions to Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell! We were also able to enjoy looking around the palace, gardens and maze at lunch (The maze is not as easy as it looks as some of the group discovered!)
Students thoroughly enjoyed the day commenting: “I ran out of paper writing notes during the keynote lecture” “Tracy Borman is excellent!” “It was a cool day!” “It was a really useful revision on Thomas Cromwell”
Carolyn Syms-Evans, Teacher of History
Published 12th March 2026
We wanted to create new Postcards for the Spanish department to send them home when our students do amazing work so we decided to launch a competition among students in Year 8 and Year 9. The result, an overwhelming amount of entries and incredible talent. It was difficult to choose only three but in the end we made a decision. The winners are:
1st Prize: Grace Wallis (8King)
2nd Prize: Ellie Hine (9Sherborne)
3rd Prize: Rosa Hamilton (8Otter)
¡Felicidades! We cannot wait to start sending these cards to our families.
Elizabeth López Gamero, Team Leader of Spanish
Published 16th March 2026
As a production team, we are incredibly proud of everything our students have achieved in Little Shop of Horrors. It has been a joy to watch this show grow from early rehearsals into a lively and characterful performance, full of energy, humour, and heart.
Working with two casts has been a real privilege, and both groups brought their own strengths and individuality to the principal roles. They were supported throughout by a committed and enthusiastic ensemble, whose teamwork and focus helped bring the world of Skid Row to life.
Audrey II is always a challenge, and we are so grateful to the students who took on the responsibility of puppeteering and voicing the plant. Their coordination, creativity, and confidence made it a real highlight of the show.
We would also like to recognise the musicians, whose playing supported the cast so sensitively throughout, and helped give the production its distinctive style and atmosphere. The musical numbers were approached with great care and commitment by everyone involved.
Behind the scenes, the contributions of our technical and backstage teams have been invaluable. From set and props to lighting and sound, their hard work ensured that everything ran smoothly and created the world of the piece so effectively.
What has stood out most throughout this process has been the dedication, resilience, and positivity of all the students involved. They have supported one another, risen to challenges, and shown real generosity as performers and team members.
Thank you to every student, staff member, and supporter who played a part in making this production possible. It has been a pleasure to work with you all.
Nicky Furnell & Jo Lawlor
Photos from the show can be viewed using this link.
Photo credit: Ilai Servant
Published 23rd March 2026
Charity Week 2026 was a resounding success, bringing together students, staff, and the wider school community in a shared effort to make a positive difference. Organised entirely by the dedicated members of the Sixth Form Committee, the week showcased the creativity, leadership, and generosity of our students.
Taking place from 16th–20th March, the week was packed with exciting activities, including both themed dress-up days and a variety of lunchtime events that kept energy and participation high throughout.
Each day had its own Sixth Form dress theme, encouraging all students to get involved:
- Monday: Pyjamas
- Tuesday: Western
- Wednesday: School Uniform
- Thursday: “When I was younger, I wanted to be a…”
- Friday: Whole School Fancy Dress
Alongside this, a different lunchtime event was held in the Bartlett Hall every day:
- Monday: Interhouse Staff Sumo Wrestling
- Tuesday: Man v Food
- Wednesday: Human Kahoot
- Thursday: Teacher v Teacher Rap Battle
- Friday: Battle of the Bands
These events created a fantastic atmosphere across the school, with students and staff enthusiastically taking part, whether competing, performing, or cheering each other on.
Thanks to these collective efforts, an impressive total of just over £2,500 was raised. The funds will go towards supporting our three fantastic Sixth Form charities: The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, Grassroots Tanzania, and The Sanctuary Chichester. This achievement reflects not only the hard work of the Sixth Form Committee but also the kindness and generosity of everyone who contributed.
Charity Week is always a highlight of the school calendar, but this year was particularly special due to the level of student leadership involved. The Sixth Form Committee demonstrated excellent organisational skills, teamwork, and commitment throughout the planning and execution of the week.
A special recognition goes to the Year 13 student organisers: Joel Blamire, Ginny Yonge, Isla Dodson-Richi, Anna Stangroom, Eva Williams, Nathan Martin, Hannah Carr, and Isabelle Frere-Smith, whose dedication and leadership made the week such a success.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to all students, staff, and families who supported Charity Week 2026. Your contributions will make a meaningful difference, and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together.
We look forward to building on this success in future years!
Photos from Charity Week can be found here: Charity Week 2026
Jamie Saunders, Head of Sixth Form
Published 26th March 2026
Our Key Stage 3 History students have had the opportunity again this term to take part in the Historical Egg Competition, making a historical scene out of eggs. Students in Year 7 were given the opportunity to research a person from History of their choice, giving them the opportunity to learn about something beyond the usual curriculum finding out more about someone of particular interest to them. It was also open to Years 8 & 9.
The quality of entries this year has been outstanding, including a particularly grusome scene depicting the execution of Marie Antoinette, made from a freshly boiled egg which was still slightly wobbly when brought into school! We also had a montage made from mini eggs of the Titanic as well as a Moon Landing, Lewes Hamilton, the death of Harold Godwinson and a recreation of Queen Elizabeth's Armada Portrait. Well done to everyone who went to the effort of taking part!
Louisa Fowles, Teacher of History
Published 27th March 2026
The Hampshire Lord Lieutenant recently visited Lift Off Emsworth to learn more about the innovative partnership between Bishop Luffa School and Park Community School. The visit focused on how the two schools are working together to support vulnerable Key Stage 3 students through a collaborative and nurturing approach. During the visit, the Lord Lieutenant spent time with students and was impressed by their confidence, engagement, and the positive atmosphere created within the programme. He also met with members of the dedicated and enthusiastic team delivering this important work.
The visit provided an opportunity to connect with key supporters of the initiative, including John and Hilary from the Pritchard Trust, whose sponsorship has been instrumental, and architect Martin Hellyer. The Lord Lieutenant also met Chris Anders and Ella Capaldi, Heads at Park Community School, and Austen Hindman, Head at Bishop Luffa School, to discuss the impact and future of the partnership.
Thanks were extended to Shirley Ann Farmer for organising a successful and insightful day, showcasing the strength of collaboration in supporting young people.
Steve Williams, Deputy Head
Published 27th March 2026
Six runners from Bishop Luffa, the highest proportion of runners from any school in Sussex, represented the county at the recent English Schools Cross Country National Final hosted in Liverpool.
Elodie Hill (11King) finished 13th! Only three places off getting a spot in the England cross country team. Incredible achievement!
Joe Stewart (10Andrewes), Isabella Lendrum (10Burrows), Molly Smithers (12King), Ben Stewart (11Andrewes) and Max Gayle (10Burrows), played important roles in helping Sussex finish 2nd out of the 20 counties. Well done to everyone who represented Bishop Luffa and the county!
These are incredible achievements and we are so proud of how exceptionally these runners have represented Bishop Luffa and Sussex.
Tim Godfray, Team Leader of PE & Tim Brown, Assistant Head Teacher
