For entry into the Lower School (Year 7 and 8) in September 2025
New Pupil Handbook
Welcome from the Headmaster
It is a great pleasure to welcome you and our pioneering new Year 7 and Year 8 pupils to Uppingham’s Lower School.
Joining a new school at any age is a significant step, and we understand how important it is for both pupils and parents to feel supported, informed, and part of a strong community from day one.
The Lower School at Uppingham has been carefully designed to give our youngest pupils in Years 7 and 8 the very best start to senior school life. They will find the Lower School to be a warm, welcoming environment in which every child is known, valued, and encouraged to thrive - both in and beyond the classroom.
Our staff understand the needs of this age group and are passionate about guiding pupils as they develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Lorne House, the heart of our Lower School, will provide a ‘school within a school’ - a close-knit and purposeful community where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally, while still enjoying full access to the outstanding facilities and opportunities Uppingham has to offer.
Through our broad and stimulating curriculum, co-curricular activities, and focus on character development, our pioneering 2025 Lower School pupils will be encouraged to explore their talents, take on new challenges, and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
We are at the beginning of an exciting journey together, and alongside Annabel Bartley, we are delighted to welcome you to Uppingham and look forward to being a part of your family’s life for many years to come.
Dr Richard Maloney Headmaster
Lower School Contacts
The Lower School pupils are based in Lorne House, which is situated on High Street West in Uppingham; the post code is LE15 9QF.
If you wish to arrange a meeting with the Head of Lower School, the best means to do so is via email.
Head of Lower School: Mrs Annabel Bartley 01572 820911 afb@uppingham.co.uk
Lorne House Tutor: Mr Richard Hannigan rkgh@uppingham.co.uk
Head of Learning Support (Lower School): Mrs Mia Granger admissions@uppingham.co.uk (until 1 September 2025)
The Lorne House matron will be available on 01572 820913 and via the email lornehousematron@uppingham.co.uk.
School Calendar
The school calendar can be found online, via this link, or on the main school website www.uppingham.co.uk/calendar.
Term Dates
The school term dates can be found online, via this link, or on the main school website www.uppingham.co.uk/term-dates.
Getting a message to your child
If you need to speak to your child urgently during the school day, please ring the Head of Lower School or Matron who will pass the message on.
It is important that the information we hold on our databases is accurate and that we are kept updated of any changes, so please retain these notes for future reference.
Keeping us informed
Forms
Please complete the new pupil online forms as soon as possible, and by 31 July.
Change of address
Please inform the Admissions Department (admissions@uppingham.co.uk), as well as the Head of Lower School, of any change of postal or email addresses, or telephone numbers.
Parental absence
If you go away from home on business or on holiday during term time and have a close friend or relative who is collecting your child from school, please let the Head of Lower School know and leave contact details, including details of where you can be reached in an emergency.
Emergency contacts (UK pupils)
Parents who reside in the United Kingdom are required by the School to provide a third contact for their child in case of emergencies. The emergency third contact should be known to the family, over the age of 25 and a permanent resident in the United Kingdom. For example, they could be a grandparent, relative or close family friend.
This person will only be contacted in an emergency, and only when all other contacts on their child’s account have been unreachable. In the case of an emergency, it may be necessary to share your child’s personal data with the designated emergency contact and we ask for your permission for this in our New Pupil Papers platform.
Guardians (overseas pupils)
Parents who reside outside the United Kingdom are required by the School to confirm the name, address and telephone number of their child’s educational guardian before they start at the School.
Educational guardians are the parents’ representative with authority to act on a parent's behalf in all respects. Guardians take responsibility for pupils when the School is closed and this includes holiday periods (leave out weekends, half terms and other holiday periods) as well as school closure due to emergency and unforeseen circumstances. In addition, guardians should also be available to take responsibility if a pupil must be away from School temporarily due to factors such as illness (infectious diseases) and disciplinary matters.
Government regulations (May 2025) require guardians to:
• be a British Citizen or hold settled status in the UK.
• not have a criminal record, and to ensure any person regularly staying at, or visiting their home does not have a criminal record either.
A nominated guardian:
• may be a relative of the pupil, a nominated friend of the family or be appointed through an AEGIS accredited guardianship agency.
• must be older than 25-years-old. must agree to uphold several important standards in their letter of undertaking.
Keeping us informed (continued)
All nominated guardians will be required to complete a letter of undertaking when they agree to the role, the letter will confirm their suitability, their name and contact details, in addition to any other pupils to whom they provide guardianship arrangements. A ‘letter of undertaking’ template will be sent to each nominated guardian via our New Pupils’ Papers Platform.
The school can provide details of AEGIS accredited guardianship organisations and in the absence of having a close relative in the UK, this is the route we would recommend.
Attendance
Parents/carers have a legal duty to ensure that their child attends school regularly. This means that their child must attend every day that the School is open, except in a small number of allowable circumstances such as being too ill to attend or being given permission for an absence in advance from the School.
Parents and carers must:
• Ensure their child attends every day the School is open except when a statutory reason applies.
• Notify the School as soon as possible when their child has to be unexpectedly absent or late (contact the Head of Lower School and Matron in House).
Only request leave of absence in exceptional circumstances and do so in advance.
• Book any medical appointments around the school day or in holidays where possible.
• Ensure their child is punctual when arriving into School.
Leave of absence in term-time
All pupils are expected to be in School during term time, and we would not expect to receive any requests for absence, in particular due to holiday or late arrival/early departure at the start or end of term. Uppingham believes that it is detrimental to a pupil to miss any schooling at this crucial point in their education. There is no substitute for being taught in the classroom and absence can lead to pupils being disadvantaged in external examinations.
We ask that parents of overseas pupils make appropriate travel arrangements, using guardians where necessary, to ensure that pupils do not miss School at the beginning or end of term.
Acceptable reasons for leave of absence from the School: Leave of absence will only be granted for legitimate reasons, including but not limited to:
• Illness or medical appointments, considering NHS guidance around illness and school attendance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/children-andyoung-people-settings-tools-and-resources
• Bereavement of a close family member. Religious observances.
• Exceptional family circumstances (e.g. weddings of immediate family members).
Keeping us informed (continued)
• Participation in sporting or artistic events at a regional/national level.
• Educational activities approved by the School.
Further information on how to request absence and on our attendance procedures can be found in the attendance policy.
Lower School Matters
Lorne House will be open from 07.30 until 18.00, Monday to Friday.
Breakfast
Breakfast will be available between 07.30 and 08.00 in the Lorne House dining room.
Registration
Registration will be held at 08.15; pupils should ensure they arrive in plenty of time.
Buttery
The Buttery is not accessible for the Lower School pupils. At break time (10.45 – 11.10), and after lessons (after 16.30), the Lower School pupils will return to Lorne House.
Lunch
Lunch will be at 12.10. It is a formal meal which means that pupils should wear full uniform. Lunch will finish around 12.50 so that there is time to get ready for the afternoon lessons or sport.
Prep Club and Activities/Enrichment Programme
Prep Club will run in the House each afternoon from 16.30 – 18.00. The activities and enrichment programme will also run at this time.
Pick-up
Pupils may be picked up from 16.30 (please note that their last lesson will finish at 16.30). From 16.30 the options available to the pupils will be supervised prep and the enrichment/activities offering. All pupils must be picked up by 18.00.
Visits by parents
Our aim is to work in partnership with parents, and we want you to feel involved in your child’s education. We therefore hope that you visit the School wherever possible, for example to watch matches, concerts or theatre performances.
Tutor groups
There will be two tutor groups in 2025-2026. Mrs Bartley (Head of Lower School) will be the Year 7 tutor, and Mr Hannigan (Head of Wellbeing) will be the Year 8 tutor. Each tutor group will meet with this tutor, as a group, once a week. After a review is published, the Tutors will meet their tutees individually.
Birthdays
If your child has a birthday on a school day, we will be delighted to help them celebrate with their friends. Parents are welcome to send in a cake with their child on their birthday. All cakes must be nut-free as we are a nut-free school. Please email the Head of Lower School or Matron, if you plan to do this, in advance of your child’s birthday and the cake will be cut and shared after lunch.
Bringing food into School
Should you wish to provide your child with any snacks to be eaten at break or after lessons, please note that we are a ‘nut free’ school.
Lower School Matters (continued)
Lockers
There will be a locker for each pupil, which will be based in the dining room in the autumn term. The lockers will be located once space has been created as part of the planned works. The lockers are for the safekeeping of items the pupils need during the school day. Valuable items should not be brought into school.
Bounds
All shops and the town itself are out of bounds to pupils in the Lower School (Years 7 and 8).
Money
Lower School pupils do not need any money on a day-to-day basis. If a need arises for a pupil to make an unplanned purchase, Matron will have access to emergency funds. Any money loaned will be added to the end of term fee bill.
School Shop
Small items can be purchased from the School Shop, using an order form acquired from Matron. If a child needs an item of clothing, Matron will seek permission from parents first before arranging for an item of school uniform to be purchased. The charge will be added to the end of term school fee invoice.
Keeping the House clean
Every pupil is expected to keep the house clean and tidy up after themselves in common areas.
There will be house duties, which each pupil will be expected to fulfil.
Illness
If a pupil feels unwell, Matron is their first port of call. If Matron is not available, the Head of Lower School or Lorne House tutor will be available. If a pupil is too ill or unable to attend lessons, we will contact parents so that their child can be collected.
Toiletries
Matron will have an emergency stock of toiletries.
Academic Matters
Timetable
An example of the Lower School timetable is below. This example shows the timetable for Year 7s; the Year 8 timetable will follow similar timings.
Please note that this is the provisional timetable, and therefore subject to change over the summer, as plans are finalised for 2025-26
departure (from Cavell Minibus Park off the Leicester Road)
Academic Matters (continued)
Equipment
All pupils should bring basic stationery such as file paper, pens, pencils, rulers, erasers, etc. with them at the beginning of term. For Maths, pupils must have a suitable calculator.
The standard model used throughout the School for both GCSE and A level Maths is the Casio Classwiz fx-991CW. This calculator is widely available and can be purchased in advance of arrival. If preferred, a personalised calculator with geometry set (protractor, compasses, ruler) can be purchased through the Maths Department in the first few weeks of term.
Reporting system
A review of progress in academic subjects is available for parents every four to five weeks, and a house/pastoral report on other areas of school life is written at the end of each term.
Parent Teacher meetings
Each year there are Parent Teacher meetings for every age group. In 2025-26, the Lower School Parent Teacher meetings will take place at Uppingham from 17.00 – 19.00, and will be held on:
• Friday 5 December 2025
• Thursday 21 May 2026
Booking appointments with your child’s teachers is done online via School Cloud. Details will be sent out prior to each PT meeting. For any parents unable to attend, we can arrange online meetings.
Learning support
The School provides advice and assistance for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND) from its own qualified staff.
If the Head of Learning Support, Mrs Zainab Jenkins, has not already received a copy of relevant reports (e.g. educational psychologist/specialist assessor and/or assessments from other professionals, e.g. medical practitioner, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech and language), please scan and email them to senco@uppingham.co.uk.
Parents are reminded that the Acceptance Form and Confidential Information Form requires parents to have communicated all matters, including copies of any assessments, relating to SEND to the School in advance of their child's arrival.
The Head of Learning Support in the Lower School is Mrs Mia Granger admissions@uppingham.co.uk (until 1 September 2025). To book some time with her in the first week of term, please contact her via email.
Co-Curricular
The co-curricular programme at Uppingham provides pupils with the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that extend their learning and experiences beyond the classroom.
If you have any questions with regards to the co-curricular programme, please contact: Mr Phil Nicholls, Assistant Head: Curriculum (pjn@uppingham.co.uk
Sport
Director of Sport: Mr Nick Gandy, DoS@uppingham.co.uk
Participation in sport offers pupils stronger cognition, communication, and social skills, contributing to a healthier, happier life. At Uppingham, we ensure that sport is accessible and enjoyable for all pupils, regardless of their level of ability; our sporting and co-curricular programmes reflect this.
The sport played by the Lower School pupils will be as follows:
Autumn term: Hockey (girls) and rugby (boys)
Spring term: Netball (girls) and hockey (boys)
Summer term: Cricket (girls and boys)
At the beginning of the autumn term, the Sports Department will meet all the new Lower School pupils – the purpose of this meeting is to introduce the pupils to the team in the department, giving them an opportunity to not only start getting to know their coaches but also their peers. It is a relaxed, informal, fun event and an ideal time to ask any questions the pupils may have. By the end of this, the pupils will have been orientated around the campus and understand the expected standards of Uppingham Sport.
As part of the activities programme for sport, Lower School pupils can also get involved in cricket, tennis, rugby, golf hockey and athletic development sessions.
The main day for sports fixtures will be Wednesday afternoons. There will be occasional fixtures on a Saturday, and this will be communicated with families in advance so that availability and commitment can be sought ahead of time.
Parents are welcome to attend fixtures, details of which will be posted on the sports website, www.uppinghamsports.co.uk.
Music
Director of Music: Mr Andrew Webster, DoM@uppingham.co.uk
Uppingham has three music schools, and timetables hundreds of individual music lessons a week. The Director of Music and his team will meet all new pupils at the beginning of the autumn term to set out the range of opportunities that are available to them. In time, pupils who have instrumental lessons will be expected to play or sing in a school ensemble as part of the experience of taking music lessons subject to ability (currently Grade 3 and above).
As part of the activities programme for music, Lower School musicians can also get involved in Concert Band, which is for wind/brass and percussion players, and/or the Junior Strings Ensemble. Both of these groups are open to musicians who have achieved Grade 3 on their instrument, or higher.
Co-Curricular (continued)
For pupils who sign-up for individual music lessons, we have found that it is better for pupils to learn no more than two instruments in their first term. Matters relating to instrumental lessons should be addressed to the Music Lessons Co-ordinator, Mrs Debbie Broomfield (01572 820696 or dhb@uppingham.co.uk).
Alexander Technique lessons are offered to help pupils achieve their potential through work with balance, posture and breathing. As well as helping with music, pupils find that their lessons support them in many areas of their lives: coping with busy-ness and stress, working at a screen, sport, drama, thinking clearly, or simply moving more freely. Music exams are facilitated every term. We offer both Associated Board and MTB (Music Teachers Board) exams.
Theatre
Director of Theatre: Mr Matt Bulmer, DoT@uppingham.co.uk
Uppingham Theatre lies in the centre of the School and provides a wide range of opportunities for pupils. It is a welcoming space where everyone can get involved, be it those pupils who have performed before or who have never seen drama before. As well as a performance space, it is a learning space, and the dedicated team of drama teachers and theatre technicians are on hand to make every pupil's experience a fulfilling one.
As part of the activities programme, there will be a Drama Club for Years 7, 8 and 9 (Fourth Form), plus a Musical Theatre Club and Tech Club (open to all pupils). In January 2026, there will be an opportunity to audition for Bright Young Things, the Lower School and Fourth Form play.
As pupils move up into the senior school, there will be even more opportunities for them to get involved on the stage or behind the scenes.
Theatre productions and music concerts
The Theatre hosts several professional standard productions during the year, both in the main auditorium and in the Williams Studio. Many of these are pupil productions and we are also fortunate to host a diverse range of external performances including ballet, theatre, comedy and poetry readings.
Parents are welcome to attend all music concerts, whether their child is performing or not. Many of the concerts are free of charge, although we do ask that parents book a ticket so that we are aware of the number of people attending.
Tickets for all performances and concerts can be purchased via the Uppingham Arts page: https://www.uppingham.co.uk/arts-programme
LAMDA Lessons – London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art)
LAMDA lessons are very popular at Uppingham and are offered to all pupils. Our two dedicated LAMDA teachers offer lessons in: Acting, Devising, Reading for Performance, Speaking in Public, Speaking Verse and Prose and Musical Theatre. Many of these disciplines offer a good foundation for life beyond Uppingham and also provide UCAS points. Lessons are given weekly, lasting 30 minutes and costing £27.75, with exams scheduled each term.
Co-Curricular (continued)
Enrichment and co-curricular activities
The programme of after school enrichment and activities runs between 16.30 and 18.00. Enrichment activities are usually run by staff or pupil leaders and on occasion external instructors. There may be a small cost associated with some of the activities on offer and this will be communicated ahead of a pupil’s involvement. The schedule is published termly on UPPnet. Pupils will be able to engage with the clubs and societies on offer at the beginning of the academic year and given the opportunity to sign up. Any decision can also be made in consultation with the Head of Lower School.
Departmental trips
To support learning around a subject, departmental trips may be run. Parents’ prior consent will be sought for a trip costing more than £50
Chapel and Chaplaincy
The Lower School pupils will have their own Chapel Service on a Tuesday morning.
The Chaplaincy Team is fully involved in all aspects of school life, and is there for everyone in the school community, whether or not they have a religious faith. They offer pastoral support and a chance to talk through life’s ‘big questions’, as well as a range of activities. So far as possible, we will support any pupil who wishes to practise their faith.
Many pupils get confirmed during their time at Uppingham and details regarding confirmation will be sent out once a pupil has joined the senior school.
If you wish to talk to the Chaplain about any matter, please get in touch via email, chaplain@uppingham.co.uk
Technology
Laptops and tablets
All pupils joining the Lower School in 2025 (only) will be provided with a suitable device for learning (an iPad), compatible with our IT systems. This device will be available for pupils to use throughout their time in the Lower School. When pupils move up to join Year 9, the School operates a compulsory ‘Bring Your Own Device’ policy, and more information will be shared at the point of transition.
The School will provide access to filtered WiFi both in the classroom and in Lorne House. We also provide a free subscription to Microsoft Office 365, a school email account and access to various services such as Uppnet (where pupils access their preps, academic resources and a whole host of other news and information).
The iPads will be passed on to the pupils on the first day of term.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are not permitted in the Lower School during the school day.
Flexible boarders will follow the Fourth Form mobile phone policy, which means the pupil has access to their mobile phone from 18.00 – 19.00 each evening.
Electrical appliances/equipment
Other than a laptop or tablet, no other electrical appliances are permitted, without consultation with the Head of Lower School. Pupils will not be permitted to bring in gaming devices.
Parent Portal
In the summer holiday prior to your child joining Uppingham, you will receive an email inviting you to join the ‘Future Parent’ Portal, including details on how to activate and log-in to your account for the first time. Each parent will have their own individual account, including separate log-in details.
In late August, your ‘Future Parent’ Portal account will transition to the Current Parent Portal.
The Parent Portal is a part of the School’s intranet called UPPnet. Within it are a number of features that we hope you find useful. For example, you will have access to your child’s timetable and teachers, and an area where your child’s reports and reviews will be stored, as well as secure information such as Fee Bills and information about trips. There is also a mass of information available in the online ‘School Directory’, the link to which is on the front page of the Parent Portal.
Health and Wellbeing
Every adult at Uppingham has a pastoral role – teachers, HsMs, Head of Lower School, Matrons, domestic staff. Along with doctors, nurses, counsellors, nutritionists, psychologists, physiotherapists and other specialists, we create a framework of care that supports pupils as they navigate the emotional and physical complexities of teenage life.
Pastoral care
Uppingham aims to value and nurture each pupil within a warm, supportive house-based context, where pupils’ happiness and wellbeing is cared for in an inclusive and affirming environment. To achieve this aim, the School seeks to deliver unparalleled pastoral care, supporting the individual needs of pupils within a comprehensive, structured and consistent framework that develops resilient and independent pupils who, themselves, play their part in creating a culture of inclusivity, kindness, and mutual support.
The School prides itself on the open, friendly and supportive quality of relationships between pupils and staff. Staff are proactive in offering support where it is needed, and it is the School’s expectation that a pupil can approach any member of staff for guidance.
Some roles within the School have a particular pastoral focus, and it is expected that these people will often take the lead in supporting individual pupils: Head of Lower School, Tutors, Matrons, School Chaplain, School doctors, nurses and counsellors, and members of the senior pastoral team.
Woodfield Health Centre
Woodfield Health Centre (WHC) is the School’s professionally staffed and equipped health centre, which operates a 24-hour term time service run by registered nurses. WHC supplies all the School’s medical and counselling services.
The Health Centre Nurse Manager, Helen Bell, is a Registered General Nurse and can be contacted at the Woodfield Health Centre (01572 820795 or 01572 820796), or via email to: hab@uppingham.co.uk.
The nursing staff provide assessment and treatment of minor injuries and illness, chronic disease management, first aid, prescribed immunisation and vaccinations, health promotion and in-patient treatment and observation.
Day pupils
Day pupils should remain registered with their GP at home where they should continue to access their usual medical care. However, day pupils can be seen by a school nurse at Woodfield Health Centre during the school day either in an emergency or for first aid treatment as required.
Day pupils can access the School's free counselling service, as requested. Relevant medical and counselling information will be shared with parents dependent on the child’s age, and with the child’s consent if required.
Day pupils are also included in the immunisation clinics held at school by the School Aged Immunisation Service for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Health and Wellbeing (continued)
Parents are responsible for booking and accompanying their child to any medical appointments that they require.
Any changes to medical or health information should be communicated to the House as soon as possible so that we are able to care for each pupil effectively.
Boarding pupils
Boarding pupils are registered with the School's doctors, who are based at Uppingham Surgery, North Gate, Uppingham LE15 9EG (01572 823531) during the pupil’s time at the School. Once they have been registered with the School's doctors, if they need medical treatment during the holidays they should complete a temporary resident form at your local GP’s surgery; and we request that details of any consultation be sent to the School's doctors. Doctors’ clinics are held weekdays at the Health Centre except for public holidays.
Infectious diseases
Your child should not be sent to School if they have an infectious disease or if they are isolating because they have been in contact with someone with an infectious disease. If parents are in doubt as to whether to send their child to school, they should consult their home doctor and/or Woodfield Health Centre for advice and guidance prior to return.
In addition, please inform us if your child has had an infectious illness during any holiday period. If your child is unable, for any reason, to return to School at the proper time, the Head of Lower School should always be informed, if possible, well in advance.
Parents/guardians must be available to collect their child from Uppingham should they develop an infectious disease during the school day, and the child should not return to School until they are no longer contagious.
Medicines management
The Uppingham School Medicine Management Policy outlines procedures and methods that represent good professional practice and represents current legislation governing the safe handling of medicines.
Parents and pupils are asked to refrain from bringing medicines into school unless the pupil requires ongoing, regular treatment. This includes prescription-only medicines, over-the-counter medicines, complementary therapies or herbal preparations. Parents who require their child to receive holistic or alternative medications must inform the Head of Lower School, Lorne House Matron and/or Woodfield Health Centre staff of their wishes.
Parents who require their child to receive ongoing, regular medicines should hand them to the Head of Lower School or Lorne House Matron immediately on arrival at school. If medicines are brought into school, they must be in their original packaging with a clear medicine label giving instructions for administration. Instructions must be written in English.
Health and Wellbeing (continued)
Pupils should not be in possession of any medicines or drugs that the School is not aware of and whilst at the School, pupils' medicines should be declared and managed under the supervision of the School Medical Officer; this is absolutely essential in regards to Controlled Drugs and medicines prescribed for mental health reasons.
The School can provide an approved list of over-the-counter medicines for administration to pupils if required on an ad hoc basis, but parents are advised that if medicines are required on a regular basis that they should both provide and declare them to house staff on arrival at school, as per policy. However, if specific prescription-only antihistamines or nasal sprays are required that cannot be bought over-the-counter, then these should be prescribed by the child’s GP.
Any medication that a pupil needs during the school day must be handed into house staff to be stored safely in House. Pupils should not carry any medication (including over the counter medicines) during the school day, unless they have permission from the Head of Lower School.
If a pupil has taken any medication within the last 24 hours, this should be communicated to Matron by parents or carers before the pupil arrives at school.
If a pupil takes any medication at school, this will be reported to parents via email.
Controlled drugs
Uppingham School requires pupils/parents to give consent to share medical information regarding a pupil’s medical diagnosis and need for treatment with a Controlled Drug with the School's Woodfield Health Centre if they are to be allowed to take Controlled Drugs whilst at school. Please note that it is an offence for a child to pass a Controlled Drug to another child so if the School discovers that a pupil has passed a Controlled Drug to another child within school then strict disciplinary procedures will be followed. In addition, please note that pupils taking Controlled Drugs should not drink alcohol as combining alcohol with these drugs can increase the effects of both.
All boarding pupils who are registered at Uppingham Surgery can request their repeat prescriptions through Woodfield Health Centre and Matron will assist pupils to do this. Repeat prescriptions can then be dispensed by Boots the Chemist in Uppingham and delivered to the boarding houses, with the consent of the pupil/parent, which will be requested as part of the admissions process.
When necessary, it is the usual practice for the School's doctors to refer boarding pupils to appropriate local consultants either within the NHS or privately, dependant on parent(s) choice. Day pupils should see their own GP at home for this.
Anti-influenza
Vaccination against flu is recommended annually for eligible pupils and is given by the School Aged Immunisation Service. There is no charge for the vaccine if a pupil is eligible. However, if a pupil is not eligible but would like the vaccination, we can arrange for them to have this done privately. There is a charge for this service. This vaccination is given during the autumn term.
Health and Wellbeing (continued)
Sports supplements
The term Sports Supplement covers a wide range of products which are easily available on the high street or online, and which contain a variety of ingredients such as protein, minerals, vitamins, caffeine, creatine, and glutamine. Various claims are made that such products enhance athletic performance and/or build muscle bulk in a way that is beyond what could be achieved without them. Some websites offering these supplements are couched in pseudo-scientific terms and look very plausible to the young reader seeking an instant improvement in his or her athletic prowess.
Attitudes to diet and exercise are often developed in adolescence, and teaching pupils to prioritise food rather than supplements should help establish positive habits. A young athlete who already eats a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as adequate protein (either animal or plant based), who refuels correctly after exercise and who maintains adequate hydration before, during and after exercise should have no need of supplements.
Based on guidance from the Medical Officers of Schools Association (MOSA), Uppingham School does not recommend the use of sports supplements in adolescents. Young athletes should be encouraged to eat a wide range of healthy foods and ensure they are well hydrated when exercising. They should not need to use dietary supplements, and pupils and coaches should be aware that these do not provide a “short cut to success” and are not intended for use in people under the age of 18. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the lure of pseudoscience and the advertising that accompanies this highly lucrative industry. For those who need guidance, pupils are encouraged to reach out to the Sports Department or Woodfield Health Centre.
The School Rules state that pupils should not bring back, or order whilst at school, any sports training supplements or training enhancers. Supplements should only be taken under specific medical supervision. For more information pupils should contact Woodfield Health Centre on woodfield@uppingham.co.uk
Travel vaccinations
The School policy is that for a pupil to take part in an overseas trip where vaccinations are recommended by Woodfield Health Centre, which is in line with UK Health Security Agency, the parent must have provided either evidence of the pupil having received those vaccinations (exact dates) or must give consent for the pupil to receive the vaccinations. Pupils who are not vaccinated in line with recommendations will not be permitted to take part in the trip.
Pupils registered at Uppingham Surgery can receive vaccinations either at Woodfield Health Centre, Uppingham Surgery or a private travel clinic. Pupils not registered at Uppingham Surgery should access their vaccinations from their home GP or a private travel clinic.
Counselling
Four BACP registered and trained counsellors work at the School. Pupils may self-refer or might be referred by a member of staff. All referrals are directed to Woodfield Health Centre and the Lead Counsellor so that the most appropriate support can be put in place. While most pupils will be seen on an individual basis, some young people may feel happier attending counselling with a friend for support. In some cases, group sessions may also be appropriate.
Health and Wellbeing (continued)
In addition to supporting pupils directly, the school counsellors can offer general advice to pupils, parents and peers and can also provide supervision and training to School staff. Relevant information will be shared with parents’ dependent on the child’s age, and with the child’s consent, if required.
Private health insurance
Pupils may join the School’s Group Scheme with BUPA. Details are within the new pupil forms.
Money Matters
Payment of fees
Information regarding the payment of fees is detailed in the terms and conditions document you received with the acceptance form. In brief, fees are payable in advance the day before the beginning of the autumn, spring and summer terms. Each term’s fee bill includes the fee for the following term, together with extras for the preceding term. For queries about fees, please email fees@uppingham.co.uk.
Payment terms and direct debit
The fee bill is payable by direct debit unless the School has agreed to accept payment by direct bank transfer. Normally, this is for international payments as direct debit requires a UK bank account.
Please contact the Finance Director, Lindsay Cooper (01572 820627, ljc@uppingham.co.uk). If you do not pay by direct debit and have not agreed an alternative payment method with the Finance Director, on each occasion an administration fee of £25 is chargeable.
The School does not accept monthly payment of fees, although it does make parents aware of the services of School Fee Plan (SFP), a firm which offers monthly direct debit payments to parents for school fees.
If parents enter into an agreement with SFP, please note that the School is not party to that agreement, which is between SFP and the parents only. Please also note that the School is not recommending SFP’s School Fees facility to parents, and that it is the responsibility of parents to satisfy themselves as to the suitability of SFP’s offer, and as to the financial viability of SFP. The School’s standard terms and conditions will remain in force at all times. If parents enter into an agreement with SFP to pay their school fees as a third party, parents will remain fully responsible for all fees if the third party defaults.
If you have any queries, please call SFP direct on 01372 746 006 or visit www.premiumcredit.com.
Late payment
Interest is charged at 1.5% per month on late payments.
Fees in advance scheme
The School offers a fees in advance scheme which may be of interest to parents or other family members who have a capital sum available for Uppingham School fees. Further information is available from the Finance Director and also online.
Refund of fees
Fees are not refunded other than in accordance with the terms and conditions. Should your child be away from school due to illness, we do not refund fees as per our terms and conditions.
Extra charges
Non-optional extras
Whilst these are kept to a minimum, parents should be aware that some extra charges will be made and should seek information about them as appropriate.
Money Matters (continued)
These include:
• Books which are changed annually, or which pupils need to annotate.
• Learning Support tuition.
• English as a Foreign Language tuition.
• House subscriptions (these vary by House and your child’s HsM will advise you separately of the arrangements).
• Medical travel to and from hospital or specialist appointments.
Optional extras
There is also a variety of optional activities for which extra charges will be made including:
• Music lessons.*
• LAMDA speech and drama classes.*
• Educational visits and trips, including house trips. **
• School Shop charges.
• Photographs (School, House, team etc).** Taxis to/from stations/airports at the beginning and end of term etc.**
• Sports coaching.*
* The cost of these extras will be notified to parents in advance. Parents’ prior consent will be sought for a trip costing more than £50.
** An indication of the cost and notice that the cost will be placed on the bill will be given to pupils in advance to enable them to decide whether to participate.
Personal accident insurance
All pupils at Uppingham are covered under the Marsh Pupils’ Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, which provides financial benefits for a wide range of disablement arising from accidents. The cover is for the whole year round and worldwide. Pupils have automatic membership of this Scheme at no extra cost.
Personal effects insurance
The School does not insure the personal effects and belongings of pupils against loss or damage (however caused) whilst at the School, and parents are therefore strongly advised to arrange this cover themselves (and as required by the terms and conditions).
BUPA medical insurance
The School operates a BUPA scheme for the benefit of the pupils. This scheme is very popular and has been found to reduce the problems that can arise when a pupil requires medical treatment due to illness or sporting injury etc.
The premium is reviewed each April and is added to the fee bill each term. Our current policy carries no excess.
Childcare vouchers
The School does not accept childcare vouchers.
Travel
Drop off and pick up
Pupils can be dropped off and picked up on the road outside Lorne House. Pupils need to arrive by 08.05 for registration at 08.15.
Home to School minibus service
Uppingham operates several Home to School minibus routes, information can be found here (https://www.uppingham.co.uk/admissions/bus-service).
A minimum number of pupils are required for a minibus service to run.
Taxis
If you need to arrange a taxi for your child to get to or from school, a list of taxi companies can be found under the Useful Numbers section of the Parent Portal. If such travel is arranged, please make the Head of Lower School aware of who will be collecting your child.
Travel to/from Peterborough Station
For boarders, the School arranges a bus to/from Peterborough train station at the start/end of each half term to assist parents who are unable to collect or return their children. The departure times are published in the calendar each term and places are booked in advance.
The booking process for travel is through the School’s travel portal. Details will be sent to the parents of boarders before the start of term.
Please note, the purchase of train tickets is the responsibility of parents.
At the point of departure, a check is completed to ensure that all pupils who have arranged to travel by coach are present. However, apart from the coach driver, there is no member of staff supervising the coach travel, but a member of staff is present to check pupils onto the bus either at Uppingham or Peterborough Station. This allows us to look after pupils whose train may be delayed.
Travel to/from Airports
For overseas pupils, Richard Bradley (bookings@uppinghamtaxis.co.uk +44 (0) 7581 735959) of Uppingham Taxis organises a large proportion of the School’s airport collections and deliveries and should be contacted directly by parents or guardians as required.
As part of his management of this transport, he arranges for pupils with similar departure and arrival times to travel together and thus might arrange transport by car, MPV, minibus or coach.
Please note, the purchase of plane tickets remains the responsibility of parents.
Reporting travel arrangements to Houses
The travel arrangements of pupils who board at Uppingham are managed through a platform called i-gtm. Families of boarding pupils will receive an email from the travel portal provider (i-gtm) in advance of a pupil leaving or returning to School. This will provide a Travel Arrangements Reporting link. This link allows families to communicate clearly the arrangements being made for their child’s travel to/from School. This information is vital for staff to know, particularly when pupils are making their way back to School on their own. The link provided allows parents or guardians to submit this information to the house staff via the Parent Portal.
Passports, Child Visas and Bank Accounts
Passports
We recommend that if passports are brought to school, they should be left in the possession of the Head of Lower School so that they can be stored safely.
Child Student Visas (Overseas pupils)
Following a successful application for a Child Student Visa, overseas pupils will be given a digital UK status by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI). This digital visa (eVisa) can be viewed and evidenced online. If a pupil renews their passport at any stage, then they must also update their UKVI account online so that the correct personal details are linked to the eVisa. Before starting at Uppingham, the Admissions department will request a ‘share code’ from the family so that we can evidence and record the eVisa. If a pupil changes their visa to a different visa category, such as a BNO visa or a Dependent’s visa, please inform the Admissions Department (admissions@uppingham.co.uk).
Bank accounts for non-UK resident families
Pupils not resident in the UK may require a letter clarifying that they are boarders at Uppingham in order to apply for a UK bank account. These letters can be obtained from the admissions office (admissions@uppingham.co.uk) who will prepare them for your collection or will send them via email. Parents or guardians of overseas pupils are responsible for opening UK bank accounts for those in their care.
School Rules
School Rules
The breach of any of these rules is regarded as a serious offence.
1. Bullying in any form will not be tolerated at Uppingham. Such behaviour causes fear and distress for the victim and may distract them from enjoying their work and play. It often affects other children who witness the behaviour and it can damage the atmosphere in a classroom or a boarding house. It is contrary to all our aims and values.
Uppingham’s definition of bullying is:
Any persistent behaviour by an individual or group, verbal or non-verbal, electronic, physical or psychological, which deliberately intends to make another person feel hurt, uncomfortable, humiliated or unhappy as a result.
Persistent bullies may be required to leave the School.
2. Pupils must never use any form of discriminatory language, for example, comments based upon someone’s race, gender, sexuality, disability or religious faith and/or identity.
3. Anyone found possessing or using drugs or drug related paraphernalia (including ‘new psychoactive substances’) other than for authorised medical purposes, or harmful substances (including the misuse of solvents), may be required to leave the School.
4. Pupils may not drink nor indeed be in possession of ANY alcohol. They may have alcoholic drinks (but never spirits) only at the invitation of members of staff, parents or other persons authorised by the Headmaster or Housemaster/Housemistress.
5. Pupils may not smoke/vape or possess smoking/vaping materials or any smoking/vaping paraphernalia including snus.
6. No pupil may be out of his or her boarding house between 22.00 and 07.00 except with the Housemaster’s/Housemistress’ permission.
7. Guidance on relationships between pupils and public behaviour is covered in the Relationships and Sex Education Policy. When the School is acting in loco parentis, any pupil engaged in sexual activity may be required to leave the School.
8. Pupils may not travel in vehicles driven by a person under 25 unless that person is a relative or member of staff. Pupils may travel in vehicles, other than those of their parents or relatives or of School staff, ONLY with the express permission of their Housemaster/Housemistress who will normally need the written permission of the pupil’s parents in advance. Common sense and national legal requirements also apply.
9. Any item which could be considered a weapon (such as a gun, knife, catapult etc including imitation weapons) must not be brought into School. Pupils must not bring any fireworks into School.
10. Pupils must never take another pupils belongings without their permission –this includes ‘borrowing’.
Term Dates 2025 / 2026
Autumn Term 2025
Start of Term
Saturday 6 September, 9.00pm
Leave out weekend Friday 26 September, 1.10pm
Ends Sunday 28 September, 9.00pm
Start of half term
Saturday 18 October, 12 noon
End of half term Sunday 2 November, 9.00pm
Leave out weekend Friday 21 November, 1.10pm
Ends Sunday 23 November, 9.00pm
End of Term
Spring Term 2026
Start of Term
Saturday 13 December, 12 noon
Sunday 4 January, 9.00pm
Leave out weekend Friday 23 January, 1.10pm
Ends Sunday 25 January, 9.00pm
Start of half term Friday 13 February, 1.10pm
End of half term Sunday 22 February, 9.00pm
End of Term
Summer Term 2026
Start of Term
Saturday 21 March, 12 noon
Sunday 12 April, 9.00pm
Leave out weekend Saturday 2 May, 12 noon
Ends Monday 4 May, 9.00pm
Start of half term Friday 22 May, 1.10pm
End of half term Sunday 31 Maye, 9.00pm
End of Term Friday 26 June, 3.00pm (Speech Day)
Please note that exam dates are not yet known, therefore the 2025-2026 dates are subject to change.
We reserve the right to make changes to the term dates if necessary as a consequence of the dates set for public examinations, which have yet to be published.
The Term Dates can also be found on our website at: www.uppingham.co.uk/Term-Dates
Term Dates (continued)
Leave out weekends
Uppingham prides itself on operating a full and varied programme at weekends as well as during the week.
Each half term of five or six weeks will include a fixed whole School leave out that usually extends from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. Details of these can be found within the term dates. There is no leave out weekend in a half term which consists of only four weeks.
There are many members of staff who you will come into contact with over the course of your time at Uppingham, but details of those you may need over the summer are listed.
* available term time only
** Please click here for details of School Shop's summer opening hours.
The end of all staff email addresses is @uppingham.co.uk
School Contacts
Main Reception 01572 822216
PA to the Headmaster
Catherine Tremlett
cmt2@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820601
Admissions Office 01572 820611
Deputy Head Academic*
Miranda Melville-Coman dha@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820607
PA to the Deputy Head Academic
Lesley Robertson
lr2@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820607
Assistant Head: Curriculum
Phil Nicholls
pjn@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820687
Assistant Head: Sixth Form*
John Roberts
jlr@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820739
Director of Sport*
Nick Gandy
nrg@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820836
Chaplain*
Matt Phillips
chaplain@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820731
Music Lessons Co-ordinator*
Debbie Broomfield
dhb@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820696
Theatre Box Office*
Michael Phillips
boxoffice@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820705
Head of Learning Support*
Zainab Jenkins senco@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820735
Director of Information Systems
Adam Niblett ajn@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820661
Finance Director
Lindsay Cooper ljc@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820627
School Shop Manager**
Jane Roche schoolshop@uppingham.co.uk 01572 822211
Lead Nurse*
Helen Bell (Woodfield Health Centre) hab@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820795 or 07711 165316
House Directory
Brooklands (Boys)
Mr James Holroyd
Brooklands, London Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9TN 01572 820841
jh2@uppingham.co.uk
Constables (Girls)
Mrs Katherine Hanrahan
Constables, Leicester Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9SE 01572 820851
kfh@uppingham.co.uk
Fairfield (Girls)
Mrs Jo Welch
Fairfield, 40 Stockerston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9UD 01572 820861
jrw@uppingham.co.uk.
Farleigh (Boys)
Mr James Birch
Farleigh, Ayston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9RW 01572 820871
jsb1@uppingham.co.uk
Fircroft (Boys)
Mr Tom Hollyer
Fircroft, London Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9TL 01572 820880
tch2@uppingham.co.uk.
Highfield (Boys)
Mr Richard Hegarty
Highfield, London Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9TW 01572 820891
rch@uppingham.co.uk
Johnson’s (Girls)
Mr Alex Parker
Johnson’s, Stockerston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9UD 01572 820901
adp@uppingham.co.uk
Li Kwok Po House (Mixed – Day)
Mr Nigel Breakwell
Li Kwok Po House, High Street West, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QD ngb@uppingham.co.uk
Lorne House (The Lower School - Mixed)
Mrs Annabel Bartley
Lorne House, High Street West, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QF 01572 820911
afb@uppingham.co.uk
House Directory
Meadhurst (Boys)
Mr Patrick Shacklady
Meadhurst, Ayston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9RP 01572 820921
pms@uppingham.co.uk
New House (Girls)
Mrs Christina Breakwell
New House, North Street West, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9SG 01572 820931
ccb@uppingham.co.uk
Samworths’ (Girls)
Mrs Kitty Wells
Samworths’, Stockerston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9UD 01572 820941
kew@uppingham.co.uk
School House (Boys)
Mr Ben Lumley
School House, High Street West, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QE 01572 820950
admissions@uppingham.co.uk (until 1st Sept 2025)
The Lodge (Girls)
Miss Christie Halliday
The Lodge, 3 Stockerston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9UG 01572 820961
clh2@upingham.co.uk
West Bank (Boys)
Mr David Bartley
West Bank, Stockerston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9UF 01572 820971
djb@uppingham.co.uk
West Deyne (Boys)
Mr Sam Roberts
West Deyne, 29 High Street West, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QG 01572 820981
sir@uppingham.co.uk
Uppingham School Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QE United Kingdom
Switchboard: +44 (0)1572 822216 Admissions: +44 (0)1572 820611 admissions@uppingham.co.uk www.uppingham.co.uk