New Pupil Handbook from Fourth Form 2025-26_Uppingham School

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For entry into the Fourth Form (Year 9) and above in September 2025

New Pupil Handbook

Welcome from the Headmaster

It is my great pleasure to welcome you into the Uppingham community.

Thank you for choosing to entrust your children into our care. We will do all we can to repay your faith by making sure every pupil is happy, valued, and empowered during their time at Uppingham.

Education is a partnership between parents, professionals, and pupils; therefore, right from the beginning of our relationship, we want open and warm dialogue between home and school. Adolescents are intrinsically – and sometimes infuriatingly – complicated and, if we are to get the best from our young people, we need to work together. To that end, this document is intended to help demystify the process of joining a new and busy institution.

Uppingham is a wonderful school. We have so much to offer young people during the most crucial developmental phase of their lives. The everyday Uppingham community is vibrant, and pupils and staff pull in the same direction. We are proud of our affirming culture, and value the sense of belonging Uppingham engenders. Truly, we are all in this together.

We are at the beginning of an exciting journey together and look forward to being a part of your family’s life for many years to come.

Child

Acceptable

Academic

Learning

Enrichment

Duke

Combined

Trips

Chapel

Technology

Mobile

Boarding

Safety

Money

Introduction

We are keen to ensure that all new pupils, and their parents, join Uppingham as prepared as possible for their time at the School. This booklet details much of the essential information you need to make your start at Uppingham a successful one and this, combined with the House Handbook you will receive from your child’s Housemaster or Housemistress (HsM) in due course, should answer any questions you have.

Of course, if you have any queries about any of the matters or information contained here you must not hesitate in contacting your child’s HsM.

An important part of life at Uppingham is the co-curricular timetable and pupils are encouraged to get involved in the societies and activities on offer to them. The Co-curricular Enrichment Programme will be made available to you so that your child can see what opportunities are on offer and plan ahead.

Finally, as we approach the beginning of the new school year, we will send you details of how to activate your Parent Portal account; each parent has their own account. Through the Parent Portal you will have access to a great deal of information including the calendar, staff contact details, parent teacher meetings etc. In addition, you will be able to see your child’s timetable, who is teaching them, and in time, their reviews and reports.

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

Change of address

Please inform the Admissions Department (admissions@uppingham.co.uk), as well as your child’s HsM of any change of address or telephone number.

Parental absence

If you go away from home on business or on holiday during term time, please let your child’s HsM know and leave contact details where you can be reached in an emergency.

Guardians (Overseas Residents)

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 has to 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.

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.

Emergency Contacts (UK residents)

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.

Keeping us informed (continued)

Forms

Please complete the new pupil online forms as soon as possible, and by 30 June at the latest.

Passports

We recommend that, if passports are brought to school, they should be left in the possession of your child's HsM so that they can be stored safely.

Child Student Visas

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 are responsible for opening UK bank accounts for those in their care.

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 HsM 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 (including late arrivals and early departures)

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. 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.

Keeping us informed (continued)

We expect parents to 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:

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).

• Participation in sporting or artistic events at a regional/national level.

• Educational activities approved by the School.

• Attendance at a limited number of university open days.

Further information on how to request absence and on our attendance procedures can be found in the attendance policy.

Travel

To/From Peterborough Station

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 travel portal. Details will be sent to parents 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 those 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.

To/From Airports

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.

Alternatively, if you require travel elsewhere for your child, a list of taxi companies can be found under the Useful Numbers section of the Parent Portal.

Keeping us informed (continued)

Reporting Travel Arrangements to Houses

Families of all pupils will receive an email from the travel portal provider (igtm) 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.

Academic Matters

Equipment

All pupils should bring basic stationery such as file paper, pens, pencils, erasers, etc. with them at the beginning of term. Additional supplies can also be purchased at the School Shop. All pupils studying Maths 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.

Subject sets

The range of ability at Uppingham is high by national standards, and in most subjects teaching takes place in mixed ability classes. There is some setting in Mathematics and Modern Languages and, in those subjects, pupils may be moved up or down a set during the course of the academic year as appropriate.

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. Each year there are Parent Teacher meetings for every age group, which are held remotely using School Cloud. Dates are published in the White List on the online parent portal.

Individual information

Information for Fourth Form parents regarding preferences for optional subjects was issued by the Deputy Head Academic in March. For other year groups, separate information appropriate to your child's year group should already have been issued. Sixth Form pupils/parents should by now have discussed their Sixth Form subjects with the School. Please do get in touch with your child's HsM or with the Deputy Head Academic (Fourth Form/GCSE options) or with the Assistant Head: Sixth Form (Sixth Form options) if you have any queries about this.

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 (eg educational psychologist/specialist assessor and/or assessments from other professionals, eg medical practitioner, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech and language), please scan and email them to her (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.

Academic Matters (continued)

The School is required to re-evaluate all previous exam access arrangements (eg, extra time). Please note that the JCQ regulations state:

“A privately commissioned assessment carried out without prior consultation with the centre cannot be used to award access arrangements and cannot be used to process an application using Access arrangements online”.

We cannot guarantee that any previously-held exam arrangements will continue.

For new Sixth Form pupils, we are also required to reconfirm exam arrangements, including liaising with previous schools and ensuring that the arrangement remains the pupil’s usual way of working on account of a significant and ongoing need.

Co-Curricular

The co-curricular programme at Uppingham provides pupils with the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of activities that extend their learning and experiences beyond the classroom. Pupils will attend information sessions with the Directors of Sport and Music as well as attending the Enrichment Fair at the beginning of the year to find out more about the programmes on offer. If you have any questions with regards to the co-curricular programme please contact: Phil Nicholls, Assistant Head: Curricular (pjn@uppingham.co.uk).

Sport

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.

Fourth Form pupils will start their sporting journey with hockey (girls) and rugby (boys). It is worth recognising that contact rugby is not compulsory and that we play various formats of the game to encourage all pupils. All new pupils are sent the sports options list when they arrive at the School. On the first Sunday of the Autumn term, the Sports Department meet all new 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 they may have. By the end of day one they will have been orientated around the campus and understand the expected standards of Uppingham Sport.

All pupils have four periods of sport in the week, plus matches on Saturday afternoons. Pupils can also attend Athletic Development sessions during the week, allowing them to become fitter, faster and stronger. Competitive fixtures are predominantly played on Saturdays. Parents are welcome to attend fixtures, details of which can be found on www.uppinghamsports.co.uk. If you have any specific questions about sport, please contact the Director of Sport, Nick Gandy, at: nrg@uppingham.co.uk

Music

The Director of Music, Andrew Webster, would be delighted to answer specific enquiries about music-making at: dom@uppingham.co.uk. He and his team meet all new pupils at the beginning of the year to set out the range of opportunities that are available. All pupils who have instrumental lessons are expected to play or sing in a school ensemble, of which there are many, catering for all abilities of musician in many styles of music.

We have found that it is better for pupils to learn no more than two instruments in their first term. This can be reviewed at Christmas if you wish to extend from two to three weekly lessons. Matters relating to instrumental lessons should be addressed to the Music Lessons Co-ordinator, 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.

Co-Curricular (continued)

Parents are welcome to attend all concerts, details of which are to be found on the School website.

Theatre

Uppingham Theatre lies in the centre of the school and provides a wide range of opportunities for pupils. Those keen on acting can audition for several plays performed during the year, all of which have a dedicated team of pupil-led stage crew who stage manage and operate sound and lighting as well as supporting with costume and make up. Our technical and design pupils are supported by an award-winning team of technicians. Beyond the big productions are weekly co-curricular societies including the lower school drama club, musical theatre club and tech club. Lower Sixth pupils are invited to apply to be theatre ushers, running the front of house for events.

Uppingham Theatre welcomes everyone, be it those who have performed their whole lives or those 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. In September, all Fourth Form are welcomed to the Theatre to meet the team and discover the opportunities available to them.

Should any pupils have any questions about the Theatre or want a more bespoke tour prior to arriving at Uppingham, please email the Director of Theatre, Matt Bulmer, who would be delighted to meet with you to share information and explore the spaces.

Theatre Productions

The Theatre hosts a number of 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. This year’s School productions have been: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Skelling and Romeo and Juliet. Our actors are given a complete production experience, with our 300-seat auditorium selling out for all our shows.

Tickets for all performances can be purchased via the Uppingham Arts page: https://www.uppingham.co.uk/community/arts-programme

The cost of these tickets will be added directly to the School bill.

Parents are always welcome to attend internal and external productions and can purchase tickets via the above link with a debit / credit card.

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. Pupils are also given the

Co-Curricular (continued)

opportunity to perform to an invited audience during termly lunchbox LAMDA recitals in the theatre bar and through an annual celebration of LAMDA evening, to which parents are invited.

Enrichment and co-curricular afternoons

The programme of after school clubs and societies is extensive and involves most pupils in the School. 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. The Enrichment Fair at the start of the academic year provides pupils with an opportunity to engage with the clubs and societies on offer.

Pupils in Lower Fifth upwards have a timetabled co-curricular afternoon on Fridays, called UPP&Out. This includes a range of scholars’ programmes, the CCF, community service, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, StartUPP (an entrepreneurship programme designed for our Lower Sixth) and UPPSkill.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Uppingham is open to all and pupils can complete either the Silver or Gold Award. The Silver Award starts in the Lower Fifth and Gold in Lower Sixth. The Award celebrates what pupils do outside the classroom, across a range of volunteering, physical and skill activities. Pupils also undertake an expedition: Silver and Gold have their compulsory practice expedition at the start of the Easter break with assessed expeditions in the summer term and start of summer holidays respectively. Silver participants can also choose canoeing, with the practice canoeing expedition at the end of the Easter break and the assessed expedition in the Summer term. At the Gold Award level, pupils must also organise their own residential activity. All award levels require commitment and a proactive approach.

Combined Cadet Force

The CCF provides a host of challenging, adventurous and exciting opportunities for pupils across all year groups. On Friday afternoons pupils will be involved in a range of military themed activities. These include Field Craft, Shooting, Sailing, Adventurous Training and learning to fly in the VR simulator as well as a host of other things, all of which aim to enable the development of personal responsibility, self-discipline and leadership. Beyond Fridays, pupils enjoy Field Weekends, a Summer Camp, Adventurous Training Camps, as well as the opportunity to attend external courses and to gain nationally recognised qualifications.

Trips and Educational Visits

Pupils can be involved in a wide range of trips from weekend outings with their boarding house to academic excursions. Residential trips are varied and include immersive, cultural, sporting, academic and social experiences for the pupils. We have a range of long running trips which can be viewed on UPPnet; however, new, and exciting opportunities take place every year. The residential trip list is published well in advance, so parents are able to plan ahead and make informed decisions.

Co-Curricular (continued)

Chapel and Chaplaincy

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. We 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.

Most mornings begin with everyone gathering in Chapel, where the incredible singing is a big part of our identity. Our founding tradition is Anglican Christian, but whoever is leading (chaplains, staff, students or a visitor), Chapel is always conducted in a way which respects individual beliefs and backgrounds. Parents are always welcome to attend Sunday Chapel services.

Many pupils are confirmed during their time at Uppingham. We are able to offer Anglican confirmation each year, and confirmation in the Catholic Church biennially. A letter to parents with full details is normally sent after Christmas.

If you wish to talk to the Chaplain about any matter, please get in touch via email, chaplain@uppingham.co.uk

Technology

Technology

The School now operates a compulsory ‘Bring Your Own Device’ policy. This means each pupil must bring in their own mobile device (laptop/tablet) to assist with their school work. The School will provide access to filtered WiFi both in the classroom and in the houses. 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).

Towards the middle of the summer holidays the IT team send pupil account details and simple setup instructions to parents, thus enabling pupil devices to be ready for the start of term.

The School does not insist on any particular device but has guidance on the website to help. Please click here.

Any device brought into the School is entirely at the pupil’s own risk and will be subject to specific rules regarding acceptable use. The School is unable to provide insurance or hardware maintenance on pupil devices, but the IT team will always help a pupil who is struggling with their technology. Should a pupil’s computer have a hardware fault, they will need to arrange the repair, but we will offer a loan device whilst the repair is made.

Mobile phones

The School recognises that these are a valuable way of communicating during the school day but they are not allowed in school or out and about on the streets of Uppingham. Their use in the houses is subject to guidelines which are circulated in houses. The main thing we ask parent to note is that they should not phone their child during Prep (19.00 - 21.00) or after bedtime.

Boarding House Matters

The House Handbook you receive from your child’s HsM will give you more details about life in the House and the way things run. Below are the essential details.

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 encourage you to contact your child during allotted periods of the day via FaceTime, or equivalent. We hope also that you visit the School wherever possible, for example to watch matches or concerts, or to go out for a cup of hot chocolate afterwards. It would be expected for parents to inform HsMs if they are doing so, so that the house team are aware of a pupil's whereabouts.

At the end of the first three weeks in September is the first of our fixed leave out weekends. These start at 13.10 on the Friday with return by 21.00 on the Sunday.

Further details are published on the Parent Portal.

Bedding

We recommend that you supply your own duvets but please refer to your child’s individual House Handbook for guidance on what bedding (duvets, pillows, duvet covers, sheets etc) can be provided by the House. All personal bedding must be clearly named.

Room decoration

Information on what room decorations your child can bring to personalise their study or bedsit is also contained within the House Handbook. Any duvets and covers or soft furnishings brought into school with them for dormitories/studies/ bedsits should be of fire retardant material. Electrical items should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Please note carefully the section that follows on 'Safety Guidelines for Studies and Bedsits'.

Telephone

If you need to speak to your child urgently, please ring their HsM who will ask them to telephone you. Normally you should try to ring on a personal mobile, but not please during Prep (Monday to Friday 19.00 – 21.00) or late at night. Fourth Form, Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth pupils have, as per government guidance, restricted access to their mobile phones which will be explained by your HsM.

Trunks

Whilst we have no objection to trunks (space in which to store them is limited) you might consider whether they are the best means of transporting things. If you bring and collect by car, cases and cardboard boxes might be more convenient as well as being lighter when full of books!

Lockable box

A safe for money and valuables is made available for each pupil in their room, though any really valuable items should be handed to your child’s HsM for safe-keeping, or left at home.

Boarding House Matters (continued)

Home clothes

Pupils should bring a small amount of home clothes to change into for the weekend. The uniform list indicates the need for home clothes at some school events. All home clothes should be clearly labelled.

Accommodation

A list of places to stay in and around Uppingham is available under ‘Where to Stay’ on our website, (www.uppingham.co.uk). The Parent Portal also contains numbers for local accommodation under the Useful Numbers heading in the White List section of the Parent Portal.

Safety Guidelines for Studies and Bedsits

It is important that the School maintains high levels of safety in its houses and the attention of all parents and pupils is drawn to the following guidelines from the Health and Safety Manager which are also displayed in houses. Studies and bedsits are checked each term by Matrons and the School’s Fire Safety Technician. Information on what room decorations a border can bring to personalise their study or bedsit is contained within their House Handbook.

Furniture and room layouts

Furniture in any rooms should not be moved without the permission of the HsM. In particular, room doors must be able to be opened fully to permit rooms to be safely accessed, cleaned and, more importantly, to ensure that pupils can evacuate or the emergency services enter the room in the event of a fire or other emergency.

General electrical safety

• ALL electrical equipment, except laptops/tablets, must be switched off when not in use.

• If any damage or defects to electrical sockets, appliances, equipment etc is discovered, do not use, or attempt to repair, them – inform your HsM or Matron as soon as possible.

Lights and lamps

• Maximum number of lamps: bedsits two, studies one. Bulbs must not be more than the manufacturer’s specified rating.

• Lamps must be stable and secure to prevent them falling over. Bulbs should not touch or be too close to combustible materials or furniture surfaces.

• Lamps and lights must not be covered or draped with paper, plastic, cloth or other combustible materials.

Sockets

• Sockets should not be covered or obstructed. Two or three-way plug-in adaptors must not be used.

Extension leads

• Only four-way in-line extension leads should be used and sockets should be accessible at all times on desks, tables, windowsills etc.

• Leads should run along skirting boards, behind furniture and not across the room or rest on radiators or hot pipes.

Electrical appliances/equipment

Only permitted appliances to be used – see list of prohibited appliances below.

• Appliances must be fitted with the correct rated fuse as specified by the manufacturer etc.

• All appliances must be fitted with a UK approved plug or mains adaptor.

• Hair straighteners must have an automatic cut off device to reduce the risk of fire in Houses.

• No candles, oil burners, incense sticks etc. are permitted.

• Floors should be free from clutter and rubbish – empty food wrappers, dirty crockery, discarded clothes, papers, books etc.

• No posters, flags, drapes etc. should be attached to or hung over/ immediately adjacent to lights.

Safety Guidelines (continued)

Prohibited electrical appliances

• Hot and cold drink or food appliances.

• Kettles; tea and coffee machines etc.

• Rice and other cookers; popcorn makers; sandwich makers; microwaves etc.

• Cold drink machines; water coolers; fridges.

• Plug-in air fresheners, incense burners.

• Plug-in fluorescent tube type lights; lava lamps. Two and three-way plug-in adaptors.

• TVs; DVD players.

• Convector and fan heaters.

NOTE: Plug-in oil-filled radiators are permitted.

• Electric blankets; trouser presses.

Note:

The above list is not all inclusive and is for guidance only. Where any appliance, whether on this list or not, is considered to be dangerous, it may be removed by the HsM or Matron and will only be returned at the end of term so that it can be taken home.

In the unusual situation of a pupil making no attempt to clear their belongings at the end of the academic year a charge of £50 will be incurred in order to cover the additional clearing and cleaning costs. Upper Sixth leavers living overseas need to plan the clearance of their belongings carefully during their final term at School.

Health and Wellbeing

Every adult at Uppingham has a pastoral role – teachers, HsMs, 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: HsMs, Deputy HsMs, 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 of the School’s medical and counselling services.

Doctors’ clinics are held weekdays except for public holidays. 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.

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.

Boarding pupils are registered with the School's doctors, who are based at Uppingham Surgery, North Gate, Uppingham LE15 9EG (01572 823531) during their 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.

Health and Wellbeing (continued)

Infectious diseases

Your son or daughter 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 HsM 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 termtime and the child should remain at home 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 HsM, 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 HsM or 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.

Pupils should not be in possession of any medicines or drugs that the School is not aware of and whilst at the School, pupil’s 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 can be prescribed by the School Medical Officer.

Health and Wellbeing (continued)

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 doctors 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 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 pupils to appropriate local consultants either within the NHS or privately, dependant on parent(s) choice.

Anti-influenza

Vaccination against flu is recommended annually for eligible pupils. 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.

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 pseudo-science

Health and Wellbeing (continued)

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.

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.

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.

Private health insurance

Pupils may join the School’s Group Scheme with BUPA. For further information please click here

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:

• Public Academic Exam entry fees.

• UCAS fee (Upper Sixth only).

• 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.*

• Duke of Edinburgh's Award. * Combined Cadet Force (CCF). *

• Educational visits and trips, including house trips. **

• Buttery charges.

• School Shop charges.

• Newspapers and magazines (personal).**

• Photographs (School, House, team etc).**

• Taxis to/from stations/airports at the beginning and end of term etc.** Social events.**

• Coaching (tennis, squash etc).*

* 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).

Money Matters (continued)

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.

Spending

Pocket money

Pupils are asked not to bring large sums of money to the School, £10 to £15 is the suggested weekly amount. Large amounts should be deposited with the HsM. We strongly recommend that the younger pupils should not have credit cards.

Sixth Formers, however, are encouraged to open their own accounts. Sufficient funds should be arranged to cover travelling expenses for interviews and career days. Non-UK residents may well need a letter clarifying that their child is a boarder at Uppingham. If this is the case, please get in touch with the admissions office (admissions@uppingham.co.uk) who will prepare the letter.

Cash advances

HsMs will normally approve the advance of money for emergencies. Such cash advances are consolidated on the end-of-term fee invoice which the pupil should be able to explain.

Order forms

Certain shops accept order forms signed by your child’s HsM. The total amounts appear on the end-of-term fee invoice and details are supplied, though your child is expected to control the amount which is spent in this way. If you prefer it your child can pay in cash, though on the whole we discourage pupils from having large amounts of cash around, especially if this is not insured. Order forms can be used for:

• The School Shop - stationery, clothing and sports items. The Barbers of Uppingham - barbers.

• Timpson - cobblers.

Standing orders for the Buttery

A wide range of products are available in the Buttery to purchase via a credit account. We recommend £7 to £10 per week is initially added to the Buttery account. This can be adjusted by contacting the Housemaster or Housemistress in the first instance.

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 ‘White List’.

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 10.00pm and 7am 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 Saturday 13 December, 12 noon

Spring Term 2026

Start of Term

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 Saturday 21 March, 12 noon

Summer Term 2026

Start of Term

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.

Parent Teacher Meetings 2025/2026

Fourth Form Parent Teacher Meeting

Lower Fifth Parent Teacher Meeting

Upper Fifth Parent Teacher Meeting

Lower Sixth Parent Teacher Meeting

Upper Sixth Parent Teacher Meeting

Sunday 7 December 2025 08.00am - 13.00pm

Sunday 10 May 2026 08.00am - 13.00pm

Sunday 1 March 2026 08.00am - 13.00pm

Sunday 18 January 2026 08.00am - 13.00pm

Sunday 15 March 2026 08.00am - 13.00pm

Parent Teacher meetings are held remotely on School Cloud, with appointments available to book between the hours of 08.00 and 13.00.

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

Contact Details

Main Reception 01572 822216

PA to the Headmaster

Catherine Tremlett

cmt2@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820601

Admissions Office

Nicola Valentino nmv@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820613

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

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