On Wednesday morning, Alison Bennett MP, attended the Speaker's Christmas Card competition showcase, to show off the brilliant designs from the winners of her Christmas Card competition , including one of the winning entries from Jack at Woodlands Meed College. Alison said ‘Well done again to our winner and runners-up – I think Mr Speaker approved!’. 

Congratulations Jack and all who took part in the competition.

On Wednesday 26th November, Owls Class visited Imberhorne School in East Grinstead to participate in their annual Inclusion Festival. During the festival, our students had the chance to engage in activities such as boccia and new age kurling, developing important skills including fine and gross motor control, teamwork, communication, cooperation, and decision-making.

All of our students performed exceptionally well, showing great enthusiasm and providing fantastic support to one another throughout the day. We were the only special school in attendance, and for some students, this was also their first time representing Woodlands Meed. Honestly, we could not be prouder of their achievements. Well done, Owls!

On Wednesday 19^th November, River Class visited The Dolphin Leisure Centre in Haywards Heath to take part in the Mid Sussex Get Active event.

Alongside five other schools, including Warden Park, our students had the chance to explore a range of less traditional sports. These included dance, gymnastics, martial arts and, the clear favourite… skateboarding!

Many of the children described skateboarding as “scary but fun,” and they were lucky to receive coaching from skilled and enthusiastic instructors across all activities. The pupils learnt new skills, built confidence, and enjoyed themselves in a relaxed, non-competitive environment.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone and a wonderful opportunity for our students to try something new.  Well done River Class, you did amazingly well!

We couldn’t be prouder of the effort and determination our students show every day at Woodlands Meed. We celebrate all aspects of progress for everyone, whatever that looks like. 

Last term two students sat GCSE exams in English language, maths and science. Students were graded in all their exams, with one student gaining a grade 4 in English language.

Year 11 students took entry level qualifications in English, Maths, Science and Digital Functional Skills – all achieved their predicted grades or above.

KS5 students took examinations in Functional Skills English and Maths. There was a high pass rate and students who left Woodlands Meed were all able to go on to further education courses of their choice.

We are so proud of the dedication and determination of our students and the efforts and progress they made in all aspects of their learning journey at Woodlands Meed. Congratulations to all!

The Barclays Mobile Roadshow came to Woodlands Meed College this week to talk to us about looking after our money and how to stay safe from online frauds and scams.

We heard from a local Branch Manager and met the Barclays Roadshow Team who told us lots of useful information about how banks can help you look after your money with help with budgeting, saving and keeping safe.

The Roadshow Team visited our Inspire Cafe and enjoyed a Student Barista made Coffee at break time too.

Thank you Barclays for coming to visit and bringing the Roadshow to College.

We were truly blessed with the weather as Sports Week 2025 got underway at Woodlands Meed, bringing three unforgettable days of energy, laughter, and achievement. Each phase of the school took to the field to celebrate sport in their own unique way—showcasing determination, joy, and a powerful sense of community.

Day One – Key Stage Three Shine in the Sunshine

On Monday, it was the turn of our Key Stage Three students to kick things off. Burgess Hill Academy was filled with excitement as pupils competed in a variety of events, including the high jump, sprint, archery, and JOLF.  Traditional favourites like the egg and spoon race, sack race, and the always-popular dressing-up relay brought plenty of fun and laughter.

Inclusive events like the wheelchair races and wheelchair football drew huge cheers and showed the true spirit of Woodlands Meed, where everyone is encouraged and supported to participate.

Families and friends joined in, adding to the celebratory atmosphere, and the brilliant coffee van on-site kept everyone well-fuelled with delicious drinks and food.

Students weren’t just competing for personal bests—they were also earning valuable points for their houses, creating a real buzz of friendly competition and school pride.  It was a tightly contested battle for the house points, with every race and event making a difference. After a morning full of determination, cheering, and effort, it was the Red Team who emerged victorious, narrowly edging out the green and blue teams by the tightest of margins.

A huge thank you goes to the incredible Sports Leaders from Burgess Hill Academy, who ran the activity stations with professionalism, enthusiasm and humour.  Thank you so much for your help.

 Finally, congratulations to our Key Stage 3 students, whose enthusiasm and achievements continue to inspire us.  We couldn’t be prouder of all that you’ve accomplished.  Well done!

Day Two – Primary Pupils Prove They’re Sporting Superstars

Tuesday saw our Primary students take to the field with just as much energy and excitement. They took part in a carousel of jumping and throwing activities as well as a brilliant variety of races—including sprints, hurdles, obstacle courses, and of course, another outing for the dressing up race!

Like their older peers, our Primary pupils were also earning house points and, more importantly, were recognised for their teamwork and encouragement with medals being awarded to all students who showed great PRACTICE skills.

The  spirit of inclusion was strong as every child took part and shone in their own way.  A big congratulations to everyone in our Primary  Department — we are so proud of all that you’ve achieved! This year, it was the Green Team who emerged victorious, closely followed by the Blue and Red Teams in an exciting and closely contested competition!

We were incredibly proud of our College Sports’ Leaders, who made the short trip across town to support the event.

They did an outstanding job of explaining and demonstrating activities, resetting stations, cheering on our younger pupils and even encouraging family and friends to ‘have a go’!

They were fantastic role models throughout and truly did us proud!

Day Three – A Fun-Filled Festival for Our Complex Needs Classes

Wednesday marked the final day of Sports Week with a fantastic Sports Day Festival for our younger pupils and those in our complex needs classes. Despite the scorching heat, the morning was packed with engaging, sensory-based activities that encouraged participation and celebrated every student.  A wide range of activities ensured that there was something for everyone, including bubble-wrap races, table-top JOLF, boccia, water shooters, velcro targets, skittles, and a calming sensory space.

Every single student did amazingly well. The safe, secure, and supportive environment allowed them to explore the space and activities with confidence—some alongside their families, and others independently.

 A huge thank you to BH Academy for once again generously allowing us to use their full 3G pitch. The space provided an excellent setting for our students to thrive and shine throughout the day!

A Final Reflection

Across all three Sports Days, the sense of achievement, support, and pure joy was impossible to miss.  Our students were at the heart of everything—whether running, wheeling, jumping, throwing, dressing up, exploring, or dancing to music. Every individual gave their best, encouraged their peers, and showed us exactly what sport is really about: determination, teamwork, the courage to try, and pure unapologetic fun!

Sport Day at Woodlands Meed is a whole community effort; from the staff to the volunteers, to families and friends, to our own sports leaders and those from Burgess Hill Academy, to companies like Bang’s Food Truck who provided fantastic refreshments, and o3e who donated the sports’ chairs. 

At Woodlands Meed, sport does more than break down barriers — it creates opportunities for every student to succeed by bringing people together and fostering belief in one another.