Principal’s Welcome

Welcome to King’s Academy Ringmer. I am delighted to introduce our academy and privileged to lead the academy as we continue the next stage of our development.

Our ambition is simple but bold: to become the best academy in Sussex. We are committed to ensuring that every student receives an exceptional education and leaves King’s Academy Ringmer as a confident, well-rounded young person who is truly world ready. Our vision centres on preparing students for Opportunity and Success on a Global Stage.

King’s Academy Ringmer is a happy, safe and purposeful academy. Ofsted’s most recent inspection recognised the strong relationships between staff and students, high expectations for behaviour and learning, and a culture built on courtesy, respect and ambition. These foundations allow our students to thrive academically and personally.

My educational philosophy is rooted in developing the whole child. High-quality teaching and learning sit at the heart of everything we do, alongside a relentless focus on character, values and wider life skills. Our core values of Honesty, Faith and Courage guide daily life at the academy and underpin our approach to leadership, relationships and learning.

For staff, this means working in a collaborative and supportive environment where professional development is valued, workload is carefully considered and innovation is encouraged. We invest heavily in enrichment, leadership opportunities and pastoral support because we believe these experiences transform lives – for students and staff alike.

Every decision I make as Principal is guided by one question: Will this help our students and staff be the very best they can be? I am immensely proud of our community and look forward to welcoming colleagues who share our commitment to excellence.

Chris Harvey,

Principal, King’s Academy Ringmer

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About Our Academy

King’s Academy Ringmer is an 11–16 secondary academy at the heart of its local community in East Sussex. Since joining King’s Group Academies in December 2016, the academy has continued to grow and flourish, benefiting from the support of a Trust with over 40 years’ experience of delivering high-quality education in the UK and internationally.

The academy was most recently inspected by Ofsted in November 2024 through an ungraded (Section 8) inspection, which confirmed that King’s Academy Ringmer has successfully maintained the strong standards identified at its previous inspection, when it was judged to be Good overall.

Inspectors described King’s Academy Ringmer as a very happy and safe academy, where staff know pupils well and positive relationships sit at the heart of daily life. Clear, fair expectations for behaviour create calm classrooms where learning can flourish, and improving attendance means pupils arrive at lessons ready to engage and succeed.

The report also recognised the academy’s ambitious and thoughtfully sequenced curriculum, which supports both strong academic outcomes and personal development. Staff were praised for adapting learning to meet individual needs, particularly for pupils with SEND and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that all students are supported to achieve well.

Leadership was highlighted as a key strength across the academy and the wider trust. Trustees, governors and trust leaders provide clear direction and effective challenge, while staff value the work leaders do to reduce unnecessary workload and support wellbeing. Safeguarding arrangements were confirmed to be effective, reinforcing the academy’s strong culture of care and responsibility.

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What Makes Us Unique

Sustainability and student leadership

King’s Academy Ringmer has been a nationally recognised Eco-academy since 2002 and is the longest-standing secondary Eco-academy award holder in the UK. Sustainability is embedded into our curriculum, buildings and culture, supported by renewable energy initiatives, biodiversity projects and award-winning environmental work.

Eco provision is driven by students through our Change Ambassadors, Eco Club and Spade to Spoon growing projects. Staff are encouraged to contribute to this work, making sustainability a meaningful and visible part of academy life.

The KAR Super Curriculum

Our Super Curriculum (The KAR Experience) is a distinctive feature of the academy. Embedded into the Key Stage 3 timetable, it ensures all students access high-quality enrichment as part of their core education.

The programme develops six key areas: Express, Solve, Change, Move, Create and Think, supporting cultural capital, wellbeing and confidence. Staff lead many of these projects, often working creatively across disciplines or alongside external providers. This offers exciting opportunities for professional growth and innovation beyond traditional classroom teaching.

Pastoral care and wellbeing

Student wellbeing sits at the heart of our ethos. As well as a dedicated pastoral team, we have a wellbeing practitioner who supports students through informal interactions, pastoral sessions and daily presence around the academy. This reflects our belief that happy, secure students learn best – and that staff wellbeing matters too.

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About Our Community

King’s Academy Ringmer is deeply rooted in its local community. We serve a diverse range of families and work closely with parents, local organisations and charities to ensure students feel connected, supported and valued.

Students and staff regularly engage in community projects, environmental initiatives and partnerships with local groups, including work with St Mary’s Church in Ringmer and international links through charitable organisations. These experiences help students develop social responsibility, empathy and a strong sense of belonging.

As a member of staff at King’s Academy Ringmer, you will join an academy that values community, encourages innovation and believes education should extend far beyond the classroom.

Why Work With Us?

 A Values-Driven Community: Be part of a culture built on honesty, faith, and courage.

Global Vision, Local Roots: Make an impact locally while connecting to a global network of opportunities.

Collaborative Culture: Work with colleagues who share ideas, celebrate success, and innovate together. 

Strong Support: Benefit from the clarity, consistency, and backing of a trusted leadership and governance structure.

Together, we’ll create opportunities, transform lives, and redefine what’s possible.