Transition

Welcome to The University Academy Long Sutton

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as Principal of the University Academy Long Sutton, and to welcome you into partnership with us in supporting your child as they move from primary education into secondary. We believe that children do not, ‘come to’ UALS, but they are a ‘part of’ UALS and we will work to strengthen this relationship from this point forward.

I welcome you to University Academy Long Sutton and thank you for choosing us as your secondary school.

Our aim is that all of our pupils feel safe and we provide an environment in which pupils can flourish as all-around confident and aspirational young people, as well as giving opportunities for pupils to achieve academically and gain great qualifications. If your child works hard and does their very best every day they will enjoy their time with us.

Experience over many years tells us that the next few months will present your child with a significant amount of change, as they move from a smaller school setting into a large secondary school. We understand that this change can be challenging for parents and carers as well. It is normal for these changes to be accompanied by anxiety, particularly for children, but we will work to remove any fears or misgivings that you or they may have.

Please continue to check the website, particularly the ‘Key Dates’ section and the FAQs which we will update regularly.

Mr Liam Davé

Principal

Headteacher Liam Davé

Mr Liam Davé

Principal
As well as being The Principal at UALS Mr Davé is a Teacher of Maths.

Mr Simon Gilman

Vice Principal, Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr Gilman is responsible for professional development, data and also teaches Business Studies.

Mrs Bernardine Harrison

Senior Teacher and SENDCO/LAC Coordinator

Mr John Stewart

Senior Teacher of Catch Up, Attendance and Admissions
Mr Stewart is a Teacher of Physical Education.

Miss Mandy Spiller

Data Officer
As well as her many data handling responsibilities, Miss Spiller also looks after the administration side of pupil admissions.

Mr Horspool from Design and Embroidery will be there on the night to answer questions regarding uniform; unfortunately, you will not be able to purchase uniform on the night. Children are not invited to attend the evening.

You are welcome to book an appointment at the workshop with Mr Horspool you will receive your own slot and we suggest this should be done as soon as possible. For those unable to make an appointment we will hold some last minute fitting sessions at the Academy. We will be holding sessions in school times and dates will be communicated out in your welcome packs. You will be able to pay by cash or card.

We’ve put together a short presentation (social story) to help support your child’s transition to UALS. Please click through the three slides to view them together and talk through what to expect – we hope it helps make the move feel a little easier. Thank you!

Mr Ratcliffe
Year 7 Learning
Coordinator

Miss Frost
Year 7 Learning Assistant
Coordinator

Mrs Wilkins
Year 6 Transition

Please see below Primary Schools that will be either visiting or directly contacting in the coming months; TBC

School Day and Term Dates

Times of the day

Term Dates

Link to Free School Meals

If your child currently receives Free School Meals then you will not need to re-apply.

If your child is currently Free School Meals at their Primary this will transfer so there is no need to do anything. We have water fountains in school where pupils can refill their water bottle which saves them from using their Free School Meal money on drink. You can top up dinner money on a ParentPay account. Please remember that the FSM will not show on your ParentPay account as a credit but it will adjust at our tills.

LINCOLNSHIRE

If you live in Lincolnshire you will need to apply for your transport, you can use the following link: you can do this anytime after you have received the offer of your place.

Apply for free school transport

If your child is starting primary school or transferring to secondary school in September they may be eligible for school transport. If you think your child is eligible please apply for transport as soon as you have your offer of a school place. Applications can be made online at the website below or a telephone application can be made by contacting the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782020.

We would be grateful if applications can be made by 31st May.

For more information about the home to school transport policy and online applications please go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/school-college-transport. Queries can be emailed to schooltransportapplications@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

If you live in Cambridgeshire, you may not be eligible for transport so you will be responsible for your child attending the Academy.

The Academy organises two buses for pupils living in Wisbech and its surrounding area, places are available on a first come first served basis along with a deposit.

Applications for the Wisbech bus will be emailed home on 22nd June 2026. Applications must be returned by 23rd of July 2026.

The service will be operated by GDS Travel. Applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis as places are limited.

Details of our uniform expectations can be found here 

Rob Horspool Design and Embroidery is our supplier of uniform, his website is:

www.designandembroidery.co.uk

Telephone: 01945 871511 – to avoid disappointment please ensure you call him to arrange an appointment should you wish to visit him.

Key Dates

1st March – Lincolnshire County Council will be writing to parents/carers to confirm the offered Secondary place. You do not need to tell us to confirm your place but you do need to tell us if you are refusing the place. You will also be receiving a welcome letter from UALS.

Week Commencing 21st April 2026 – Staff from UALS will begin to contact primary schools.

Admission Packs will be issued to primary schools for pupils to take home, the completed packs need to be returned to us before 25th June 2026.

22rd June 2026 – Wisbech Bus Applications will be open. All applications and a deposit (to be advised) will need to be returned by 22nd July to be processed ready for September.

25th June 2026 – Year 6 Induction Evening.

29th and 30th June 2026 – Pupil Induction Days.

FAQs

Q: I have received my offer of a place with UALS what happens next?

A: A ‘welcome’ letter is being sent out this week (w/c 1st March), if you have not received yours by the end of the week please let us know particularly if you have moved since you completed your application.

Q: How can I keep up to date with my child’s school life when they start at the Academy?

A: We recommend you sign up to the SIMS Parent App, where you find important information such as attendance, behaviour and achievements. You will also receive notifications for your diary such as parent evenings.

Q: What stationery will my child need for their first day at the Academy?

A: Pupils are expected to provide their own equipment, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, compass, protractor and calculator. The home school agreement attached in the Administration area has a list on the back page with everything your child will need.

Q: Are pupils able to have breakfast at school?

A: The canteen caters for breakfast between 8:15am – 8:45am.

If you need to ask anything please email enquiries@uals.org.uk and put the subject header as Transition and we will get back to you.

Alternatively: Contact Main Reception on 01406 362120.

Contact Us

Address
University Academy Long Sutton
84 Little London
Long Sutton
Spalding
Lincs
PE12 9LF