Applying for a place at XP – Fair Banding Assessment

Author Profile

To ensure a balanced intake of students across all ability levels, all applicants to an XP secondary school must sit a Fair Banding Assessment. 

This multiple-choice test focuses on non-verbal reasoning and helps us place students into one of five ability bands. There is no pass or fail, and results are used solely to support a broad and representative admissions process.

Completing the assessment is a key part of the application and must be done to be considered for a place. 

Please ensure your child is registered by 31st October 2025 and prepared to attend the assessment on 22nd November 2025.

Find out more here: https://xptrust.info/XPTFBA

If your child has an aptitude in music, find out how to apply for a musical aptitude place at XP here: https://xpschool.org/unlock-your-childs-musical-potential-at-xp-school/

Unlock your child’s musical potential at XP School!

Author Profile

At XP School, we believe music has the power to inspire and shape young minds. Each year, we offer a unique opportunity for children with a natural flair for music to gain a place in Year 7 through our dedicated Musical Aptitude route. 

Whether your child already sings or plays an instrument, or simply has a keen ear for rhythm, melody, and pitch, this pathway recognises raw musical potential. 

With access to expert tuition, vibrant performance opportunities, and a culture that celebrates creativity, XP School is the perfect stage for your child to flourish musically and academically. Click here to see highlights from our recent annual XP Festival of Arts and Culture https://youtu.be/-tcB979lD_g

Apply now, and don’t miss this chance to join a learning community where talent is nurtured and passion takes centre stage!

Find out more here: https://xptrust.info/XPMA

DRAMGLAM

Author Profile

Autumn Term Poster (6)Download

DramGlam is an afterschool Drama club for young people aged 12 – 16  which takes place during term time, at Danum Gallery Library Museum, every Thursday 4:15pm to 4.45pm.  DramGlam gives young people the opportunity to develop drama skills, create and perform their own scenes while at the same time, engage with and learn about our collection. 

I am writing to announce that the Autumn Term session block will begin Thursday 11th September.   Spaces are limit.  Young people are welcome to join at any point.

Please click on link for sign up information please  https://www.dglam.org.uk/dramglam/

Please find attached poster and flyer information attached.  Please would you kindly display on your notice board and promote to the appropriate age people and inform parents. Thank you.

X32 Murton Park Fieldwork- Return

Author Profile

We have had a fantastic day at Murton Park, immersing ourselves in the daily lives of Vikings in support of our expedition.

We are on route home and our estimated arrival time is 15:25.

Like last week, we would appreciate it if you could ensure your child checks out with their Crew Leader before leaving school premises.

Thank you!

C29/Y10 Silver DofE – Expression of Interest

Author Profile

Thank you to those who have already expressed your interest  for our Silver DofE. For those who have not yet responded, we’d love to hear from you. 

Your child has the opportunity to take part in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) this academic year. The Silver Award is a fantastic way for students to build independence, resilience, and teamwork skills, while enjoying memorable experiences with their peers.

Please take a moment to view the attached information slides which outline what the Silver Award involves. Once you’ve reviewed the details, we kindly ask you to complete the Expression of Interest form using the link below:

👉 Expression of Interest Form

We ask that this is completed by Friday 26th September 2025 so we can plan effectively for the programme.

Thank you for your continued support.

Emma Watson
XPD DofE Manager

Please see info slides

C29 New Silver DofE 25_26 –Download

Crew Sinfield First Week Back

Author Profile

Crew Sinfield had a brilliant first week back in school. We completed lots of activities including a successful egg drop, a sponsored colour run, a walk along Monsal trail and a solo to reflect on the last year and how we are going to make this year the best one yet!

Crew showed the character traits every day, encouraging each other to complete tasks and showed compassion all week.

I’m really proud of how hard crew worked last week and excited what year 9 brings!!

Well done everyone

Mrs Burnitt

X28 Year 11 Crew Pasteur First Week Back

Author Profile

Last week, Crew Pasteur embarked upon their final First Week Back; what an important week! It’s hard to believe that we have reached Year 11 already. We started with a beautiful, sunny walk at Langsett reservoir, moving onto Crew building activities on Day 2. Thursday brought an intensive, but fruitful, revision session with a History focus, and plenty of advice about Year 11 and next steps from our ex – XP students in the afternoon. It was a lovely thing to see Crew work on our scrapbook, a piece of work that ran through Year 10, on one of the afternoons. This will ultimately tell the story of Crew throughout Years 10 and 11, which was so interesting to look back on and add to. Good luck this year Pasteur, now is REALLY the time to embody our HOWLs. Work Hard, Get Smart, and above all, Be kind.

Thursday 5th September

Author Profile

Year 9 Immersion: Survival Skills Experience

The C30 expedition team are excited to let you know that Year 9 will be taking part in a special Survival Skills Immersion Day on Thursday. The aim of the day is to give students the opportunity to build teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills in a hands-on, practical setting – themes that are explored in our anchor text.

From the very first session until lunchtime, students will be learning and working outdoors. They’ll take part in a range of survival activities designed to test their creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness. This is part of our ongoing immersion programme, which gives students space to experience learning in new and memorable ways.

Key information for the day:

  • Students will be outside all morning – please ensure they bring a waterproof coat, sturdy shoes/trainers, and layers suitable for the weather.
  • A water bottle/sun protection will be needed.
  • Normal school timings will apply in the afternoon.

Thank you for your support in helping them prepare for this exciting experience.

C30 Expedition Team