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

Crew ABT – X32’S Journey from Outward bound to Crew !

Author Profile

In their first few weeks back from outward bound, our students have shown just how powerful the experience was. The challenges they faced-climbing, canoeing, supporting each other-helped them form strong bonds. Back at XP we have seen that same spirit carry on. Students are looking out for one another, working as a crew, and living out “Be Crew, Not Passengers” every day. Were so proud how they’ve brought those lessons into schooling can’t wait to see their journey continue.

Crew Attenborough FWB

Author Profile

Crew Attenborough – First Week Back Adventure!

What a fantastic start to the new term for Crew Attenborough! This week, we laced up our trainers and headed out on the scenic Monsal Trail in Sheffield for a full school day of adventure, fresh air, and teamwork.

The highlight of the day had to be trialling the very first XP Colour Run – a burst of colour, laughter, and energy that left everyone smiling (and very messy!). It was amazing to see the crew cheering each other on, pushing through the challenge, and celebrating at the finish line in a cloud of bright colours.

To balance the excitement, we also spent time practising some mindfulness activities. It was the perfect chance to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings before heading back to school.

It was a brilliant day to reconnect as a crew, kick off the year with positivity, and make some unforgettable memories together.

Crew Lovelace – Year 10: Off to a Flying Start!

Author Profile

Crew Lovelace have had an absolutely amazing start to the term! It’s been fantastic to see everyone settling back into routines and showing real maturity, dedication and focus as we dive into Year 10.

Of course, we all make the occasional slip-up along the way, but what’s been even more impressive is how Crew Lovelace are owning their choices and putting things right with maturity and responsibility. That’s the mark of real growth, and it makes me incredibly proud to be their Crew Leader. 🌟

A special shout out to our top 3 praises this week: Aylish, Sara and Martha! Your hard work and attitude are shining through, keep it up!

There have been lots of positives across the whole crew, so keep an eye out for future blog posts where we’ll continue to celebrate all the brilliant things happening in Crew Lovelace. 💛

XP Doncaster Community Day

Author Profile

At XP, we believe education should prepare young people for life in the real world. That’s why our recent Community Engagement Day was such a powerful experience for students across XP and XP East.

Working alongside South Yorkshire Police, our students had the chance to appreciate and experience the reality of keeping our communities safe. From police dog demonstrations to interactive sessions on knife crime, stalking, criminal exploitation, and human rights, students engaged with some of the issues facing young people today.

You can watch the highlights from the day here!

🌟 Crew Caldwell Shines in Humanities!

Author Profile

A Closer Look at Their Viking Ships Lessons

Today, I had the opportunity to check in on Crew Caldwell’s humanities lesson—and I was impressed by their lovely work.

Their current focus has been on the Vikings: how they lived, the roles they held, and, in particular, their longships. Crew Caldwell have clearly put a lot of thought and effort into their learning.

What stood out most was the exceptional craftsmanship and quality on display. The students are clearly taking real pride in their work.

If this is any indication of what’s to come, we can expect great things from Crew Caldwell this year.

Well done, Crew Caldwell—keep up the brilliant work!

Crew Caldwell – Year 10 Superstars!

Author Profile

Since we’ve returned to school, Crew Caldwell have set themselves a little praise point competition – who can get the most in this term?!

We’ve had a strong start, with some tough competition – a shout out to Lewis (who has actually earned 14 praise points, but his conduct points bring him back down to 8 praises!!!). Incredible work, Crew – keep it up!!

Miss Cocliff & Miss Fielding x

Crew Nightingale Year 10 X29

Author Profile

Year 10 Students Embark on Their LOOL Creative Journey

Our Year 10 students have chosen LOOL Creative (Leaders of Their Own Learning) as their specialist area in Art, a key step towards completing their GCSE qualification.

Each student has selected a pathway that reflects their interests and talents, choosing from Art, Craft and Design, 3D Design, or Photography. After completing their immersion phase, they are now fully engaged in their creative expedition — exploring ideas, developing skills, and producing beautiful, thoughtful work.

We’re excited to see how their projects continue to grow and can’t wait to celebrate their achievements as the year progresses

Art, Craft and Design class. 2 Crew Nightingale students have chosen this class.