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

7 Skipper – Working Hard and Getting Smart!

Author Profile

This week, 7 Skipper have been showing what it really means to work hard and get smart as they prepare for their History skills check on the Norman Conquest.

Our class have been learning how to become more independent and reflective learners by focusing on revision strategies that help them remember and apply key knowledge.

We didn’t just say “go revise” — we learned how to revise. Skipper explored techniques such as:

  • Creating flashcards with key terms and dates
  • Using retrieval practice to quiz themselves and each other
  • Organising knowledge into mind maps to see the bigger picture

Good luck to 7 Skipper in their History skills check today, you’ve got this!

OUTSTANDING Craftsmanship & Quality in X29!

Author Profile

I had the opportunity this afternoon to pop into X29’s 3D Art class – and wow, what a set of kids!!!

Their attention to detail is second to none, and they’ve been working on Celtic Knots and other tricky patterns – with a focus on shading and tone. The results are absolutely incredible – take a look here!!! Phenomenal work from Lewis, Bentley, Alfie, Alfie, Luella, Bear, Sara, Aiden, Heidi, Lacey, Seb, Alejandro and Corah!!! Lewis even noticed how neat and tidy Seb’s book was – some great kindness highlighted, too.

Year 11 Post 16 provision for EHCP students!

Author Profile

Are you or someone you know looking for a fresh, focused, and future-ready approach to post-16 education?

Harrison College Doncaster invites you to our Open Evening on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Come and explore how we support young people aged 16–25 with high aspirations and additional needs to thrive in a professional, inclusive, and supportive environment.

✅ Meet our dedicated staff and current students
✅ Tour our modern facilities
✅ Learn about our unique curriculum focused on business, employability, and independence
✅ Discover how we prepare learners for the world of work through real-life experiences and partnerships

Whether you’re a student, parent, carer, or professional, we’d love to welcome you and show you what makes Harrison College different.

📍 Location: Harrison College, Doncaster
📅 Date: Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
🕔 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Reserve your place today or just drop in – we look forward to meeting you!

Book A Visit – Harrison College

X29 Skipper – A Change Really is Doing You Good!

Author Profile

X29 Skipper are approaching GCSE English with the mentality of champions. Our expedition is called ‘A Change Will Do You Good’ and I cannot help but admire the change in you all. Your focus, hard work and positive attitude is shining in all our lessons and I cannot help but leave them with a big smile on my face.

All your effort is also reflected in quality of your books and the amazing Quality and Craftsmanship shown. This is how you get smart. Keep it up guys!

Mrs Desborough and Mrs Burnitt

Crew Southgate Academic success!

Author Profile

Crew Southgate have hit the ground running for the start of their final year. Attendance at learning labs has been excellent and they have been working hard across all sessions. They have shown a real commitment to revision and wanting to do well in their summer exams. Keep up the beautiful work Crew Southgate!

Crew CBO update

Author Profile

Another great week in Crew! we have been selecting a charity which we will start to raise money for, and we have also spent time in crew looking into the theme of identity. Each member of my crew created an outline of their face and filled the diagram with what makes their personal sense of identity.

We have also taken photos using the photography studio lighting kit so that teachers can see what my crew looks like when they are logging all the wonder praise for their outstanding classwork.

#xp x32CBO

X31 Admiral ‘Being Human’- Maths

Author Profile

X31 Admiral used their knowledge of ratio to sketch themselves in the style of the Vitruvian Man after measuring their heads and bodies. They also discussed how this linked to their expedition and how we can further improve their sketches throughout the topic of proportion and scale.

The whole class showed amazing teamwork, integrity, respect and craftsmanship and quality in their work.

Mrs Barnes

Crew Kelly – Beautiful Science Work!!✨

Author Profile

After popping into Science session 1 today, I was blown away by the Craftmanship and Quality in students’ books.

Crew Kelly have had a fabulous start to the year, being at the top of the X29 attendance leaderboard for every community meeting so far!

Keep it up Crew Kelly – very proud!!

Crew Sinfield – Breakfast time

Author Profile

On Thursday Crew Sinfield had a crew breakfast due to their fantastic start to the term.

We started the day with some sweet treats including chocolate brioche and cornflake buns, with some music and a good chat.

Crew have been fantastic with 95 praises so far this term! Special mention to Pixie who is already on 19 praises!!

Crew have been working together well and also showing great maturity and respect to each other when having discussions in crew.

Keep up the good work crew!

WC 22/09/25 In PE

Author Profile

What a great week we have had this week in PE. The netball team had there first netball game. Year 8 and 9 team travelled to Hungerhill. Despite their defeat the girls showed great dedication and team work for their first game back.

Later on the week we had our student leaders supporting with the XP student showcase, the students where brilliant and represented everything we do in PE. Super proud of those students.

Coming up this week;

Wednesday 3:15 – 4:30pm Netball and boys football practice

Thursday 3:15 – 4:30pm Cheerleading. Girls football practice starts this week.

Friday – Year 11 National cup game @home finishing around 5pm