Applying for a place at XP – Fair Banding Assessment

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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!

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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 MNO – Outward bound 2025

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Crew MNO had a fantastic start to year 7, completing the first week away at Outward bound in Ullswater!

Crew MNO demonstrated the XP character traits every day, encouraging and supporting each other to complete different activities ensuring to show compassion at all points in the week. We did activities such as abseiling and jog and dip which all of crew LOVED, they really threw themselves into all of the activities even ones they were unsure about, showing extreme courage.

I’m really proud of crew and how they conducted themselves throughout the trip last week and I can’t wait to see how they grow as a crew throughout year 7 and the rest of their time at XP !!!!!!!

Well done crew!

Miss Norburn

Crew Kelly First Week Back!

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Crew Kelly had an amazing first week back in school!

On Tuesday we revisited our Crew norms, reflecting on why Crew matters, and in the afternoon participated in a mini game of 99 to Beat with the rest of C29. On Wednesday, we headed into Doncaster town centre for an A–Z challenge, explored key landmarks and uncovered interesting facts about our city. Crew Kelly fully immersed themselves into the tasks with enthusiasm and team work.

As we move into Key Stage 4, we know the year ahead will bring big challenges, but judging by the way Crew Kelly have returned – with such positivity and commitment – it’s clear that they are ready to take it on and succeed.

Well done Crew Kelly, I can’t wait to see you all flourish in KS4!

Year 7 XP: Immersed in History and Launching Their First Expedition

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This week marked an exciting milestone for Year 7 at XP: their very first immersion week in lessons and the launch of their expedition, This Land is Your Land. The guiding question is, “What’s the story of our community?”

Students have worked as historians, piecing together evidence and time-travelling through four key periods of history:

  • Medieval
  • Early Modern
  • Industrial
  • Modern

Each lesson gave them a snapshot of how people lived, worked, and shaped the world around them. Together, they began to see how the past connects to the story of our community today.

Immersion also included fieldwork to Murton Park, where students stepped into the past to experience Viking history first-hand. Immersion week has given Year 7 a strong start: asking questions, working as a crew, and beginning to think like historians. We’re excited to see where their expedition journey takes them next.

See photos from the week below! Some scary Vikings in XP Year 7!

Crew Peake’s Super Sportsman

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Leo, who plays football outside of school, is involved with both Rotherham United and Manchester City. Manchester City’s photographers have captured some incredible photos of Leo, and will also be looking at his pre-match routines. Keep up the amazing work, Leo – your dedication to football is admirable!

Sharing our Stories: 05/09/2025

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Beautiful Work This Week

Welcome back!

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from the our first two weeks back! To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.

Top of the Blogs

Year 6 leavers party 2025 @ Green Top

Family learning fun @ Plover

Our colour monster journey! @ Carcroft School

Acts of service to others @ Norton Juniors

Crew Barnes: 1st week back @ XP

Beautiful Artwork by Freya @ XP East

Weekly Update for Families @ XP Gateshead

Share your stories with us!

We now have a new dedicated news email so that you can send your stories, updates or ideas about potential news articles directly to us in Comms.

It might be something you or your students have achieved, a charity you’re supporting or anything at all that deserves a wider audience.

Write to us at news@xptrust.org –  we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!

Enrichment timetable Sept- Oct 25

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Welcome back XP/XP East students. PE are looking forward to another great year of extra curricular activities. Enrichment will start W/C 8th September. After school activities run from 3.30-4.30. Please come a long and give the activities a try. If you have any questions please email the PE team.

Miss O’Grady – Subject lead of PE- cogrady@xpschool.org

Mr Currie- PE teacher – dcurrie@xpschool.org

Miss Bowser – PE teacher – aboswer@xpschool.org

DRAMGLAM

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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

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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

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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