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.
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!
I understand and appreciate some students may be feeling nervous about our visit, below is a video captured of students last year who found themselves in the very same position!
Hopefully this helps to spread some excitement for the incredible opportunities and adventures that await!
We are so proud of the C27 cohort at XP who have received their GCSE results today.
Highlights include some phenomenal individual stories. We also celebrate strong results for those students who attended D6 and learning labs often – a real testament to the hard work and commitment of our students and staff.
But, as we always say at XP, exam results are only one measure of success.
Through our Expeditionary curriculum, C27 have not only gained knowledge but also produced beautiful work and developed character traits such as courage, craftsmanship, respect, and compassion. From their experiences on their bronze DofE, to their expedition products across Doncaster, they’ve shown what it means to create work that really matters. These students have truly embraced what it means to be crew, supporting one another from day 1 following the covid pandemic and the impact this had on their ability.
At XP, we believe:
Academic success + character growth + beautiful work = the best version of you.
C27 leave us with qualifications, but more importantly with the skills, values, and confidence to thrive beyond school.
A huge thank you goes to our staff, families, and the XP community for supporting our students throughout their journey. And to C27: you will always be part of Crew XP. We can’t wait to see what you achieve next.
Stay connected through XP Alumni – watch out for an email from Mrs Burns!
The wait is almost over: GCSE results will be available for collection from XP School on Thursday 21st August between the hours of 9.00am-11.30am.
Please read the following information about the collection process:
Entry and Exit will be by the usual student entrance at car park 3. (please register your number plate if needed)
Each Crew will have a designated area within the heart of XP school (all students of XP and XPE will collect their results at XP School).
A dedicated adult will have the results for each crew.
Students will have the opportunity to wait on the stairs whilst waiting for a space with their crew leader.
Students can open their results envelope with their crew leader or leave school to open them.
If students want to speak to Crew Leaders/staff after they have received their results they will need to wait on the stairs until a space is available.
Students will need to complete a destinations form with Mrs Burns before leaving school. Mrs Burns will also be available to discuss next steps, if required.
If students are not able to come to collect their results they must email Miss Cocliff if XP (mcocliff@xpschool.org) or Mr Currie if XPE (dcurrie@xpschool.org) from their email account and request their results be sent to them. Results will be emailed to their school account.
If students have any concerns about their exam results they must email Miss Cocliff or Mr Currie in the first instance outlining their concerns.
Official GCSE certificates arrive in School late October and students will be invited to a presentation evening in November to receive their certificates.
We are really looking forward to seeing you all on the 21st, and we can’t wait to see the results of your hard work, through the most challenging of times. Please remember that – as important as your exam results are – they are just a small part of your XP/XPE journey. We are all super proud of the young people you’ve grown up to be, regardless of what’s in the envelope.
As Year 8 draws to a close, Crew Brunel can look back with pride on a journey that’s been anything but ordinary. It’s been a bumpy ride at times — full of ups and downs, new challenges, and moments of reflection. But through it all, the students of Crew Brunel have shown resilience, growth, and a developing sense of who they are.
This year has been about more than just lessons and work. It’s been a time for each student to start finding their place — not just in Crew Brunel, but within themselves. Whether navigating friendships, academic challenges, or personal growth, every student has taken steps forward.
We’ve taken part in several Student-Led Conferences (SLCs), Presentations of Learning (POLs), and reflective crew sessions, where our crew members stood up and reflected on their academic journeys with honesty and confidence. These moments gave us all the chance to celebrate progress and set fresh goals.
We also threw ourselves into whole-school events — Sports Day was full of energy, team spirit, and a healthy dose of competition. The XP Arts Festival, Brooke, Lily, Chloe, Livvy and Matilda took to the stage with amazing performances that made Crew Brunel beam with pride. Crew Drop Down Day was a highlight of ours, where we welcomed local police officers into school. They delivered powerful and informative talks about the dangers of knife and gun crime, the important role police dogs play in their work, and even gave us the chance to explore some of their equipment — including uniform, vehicles and protective gear. It was a valuable and eye-opening experience for everyone involved.
And of course, we’ve had some incredible achievements to celebrate within crew itself. A huge shout-out to Pippa, who continues to lead the way with a staggering 194 praise points this year! Her consistent effort and work ethic have set a shining example. And let’s not forget Ayden, who’s been named our Crew Champion. His commitment to improving and pushing himself this year has truly paid off — what a journey he’s been on!
As we step into the summer break, we do so with pride and hope. Year 9, here we come — stronger, wiser, and ready for whatever comes next. Well done, Crew Brunel!
Last Wednesday, all XP/E students took part in an awesome Crew Community Engagement Day designed to prepare them for a safe and informed summer.
The day featured hands-on workshops and demos led by local police and services. Students explored police kit, vehicles, and drone technology, gaining insight into how these tools are used in real-life situations. Sessions, talks and Q&As encouraged honest conversations and gave students practical tools to navigate peer pressure and online challenges over the holidays.
Experts also led impressive water search and safety demos, offering essential guidance as students head into the warmer months.
One of the most memorable moments was a powerful session on Guns and Knives Save Lives, highlighting the importance of making positive decisions. Another highlight for each year group was being able to witness a brilliant police dog demonstration from Jess and Kairo, showcasing the vital role of dogs in police work!
We’re proud of our students for engaging so thoughtfully, and grateful to all who supported the day. As summer begins, our young people are stepping forward with greater awareness, confidence, and resilience. A huge appreciation to the team at SYP for helping plan and perform such a fantastic day! We hope all students have a fantastic and safe summer!
At XP, we believe education should help young people discover who they are, what they stand for, and how they can make a difference. The arts are at the heart of this.
Through music, dance, drama, and visual art, our students learn to collaborate, express themselves, and craft work of real depth and beauty. These aren’t “extras” to the curriculum – they are essential experiences that develop the character traits we value above anything else: courage, craftsmanship, respect, and compassion.
Last Friday, we celebrated these values at our second XP Festival of Arts & Culture – a day filled with music, dance, and art from across all the schools in our Trust. Every primary school showcased their dancing skills in collaboration with Phoenix Dance Company, alongside cheerleaders and singers from across the Trust.
The afternoon culminated in a show-stopping parade led by the New York Brass Band, bringing everyone together for an unforgettable rendition of Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration”. The evening carried the energy forward with live music from XP Doncaster and XP Gateshead students, alongside local bands and professional artists.
Our students were phenomenal – both on stage and in the audience – showing once again the power of Crew in action.
A huge thank you goes to the XP Doncaster and Plover staff who stewarded and supported the event. It was a powerful example of what’s possible when we create spaces for young people to thrive.
Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from the last two weeks of term! It’s been filled with all kinds of wonderful things from all of our schools. To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.
