Sands School - The Alternative Face of Education

21/08/2026

This week we're thinking of everyone up and down the country that picked up their GCSE, A-Level and other results yesterday and last week. We really hope you're pleased with your grades and are excited about your next adventure. For anyone that missed out on a grade they were hoping for, remember you are so much more than a score, you will have learnt a huge amount from your experience whatever number assigned to you yesterday and there are always other opportunities and paths to take.

We're especially proud of all our students at Sands who achieved another year of fantastic results with a pass rate of 92% of all subjects taken by our leavers. This is a fantastic achievement and shows that doing education differently can lead to great academic outcomes. To put this percentage into context, the national average this year was 67% and the average among all independent schools was 88%, Sands students exceeded both.

Its also important to recognise the journey that led to each and every result. The results table represents a huge amount of talent, hard work and resilience. Learning at Sands is a very individual journey. For some having a timetable with plenty of space in it so they can really focus on their passions and get the most out of the subjects that matter to them enabled success. For others persistence to get that all important Maths and English pass shows huge levels of determination and resilience. Deciding the right path for you isn't easy, we hope that all students no matter the outcomes learnt a lot about themselves and what they want to get out of life through their journey at Sands. We couldn't be prouder of you all.

28/07/2026

We are seeking a cook with a passion for healthy vegetarian food to prepare delicious school lunches. On a typical day this will mean planning, preparing and serving about 40 meals, as well as maintaining the kitchen aided by the day’s duty team of staff and students. This is a unique opportunity to share your passion for food with the next generation and join a unique workplace.

This is a temporary role for the first half of our Autumn term while we review our current lunch provision and plan for the future. The successful candidate will be able to input into that review and apply for any future longer-term opportunities.

Find out more and apply here: www.sands-school.co.uk/vacancies

-cook -lunches

27/07/2026

More incredible work from our GCSE Art and Design and Photography exhibition a couple of weeks ago. What an opening - what a show! Can't wait to see how you all apply this creativity to what you do next.

24/07/2026

Congratulations to all our GCSE Art and Design and Photography students on a fantastic exhibition this year. There was an incredible array of mediums, experimentation and expression of ideas on display; from exquisite drawing, to kinetic sculpture and homemade paints. The amount of hard work and dedication to their practice shone through and was reflected in how much time and care all the visitors took in looking through everything.

The diversity in the exhibition isn't an accident, students at Sands are treated as young artists; they are given their own studio space and encouraged to develop their interests and practice. It's hardly surprising there are so many artists among our alumni.

Thanks to Alice, Mark and Georgia for all the time and care spent over the years with our young creatives.

23/07/2026

Some more photos from our Festival a couple of weeks ago. What a great day and lovely atmosphere. I wonder what they'll do next year!!

21/07/2026

Fantastic way to end the year! Our Summer Festival 2026 was an extravaganza of creativity, self-expression and community and a wonderful way to celebrate all the hard work of the year.

We saw some spectacular performances, students who have grown in confidence and musicianship even since the Christmas Concert just a few months ago. There were self-penned songs, our first jazz ensemble and classical virtuosic displays and lots of great food! But what always makes me well up at a Sands concert isn't the performances itself but the goodwill and peer support of the community, everyone hoping that each person will overcome their stage fright and be proud of their achievement.

Huge thanks as always to Georgia for supporting everyone and working so hard to put the gig together. And a massive thanks also to all the students, staff and parents that baked cakes, rolled out pizzas and generally pulled together to keep everyone happy and fed and raised lots of money for the music department.

11/07/2026

It's official the first Sands album has landed!

Thank you so much to all the parents who bought food and drinks and gave donations at our concerts over the last few years. With your help we were able to purchase all the equipment we needed to set up a recording studio in the music room.

The past term our students have been hard at work with Georgia recording their favourite songs from the past year and now it's ready! With hugely diverse musical taste and talent including covers from Lilly Allen to The Gorillaz, original tracks and classical pieces, it's a great slice of Sands.

Well done everyone!

28/04/2026

We are currently seeking enthusiastic, committed and openminded individuals to join our dedicated and close-knit of School Governors.

This voluntary role is an opportunity to work closely with staff and students to support the smooth running the school.

We are especially keen to hear from applicants with strong skills and experience in: Safeguarding and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

For more details and an application form go to:
www.sands-school.co.uk/call-for-governors/

21/04/2026

Would you like to work in a small school with an ethos centred around wellbeing, freedom of choice and student voice?

We are seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant with a difference! Your role will be to lead outdoor learning experiences and sports sessions to promote emotional and social development and a healthy active lifestyle and connection to nature. Does this sounds like you?

* Competitive salary
* Permanent contract
* Staff benefits

Go to www.sands-school.co.uk/vacancies for more details and application pack. Closing date: 10th May 2026

Sands School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Sands is a democratic secondary school and prospective employees need to have the ability to engage with students in accordance with our ethos of equal and shared rights and responsibilities. Please have a good look at our website as well as the job description before you decide to apply. We…

23/03/2026

Ding d**g the show is done! Wonderful music, performances, sets and comedy from our BTEC students and the rest of the school. Well done all.