The School Day

Alfriston’s school day is structured around five one-hour teaching lessons, alongside a daily 30-minute reading intervention session (for students in Years 7 to 11). The day begins with registration and a briefing on the day ahead at 8:45am, with the first lesson starting at 9:00am.

Students have a morning break from 11:00am to 11:15am and a lunch break from 12:45pm to 1:30pm. We recognise that some pupils may require additional time or support during mealtimes, and arrangements can be made to ensure individual needs are met.

For students in Post-16, the structure of the day may vary depending on their personalised learning programme. Many Post-16 activities take place off site and may include work experience, community engagement, independent travel training, further education links, and other preparation-for-adulthood opportunities. As a result, the timing and organisation of the day may differ from the main school timetable to reflect these experiences and maximise real-world learning opportunities.

The school day finishes at 3:30pm, when students depart for home or transport arrangements. On Fridays, afternoon lessons are shortened slightly to allow time for the school’s weekly celebration assembly. This is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate student achievements, both in and out of the classroom. From academic success and personal progress to acts of kindness and positive contributions to school life, we take pride in acknowledging the accomplishments of our students. The assembly also provides an opportunity to reinforce and celebrate Alfriston’s core values, recognising those students who consistently demonstrate them in their learning, relationships, and contribution to the wider school community.

Each school day, Alfriston School opens at 8:40am,with lessons commencing at 9:00am. The school day finishes at 3.30pm.

Monday – Thursday

 

08:40 – 09:00 Transport arrives at the main school entrance. Students will be dropped off at Willow Gate (parent drop-off) where they should proceed to their lockers before making their way directly to Pastoral for registration.
08:45 – 09:00 Registration and Pastoral time
09:00 – 10:00 Lesson 1
10:00 – 11:00 Lesson 2
11:00 – 11:15 Break
11:15 – 11:45 Reading
11:45 – 12:45 Lesson 3
12:45 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 14:30 Lesson 4
14:30 – 15:30 Lesson 5
15:30 – 15:45 Transport arrive at the main school entrance. Students are collecting from Willow Gate (Parent pick-up).

Friday has a slightly different timetable, to enable us to hold the Celebration Assembly at the end of the day. Times are as follows:

 

08:40 – 09:00 Transport arrives at the main school entrance. Students will be dropped off at Willow Gate (parent drop-off) where they should proceed to their lockers before making their way directly to Pastoral for registration. 
08:45 – 09:00 Registration and Pastoral time
09:00 – 10:00 Lesson 1
10:00 – 11:00 Lesson 2
11:00 – 11:15 Break
11:15 – 11:45 Reading 
11:45 – 12:45 Lesson 3
12:45 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 14:20 Lesson 4 
14:20 – 15:10 Lesson 5
15:10 – 15:30 Celebration Assembly
15:30 – 15:45 Transport arrive at the main school entrance. Students are collecting from Willow Gate (Parent pick-up).