Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
It has been a really positive week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout at our Year 11 Information Evening and Year 13 Webinar, where families joined us to focus on the year ahead. Attendance across the academy remains high, and behaviour has been excellent, showing the commitment of our students as they begin the new academic year.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Year 7 families to our Meet the Tutor Evening later this month. Enrichment club sign-up also opens this week through SOCS, giving students even more opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom. These events are a great reminder of the partnership between home and school, and the importance of working together to ensure that no student is left behind.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Year 11 Update
This week, Leigh Stationers’ Academy welcomed over 200 parents and carers to the Year 11 Information Evening. The event included presentations from the Principal, along with the Directors of English, Mathematics and Science, who spoke about the importance of Year 11 and the support available to students in the lead-up to their final examinations. Parents and carers also had the opportunity to meet subject leaders and take part in a series of workshops.
Mr Sparks, Principal, commented: “It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout. With around 130 school days until the first exams, it is vital that we continue to work closely with families to ensure every child has the support they need to flourish.”
A copy of the presentation can be accessed HERE, and the information booklet is available HERE.
The academy is also pleased to report excellent attendance this week at 95.4%, well above the national average, alongside exceptional standards of behaviour across the year group. Engagement in intervention sessions has been particularly strong, reflecting Year 11’s determination to succeed.
Head of College Shout-outs
Each week, Heads of College select one pupil who has demonstrated an excellent attitude to learning, commitment to their studies, or a positive contribution to the academy community.
Reminder: Futures Fair at Woolwich Works
On Tuesday, 16 September 2025, Year 11 pupils will attend the Futures Fair at Woolwich Works, a careers event designed to support them in planning their next steps after GCSEs.
The fair will provide pupils with the opportunity to meet representatives from schools, colleges, apprenticeship providers, training organisations and universities. Pupils will have around an hour to explore the event, ask questions, gather information and collect materials to help them consider their post-16 options.
The event is organised into four zones:
- Schools & Colleges: Shooters Hill College, London South East College, London College of Performing Arts
- Apprenticeships: Berkeley Group, Crafty Wizards, Transport for London, Lovell, RBG Apprenticeships, McAleer & Rushe, Higgins Partnerships, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, LSEC Apprenticeships, Department for Work & Pensions, Royal Navy Submarine Team
- Specialist Training: RBG Supported Internship Programme, Newhaven King’s Park Sixth Form, Flower Skills
- Universities: Ravensbourne University, University of Greenwich, Goldsmiths University
Pupils will travel by public transport, accompanied by school staff, and will attend in three groups:
- X Band – departs school at 11:50 (early lunch facilitated)
- Y Band – departs school at 12:40 (early lunch facilitated)
- Z Band – departs school at 13:10
Permission forms will be sent home for parents and carers to provide consent for pupils to make their own way home after the event. Pupils must attend in full school uniform; pupils are encouraged to bring a bag to carry brochures and materials.
Year 13 Information & Destinations Webinar
Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted its Year 13 Information Webinar on Thursday, 11 September 2025, with a strong turnout from parents and carers. The session focused on how the academy and families can work together to ensure every student has a successful final year.
The webinar covered post-18 destinations, including both university and apprenticeship routes, with guidance on the UCAS process, timelines and application advice. Academic expectations were also outlined, with emphasis on sustained effort in lessons, high-quality homework and independent revision. Parents and carers were given strategies to support revision and were shown how mock examinations are used to predict grades and target additional support.
The role of parents and carers was a key theme, with practical advice on how to provide structure, encouragement and regular communication throughout the year.
For those unable to attend, the recording of the webinar can be accessed HERE, along with a copy of the Frequently Asked Questions HERE.
Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will be holding a Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening on Wednesday 24 September 2025, from 16:00-19:00. This event is a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to meet their child’s form tutor, hear how students have settled into academy life, and discuss any questions or concerns.
Appointments can be booked online via SchoolCloud – full instructions are available HERE. Each tutor meeting will last five minutes. Throughout the evening, parents and carers will also be able to drop into group sessions on a range of topics, including:
- Supporting your child’s wellbeing
- Extra-curricular clubs and activities
- Homework
- SEND provision
Timings and room details for these sessions will be shared in next week’s Latest News update.
Enrichment Opportunities at Leigh Stationers’ Academy
At Leigh Stationers’ Academy, learning extends well beyond the classroom. A wide range of enrichment clubs gives students the chance to develop new skills, build friendships and pursue their interests. Whether their passion lies in sport, creativity or academic study, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Taking part in a club not only supports personal growth and well-being but also enriches the overall school experience.
The full programme of clubs, including a variety of sports activities, will be available to book through our SOCS platform from 5pm on Friday, 12 September 2025. Parents and carers can view the full list of activities and register their child directly via SOCS. Guidance on how to log in can be found HERE.
More details about the wide range of opportunities on offer can be found on our Co-Curriculum webpage.
Cycle Safety – A Shared Responsibility
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is becoming concerned by the number of students cycling to school without crash helmets. Cycling is an excellent way to stay active and reduce traffic, but it does carry risks.
Although helmets are not legally required in the UK, research shows they significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries. The academy is therefore asking parents and carers to help ensure students cycle safely by:
- Making sure they wear a helmet every journey
- Providing bright or reflective clothing, especially in darker mornings and evenings
- Checking bikes have working front and rear lights, a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors, as required by law
- Regularly maintaining brakes, tyres and chains
- Supporting children to plan the safest route, avoiding busy roads where possible
Further advice on safe cycling can be found on the government’s THINK! Road Safety website.
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-13
During Module 1, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education at Leigh Stationers’ Academy is focusing on age-appropriate themes to support students’ wellbeing, personal growth and preparation for life beyond the classroom. Each session encourages collaboration, critical thinking and the development of key life skills.
This week’s topics include:
- Year 7: IB Traits – Inquirers and Knowledgeable
- Year 8: What does community mean? What is my role within the community?
- Year 9: Why is respect so important?
- Year 10: What does good mental health look like?
- Year 11: What options are available for my future?
- Year 12: How does the Criminal Justice System work?
- Year 13: How do I choose the right higher education option for me?
Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss these themes at home to help reinforce students’ learning and understanding.
School Photo Day – September 2025
This year’s school photographs will take place on the following dates:
- Monday 22 September 2025: Years 9, 12, and 13
- Tuesday 23 September 2025: Years 7, 11 and Equiano
All students are expected to arrive on time and wear full school uniform on their allocated day to ensure the process runs smoothly. For any questions about school photographs, parents and carers are asked to contact alisha.dolby@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
Children’s Flu Vaccine Information Webinar
On Monday 15 September 2025, between 18:00-18:45, parents and carers are invited to join an online information session about the children’s flu vaccine. The webinar will cover:
- The importance of the flu vaccine
- The difference between the nasal spray and injectable flu vaccine
- Information about the MMR vaccine
- Guidance on completing the consent form
- There will also be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.
Parents and carers can register to attend by using this LINK.
