Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
It has been a brilliant start to Module 3 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. Students have returned from the Christmas break eager, focused and ready to learn, and it has been a pleasure to see classrooms calm, purposeful and full of ambition. This week also reflected the strength of our community: Year 11 Parents’ Evening saw over 90% attendance, and families were supported by a range of post-16 providers sharing guidance on next steps. Alongside this, our new 40-metre timeline in the Crown Building now tells the story of our academy and partnership with The Stationers’ Company.
Looking ahead, we encourage Year 13 families to book appointments for Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, and Year 10 and 12 parents and carers to join the Work Experience webinar on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. Module 3 will be a busy and important half term, and I am grateful for the ongoing support of our families as we work together to help every student stay focused, feel supported and make strong progress.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
New 40-Metre Timeline Brings Leigh Stationers’ Academy History to Life
During the Christmas holiday, Leigh Stationers’ Academy installed a new wall art timeline in the Crown Building.
Stretching the full length of the building (40 metres), the timeline captures the history of The Stationers’ Company’s involvement in education, the original Crown Woods School, and the coming together of Leigh Academies Trust and The Stationers’ Company in 2014.
Mr Sparks, Principal, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Jani Levenan, Vice Chair of Governors, Ruth Frendo, Archivist at Stationers’ Hall, and Gabrielle Holland, PA to the Principal, for their work on this incredible project. It looks absolutely stunning and really brings to life the rich histories of The Stationers’ Company and Crown Woods School, and how these organisations came together to form the academy we are today. As the first thing visitors will see when they enter the Crown Building, it is a powerful celebration of our story; I would encourage everyone to take a look when you are next in the academy.”
Key Dates for Module 3
A number of important events are scheduled to take place during Module 3 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. Further details about each event will be shared in upcoming Latest News page updates.
Key dates for Module 3 are as follows:
- Wednesday, 7 January 2026: Year 11 Parents’ Evening (16:00–19:00)
- Tuesday, 13 January 2026: Work Experience (WEX) Information Webinar for Years 10 and 12 (17:00–17:30)
- Wednesday, 14 January 2026: Year 13 Parents’ Evening (16:00–19:00)
- Tuesday, 3 February 2026: Vaccinations for Year 9 Pupils
- Monday, 9 February 2026: Year 11 and Year 13 Mock Examinations Begin
- Thursday, 12 February 2026: End of Module 3 (15:15)
Year 11 Parents’ Evening Sees Strong Attendance
Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted its Year 11 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, with over 90% of parents and carers attending. The evening provided an important opportunity for families and teachers to discuss pupils’ progress, revision strategies, and next steps as Year 11 students continue their preparation for GCSE examinations.
The academy was also pleased to welcome representatives from a range of post-16 providers and partners, who shared guidance and resources on education, training and apprenticeship pathways. These included North Kent College, Shooters Hill College, Volenti Academy, London South East Colleges, Charlton Athletic Community Trust, and Capel Manor College.
Reminder: Year 13 Parents’ Evening
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will hold its Year 13 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. Appointments can be booked via the SchoolCloud booking system. Bookings opened on Friday, 2 January 2026 at 19:00 and will close on Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 12:00. Full booking instructions are available on the academy’s website.
For support or further information, parents and carers are invited to contact Gabrielle Holland at gabrielle.holland@stationers.latrust.org.uk
Work Experience Information Webinar for Years 10 & 12
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will be hosting an online webinar for parents and carers of all Year 10 and Year 12 pupils on Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 17:00. The webinar will provide guidance on how families can support pupils in securing a suitable work experience placement, as well as an overview of how to use Unifrog to record and process placements once confirmed.
As a reminder, work experience placements will take place from Monday 6, July 2026 to Friday, 10 July 2026.
The webinar will be delivered via YouTube Live. Parents and carers can access the session HERE. A recording will also be available immediately afterwards using the same link for anyone unable to attend live.
Exploring a School Ski Trip for Years 8 & 9 in 2027
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is currently exploring the possibility of running a school ski trip in 2027 for pupils who are currently in Years 8 and 9. This would be a valuable opportunity for pupils to experience skiing in a world-class resort, develop new skills and enjoy an unforgettable trip with their peers.
Provisional trip details (subject to confirmation):
- Destination: Folgarida, Italy OR Serre Chevalier, France
- Dates: Departing 06 February 2027 (8 days, 7 nights)
- Accommodation: Full board
- Skiing Package:
- 4 hours of ski tuition per day (for 6 days)
- 6-day ski lift pass
- Ski equipment rental (skis, boots, and helmet)
- Travel: Return flights, UK and overseas airport transfers
- Extras: Evening activities (e.g. ice skating), plus a ski trip hoody
- Estimated Cost: £1,725 per pupil
At this stage, the academy is assessing the feasibility of the trip and is seeking an indication of interest from parents and carers. If your child would be interested in attending, please complete the expression of interest form by Monday, 12 January 2026. Completing the form does not commit your child to the trip at this stage, but it will help the academy determine whether it can proceed with organising this opportunity.
Personal Development Updates
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-13
In Module 3, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will focus on age-appropriate themes that support students’ well-being, personal growth, and preparation for life beyond the classroom. Each session is designed to encourage collaboration, critical thinking and skill development.
| This Week | Next Week | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | What should I know about money and finances? | What should I know about money and finances? |
| Year 8 | Why is it important to develop relationships with others? | How can I communicate positively? |
| Year 9 | Why are relationships important to maintain? | How does the law govern long term relationships? |
| Year 10 | What do healthy relationships look and feel like? | What do healthy relationships look and feel like? |
| Year 11 | How do I stay safe online? | How do I stay safe online? |
| Year 12 | What do healthy relationships look like? | How can I ensure personal respect in intimate relationships? |
| Year 13 | How do I stay safe on the road? | How do I stay safe whilst travelling? |
Careers Education: Weekly Information, Advice & Guidance
This week’s Careers Newsletter focuses on National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026), including the “Skills for Life” theme, parent toolkits, local opportunities such as SKILLSFEST, and a webinar on how AI and apprenticeships are shaping public services.
Virtual Insight Events & Masterclasses: Students can access virtual sessions on entrepreneurship (with former B&M CEO Simon Arora), broadcast journalism (with a former BBC News director), psychology (Bangor University), and creative pathways (Falmouth University’s Interior Design course).
University Application & Financial Support: Updates include UCAS’s scholarship search tool, a student finance webinar, guidance on using the UCAS Hub to explore interests and skills, and information on Clearing for 2026 entry.
Career Spotlights & Pathways: This week features routes into policing, the Editorial Assistant role as Job of the Week, the BBC as a major employer, and Falmouth University as a centre for creative study.
Parents and carers are encouraged to read the newsletter with their child. Further support is available via careers@stationers.latrust.org.uk
Click HERE to read this week’s Careers NewsletterCareer Exploration Series – Banking & Finance
Students interested in banking and finance are invited to the next Career Exploration Series session on Friday 16 January 2026, 14:15–15:15 (Period 5).
The session will be led by Dan Ankah, Team Head – Talent Acquisition at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), covering front office roles, entry routes into the sector, and the skills needed for success in global financial services. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Spaces are limited. Parents and carers must register in advance using this link. The academy will confirm places with students.
British Army One-Day Work Experience
Students aged 14–18 can register interest in a one-day British Army work experience at Napier Lines, Woolwich on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 (subject to confirmation). The day will provide insight into Army life, teamwork and confidence-building activities, and a range of career pathways. Places are limited to 8 students; kit will be provided. Parents and carers will need to arrange drop-off and collection. To register interest, please email careers@stationers.latrust.org.uk with the student’s name, year group, and a brief reason for interest by Friday, 16 January 2026.
Year 13 Insight Day Opportunity: Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority are hosting two exclusive Insight Days for Year 13 girls who are interested in apprenticeships, are eager to build their employability skills and learn more about the financial sector. Apprenticeships on offer include: Accountancy, HR, Paralegal, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Data Analytics and more!
- Dates: Friday, 13 February 2026 / Tuesday, 24 February 2026
- Timings: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm (approx.)
- Location: FCA Office, Stratford, London E20 1JN
- Application link: here
Greenwich January Flu Community Clinic
Families in Greenwich can access a number of flu catch-up clinics this January for children who missed their flu vaccination. Appointments can be booked online — click here for further information and to secure a slot.
- Saturday, 17 January 2026 – 12:30-16:00 at Holy Trinity, Eltham, SE9 2SD
- Thursday, 22 January 2026 – 15:00-16:15 at Waterways Children’s Centre, SE28 8EZ
- Saturday, 24 January 2026 – 10:00-13:00 at Clockhouse Community Centre, SE18 5QL
