Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
When I look back on this week’s updates, I am struck by how much we accomplish in an ordinary week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy and how much our students gain from it. In a matter of days, pupils have been out in London exploring our heritage at Stationers’ Hall and making links to their learning at Tate Modern; Year 9 have engaged maturely and thoughtfully with TfL’s Project Guardian workshops; and our sixth formers have experienced Othello live at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, bringing classroom study to life. Alongside this, we have celebrated sporting success, including the U12A National Cup win and Sophia’s qualification for the British Schools Championships, as well as strong family engagement through the Work Experience webinar.
I would like to thank our staff for making these opportunities possible, from organising trips and events to supporting students in representing the academy so well. I would also like to thank you, our parents and carers, for your continued support: encouraging participation, attending key sessions such as the work experience webinar, and working in partnership with us so that every young person can access these experiences and benefit from them.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Year 7 Angelou Students Visit Stationers’ Hall and Tate Modern
On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, 95 Year 7 students from Angelou College took part in a visit to Stationers’ Hall and Tate Modern, travelling into central London by train.
At Stationers’ Hall, pupils enjoyed a guided visit of the historic building, learning about the work and legacy of The Stationers’ Company and its long-standing connection to publishing, printing and communication. The group then visited Tate Modern, where students completed worksheets that connected modern and contemporary artworks to their current Year 7 learning, helping them to link classroom study to real-world examples in a memorable way.
Ms Barnes, Assistant Principal, said: “It was a real pleasure to see our Year 7 Angelou students experience London’s cultural landmarks first-hand, and they demonstrated excellent conduct throughout the trip. Visits like this are an important part of ensuring every student has the opportunity to visit Stationers’ Hall and understand the heritage associated with our academy’s name. We are grateful to The Stationers’ Company for welcoming us, and to the staff for making the day such a success.”
Year 9 Engage in TfL Workshops on Bystander Intervention & Reporting
On Tuesday 13 January 2026, Year 9 students participated in Project Guardian workshops delivered by Transport for London (TfL). The sessions focused on promoting safety, respect and positive behaviour across London’s transport network.
As part of the programme, students explored the importance of reporting sexual harassment, alongside the role of bystander intervention in supporting others and challenging inappropriate behaviour. The workshops provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage in thoughtful discussion about how to keep themselves and others safe when travelling in London.
Mr Smith, Vice Principal, said: “We are genuinely grateful to TfL for giving our students the time and expertise to have these important conversations. I was really proud of how maturely our Year 9s engaged with the sessions, and TfL colleagues were very complimentary about the thoughtful contributions our students made throughout.”
A-Level English Literature Students Attend Othello at Theatre Royal Haymarket
On Monday, 12 January 2026, ten A-Level English Literature students attended an evening performance of Shakespeare’s Othello at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, accompanied by Ms Trute and Ms Ball.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to experience the play performed live and to explore how tragedy engages an audience through staging and dramatic methods. A particular highlight was Toby Jones’ portrayal of Iago, which offered students a compelling interpretation that captured both the character’s humour and villainy.
Ms Trute, Director of English, said: “I was incredibly proud of how our students represented the academy on the night. They were a real pleasure to take out, and we are already looking forward to our next theatre visit together.”
Work Experience Webinar for Years 10 & 12: Recording Now Available
On Tuesday 13 January 2026, Mr Smith (Vice Principal) hosted a work experience information webinar for Year 10 and Year 12 parents and carers.
More than 250 parents and carers logged in to watch the session live. Mr Smith outlined the key dates and expectations for work experience, including how placements are sourced and approved, and the support available to students to help them prepare high-quality applications. For parents and carers who were unable to attend, the recording is available HERE.
If you have any questions regarding work experience, please contact careers@stationers.latrust.org.uk
Young Greenwich: Free 10-Week Tutoring Programme for Years 9–11
Families may be interested in a free 10-week tutoring programme from Young Greenwich, offering English and Maths support for students in Years 9–11 (and also Years 4–6).
Sessions are led by qualified tutors, with free snacks provided, and the programme has a strong track record of improving confidence and attainment. The programme runs from Saturday, 17 January 2026, and is held weekly at local youth hubs in Charlton, Eltham, Woolwich, and Thamesmead, either on Monday evenings or Saturday mornings.
Further information, including how to register, is available via the following LINK.
Year 11 Food Preparation & Nutrition Practical Exams
Year 11 Food Preparation and Nutrition practical examinations will take place in the week commencing Monday, 26 January 2026. The assessments form part of NEA 2 (Non-Exam Assessment), which is the coursework element of the qualification completed in school and marked against exam board criteria.
Each class has been split across two exam days. Pupils will attend on their allocated day only, and will be off timetable for the full day to prepare, cook and present their three final dishes.
Exam groupings are as follows:
- Monday, 26 January 2026 – 11A/FN1 (Group A)
- Tuesday, 27 January 2026 – 11A/FN1 (Group B)
- Thursday, 29 January 2026 – 11C/FN1 (Group C)
- Friday, 30 January 2026 – 11C/FN1 (Group D)
Year 13 Parents’ Evening: Strong Attendance & Positive Engagement
On Wednesday 15 January 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted its Year 13 Parents’ Evening, bringing parents, carers and staff together to support pupils in the crucial final stages of their sixth form studies.
The evening saw over 80% attendance from parents and carers, with more than 350 appointments taking place across the event. Ms Collier, Head of Woolf College, said: “Thank you to all of our parents and carers who joined us. Your support makes a real difference, and we are committed to working closely with you to ensure every Year 13 pupil is fully supported to achieve their best possible outcomes.”
Further Parents’ Evening dates are as follows:
- Year 9 Parents’ Evening – Wednesday 18 March 2026
- Year 10 Parents’ Evening – Wednesday 15 April 2026
- Year 7 Parents’ Evening – Wednesday 8 July 2026
Further information about each event will be shared in advance via the academy’s Latest News Page Updates.
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 are healthy relationships? |
| Year 8 | What are respectful relationships? How can I have them? | How can I communicate positively? |
| Year 9 | How does the law govern long term relationships? | What does a healthy intimate relationship look like? |
| Year 10 | What do healthy relationships look and feel like? | What do healthy online relationships look and feel like? |
| Year 11 | How do I stay safe online? | How do I stay safe in my local community? |
| Year 12 | How can I ensure personal respect in intimate relationships? | How do I build lifelong connections? |
| Year 13 | How do I stay safe online? | How do I stay safe whilst travelling? |
Careers Education: Weekly Information, Advice & Guidance
This week’s Careers Newsletter provides a strong focus on engineering, infrastructure and innovation, alongside apprenticeship pathways and university preparation.
- Focus on Engineering, Infrastructure & Innovation: Students can explore careers in engineering and construction through virtual talks with Heidelberg Materials and Lockheed Martin, engineering pathway webinars, infrastructure investment sessions, and a behind-the-scenes Rolls-Royce project management experience.
- Apprenticeship Insights & Career Planning: The newsletter includes guidance on degree apprenticeships, a career planning workshop, apprentice success stories across a range of industries, and early careers opportunities with Dunelm.
- University Guidance: Support is provided on managing UCAS applications and offers, preparing effectively for university study with UEA, and exploring potential degree subjects using free Springpod resources.
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 Newsletter
Career Exploration Series: British Army Talk
Students interested in careers in the British Army are invited to the next Career Exploration Series session on Monday, 27 January 2026, 10:30–11:30 (Early Lunch Session). Led by WO2 Ray McCaughey, Engagement Warrant Officer, the session will explore Army pathways, including apprenticeships and specialist roles, with time for student questions.
Spaces are limited. Parents and carers must register in advance using this link, and the academy will confirm places with students.
Module 3 Enrichment Clubs: SOCS Sign-Up Now Open
Leigh Stationers’ Academy has now finalised the Module 3 Enrichment Programme, and families can view the full list of clubs and activities on the academy’s enrichment platform, SOCS.
Student sign-up opens on Friday 16 January 2026 and closes on Friday 23 January 2026. This gives pupils and families time to review the options and select activities that best match interests and commitments. All activities begin on Monday 19 January 2026.
To access the programme, visit the SOCS portal and click ‘Pupil/Parent log in’.
| For students | For parents/carers |
|---|---|
| Students should log in using their school email address as their username and the password they created when they first activated their account. If a student has not used SOCS before, they should activate their account by selecting ‘Forgot password’ and setting a new password using their school email address. | Parents and carers can also log in to SOCS to sign their child up to a club and see what is on offer. If you have not logged in before, select ‘Parent log in’, choose ‘Activate account’, and enter the email address held on the academy’s system (the address used for school communications). An activation email will be sent with a link to set a password. |
All activities will begin next week on Monday, 19 January 2026.
Key Stage 3 Homework Club: Daily Support for Online Homework
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to confirm that a Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) Homework Club will run every day after school to support pupils with completing online homework.
The club will operate from 15:15 to 16:00 each day (14:15 to 15:00 on Wednesdays) and will be hosted in rooms with computer access, ensuring pupils who experience issues with their device can still complete their online homework at school. The club is also open to pupils who would prefer a quiet, supported space to complete homework on site.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Room | WIL01 | WOO22 | WIL01 | WIL01 | WIL01 |
Unless there are exceptional circumstances agreed in advance by the relevant College team, the expectation is that all pupils complete their online homework, whether they have a device at home or not. For any queries regarding homework or detentions for incomplete homework, please contact your child’s College team:
- Angelou@stationers.latrust.org.uk
- Caxton@stationers.latrust.org.uk
- Hansard@stationers.latrust.org.uk
Weekly Sports Update
Football: U12A National Cup Progress
On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the U12A team secured a 1–0 win against Trinity School in the ESFA National Cup (Round 5) to progress to Round 6. Casey C scored the decisive goal, with George R named Player of the Match.
Judo: Regional Success for Sophia
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is proud to celebrate Sophia (Year 8, Caxton College), who represented the academy at the Southern Area Regional Schools Judo Championships on Sunday, 11 January 2026. Despite not feeling well on the day, Sophia competed with real determination and qualified for the British Schools Championships 2026, taking place on Saturday, 7 March 2026.]
Mr Judd, Director of PE, said: “I was really pleased with how our students represented the academy this week. The U12A boys showed real focus, and Sophia did brilliantly to compete and qualify for the British Schools Championships. Well done to everyone involved.”
Brigade: Reduced PE Polo Shirt Stock
Brigade has reduced the price of selected Leigh Stationers’ Academy PE polo shirts to help move stock. The reduced price will remain in place until stock levels balance.
- Angelou: https://www.brigade.uk.com/product/falcon-sports-polo-g920/829001PD/
- Caxton: https://www.brigade.uk.com/product/falcon-sports-polo-navy-sky/829003PD/
- Equiano: https://www.brigade.uk.com/product/leigh-stationers-bespoke-g920-sports-polo-shirt-dean/829004PD/
- Hansard: https://www.brigade.uk.com/product/falcon-sports-polo-black-purple/829002PD/
