Latest News Page Updates | Friday, 27 February 2026

Leigh Stationers’ Academy is aware of a social media trend circulating on TikTok and other platforms that promotes so-called “school wars” or “Red vs Blue” confrontations between pupils from different schools. In some cases, posts encourage young people to meet outside of school and film disputes for social media.

Police are monitoring this issue and increasing activity in some areas to help prevent incidents. They have also warned that encouraging or participating in harmful activity could result in criminal charges.

In line with police advice, the academy will not share or circulate screenshots or videos of these posts, as doing so can increase their visibility online. Families are asked to speak with their child about the risks, and pupils are strongly advised not to attend or involve themselves in any gatherings linked to this trend. Parents and carers may also wish to review privacy and safety settings on social media apps and remind pupils that sharing or forwarding harmful content is not acceptable.

This morning, the academy held a whole-school student briefing to share these key messages directly with pupils, reinforce behaviour expectations and remind students how to seek support if they feel worried or pressured by what they may be seeing online.

As a further precaution, parents and carers are encouraged to check their child’s plans after school, ensure they know where their child is and who they are with, and reinforce the expectation that pupils should travel home promptly at the end of the day.

The academy will continue to monitor concerns through safeguarding systems, remain in contact with local police, and reinforce expectations through assemblies and tutor time. Any concerns, or information that may help keep pupils safe, should be shared with the academy directly or via the safeguarding reporting system on the website.

During the half-term break on Shrove Tuesday, the Leigh Stationers’ Academy Chamber Choir took part in the annual service held at St Paul’s Cathedral, singing in St Faith’s Chapel. The choir was accompanied by Mr Yeates, Mrs Yeates, Ms Asobie and Mr Sparks.

Performing works arranged for soprano, alto and male voices, pupils sang Purcell’s Thou Knowest, Lord, the Secrets of Our Hearts and Rutter’s The Lord Bless You and Keep You.

Following the service, pupils and families attended the Stationers’ Company’s annual ‘Cakes and Ale’ event at Stationers’ Hall. The tradition dates back to 1613, when bookseller John Norton left a gift to the Company, establishing the custom of gathering around Ash Wednesday to share cakes and ale—an enduring celebration of fellowship and the Stationers’ community.

Mr Sparks (Principal) said: “I couldn’t have been prouder of our pupils. They sang with real confidence and maturity, and performing at St Paul’s Cathedral was a truly special moment for them and for the academy. Thank you to the parents and carers who came along to support the choir—your encouragement and presence made the day feel even more meaningful. I am also very grateful to the Stationers’ Company for hosting our pupils and families so warmly at Stationers’ Hall; the feedback for the choir was exceptional, and it was a brilliant reminder of how strong and connected our wider academy community is.”

This week, Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted its Key Stage 4 (KS4) Options Launch Webinar on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. During the session, Mr Smith (Vice Principal) guided parents, carers and pupils through the options process, including the subjects available, key dates and how preferences will be submitted. Families also had the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A.

For families who were unable to attend, the webinar recording is available via the academy’s YouTube channel or by clicking the link below:

Upcoming KS4 Options Dates

• Friday 27 February 2026 – KS4 Options Taster Day: A dedicated day for pupils to experience subjects not currently studied in Year 9 (e.g. Business, Health & Social Care) before making choices.
• Monday 2 March to Friday 6 March 2026 – KS4 Options Week: Taster sessions within timetabled lessons to help pupils explore Key Stage 4 course content, expectations and the skills required.
• Wednesday 4 March 2026 (17:00–18:30) – KS4 Options Evening: An in-person event for families to meet subject teachers, curriculum leaders and senior staff, and discuss suitability and future pathways.
• Friday 6 March 2026 – KS4 Options Form Issued: The Google Form will be sent to parents and carers to submit KS4 preferences.
• Wednesday 18 March 2026 – Year 9 Parents’ Evening and Deadline: Parents’ Evening will take place, and this is the deadline for submitting the KS4 preferences form.
• Module 6 – Options Confirmed: The academy will confirm pupils’ KS4 options for the start of Key Stage 4.

Leigh Stationers’ Academy will host the Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, from 16:00 to 19:00. This face-to-face event will give parents and carers the opportunity to meet subject teachers and discuss their child’s academic progress.

The booking system for appointments will open at 19:00 on Friday, 6 March 2026, and close at 12:00 on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. To ensure that all parents and carers are able to secure appointments, bookings will initially be limited to six subject teachers per child. Please select carefully which teachers you would like to see. Any remaining appointments will be released next Friday before the event.

Appointments can be made via the SchoolCloud booking system, with full instructions available on the academy’s website. For any assistance or further information, please contact Gabrielle Holland at gabrielle.holland@stationers.latrust.org.uk

Leigh Stationers’ Academy is inviting parents of Year 7 pupils, as well as parents and carers of pupils who are new to Years 8 and 9, to attend an upcoming MYP Coffee Morning on Monday, 9 March 2026. The session will provide an overview of IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) assessment practices and the academy’s reporting system.

Staff will be available to answer questions about assessments and reports, explain how progress is monitored, and share practical ways for families to support pupils’ learning.

• Date: Monday 9 March 2026
• Time: 08:30–09:15
• Location: Library, The Crown Building
• Sign up: HERE

A group of eight Year 10 pupils, accompanied by Ms Hunt (Lead Practitioner), attended an Oxbridge workshop at Thomas Tallis School on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. The session was delivered by university representatives and focused on Oxbridge entry requirements, as well as the practical steps pupils can take in Year 10 to begin strengthening future applications.

Ms Hunt said: “This workshop gave our pupils a really valuable insight into what Oxbridge looks for and, crucially, what they can start doing now to build a strong profile. The debate element challenged them to think deeply, articulate their views with confidence and respond thoughtfully to others, exactly the kind of academic skillset that will serve them well as they move through Key Stage 4 and beyond.”

On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, Leigh Stationers’ Academy took part in the regional final of the Jack Petchey ‘Speak Out’ Challenge at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls. The event celebrates student voice and supports young people to develop confidence and skills in public speaking.

The academy was represented by Year 10 pupils Jessie and Joey. Ms Blayney (Teacher of PE) said: “Jessie and Joey were a credit to the academy. They spoke with real confidence and authenticity, and it was fantastic to see how much they had developed their ideas and delivery. Opportunities like this help young people find their voice, build self-belief and realise the impact they can have when they speak up.”

Judges praised the high overall standard of speaking, commending participants for projection, structure and authenticity.

On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, a Year 9 team represented Leigh Stationers’ Academy at the Kent Schools Rugby 7s competition.

Mr Judd (Director of Learning for PE & Sport) said: “I was really impressed with the way the boys approached the day. Rugby 7s is fast and unforgiving, and with three 10-minute matches, there is very little time to settle, but the team played with real power and skill and stayed competitive in every game. The effort levels were outstanding from start to finish, and winning one match while narrowly losing the other two was a fair reflection of how well they performed. It is excellent preparation for next week’s LAT competition.”

Results

• Record: Played 3, Won 1, Lost 2
• Scorers/Shooters: Kalel P, Gabriel H
• Player of the Match: Kalel P

As digital devices become an everyday part of life, many parents and carers find it difficult to judge when screen use is simply a hobby or when it may be becoming unhealthy. With online platforms designed to keep users engaged, some children and young people can begin to develop tech-related dependencies that impact sleep, wellbeing and daily routines.

To support families, the academy is sharing a practical guide with advice on recognising potential warning signs and setting healthy boundaries, including tips to reduce risks linked to health and wellbeing, app addiction and lack of sleep. Click HERE to access the guide.

This week, Leigh Stationers’ Academy CCF cadets took part in a climbing and bouldering session at The Reach in Woolwich. The activity supported cadets to develop confidence, coordination and resilience, while also strengthening teamwork and communication.

The session forms part of the academy’s preparation programme for this year’s CCF Summer Camp with the Royal Marines on Dartmoor, where cadets will have the opportunity to climb on rock faces used by Royal Marines recruits during Commando training.

Mr Heine (School Staff Instructor) said: “Climbing is a brilliant way to build confidence and resilience, and the cadets approached the session with real focus and determination. Activities like this also develop teamwork and problem-solving skills that will be invaluable at Summer Camp on Dartmoor. It was great to see cadets encouraging each other throughout.”

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has asked Leigh Stationers’ Academy to remind parents and carers to complete the e-consent form for the upcoming DTP/Men ACWY vaccination session in school. Parents and carers who have not yet responded are asked to complete the e-consent form HERE.

To support families during the exam season, the Greenwich Mental Health in Schools Team (GMHST) is running a parent webinar titled “Supporting your child with exam stress”. The session will explore how academic pressure can affect young people and share practical strategies to help pupils manage stress, build resilience and maintain wellbeing.

Two webinar times are available:

• Monday 2 March 2026 (10:00–11:00)
• Monday 9 March 2026 (18:00–19:00)

Full details are available here.

PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-13

In Module 4, 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.

Careers Education: Weekly Information, Advice & Guidance [SSH]

This week’s Careers Newsletter highlights a wide range of opportunities with a particular focus on creative careers, university summer schools, and developing employability skills.

• University Preparation and Summer Schools: A range of higher education opportunities are promoted, including Sutton Trust summer schools for Year 12 students from low socioeconomic backgrounds (closing 5th March), additional programmes at universities such as Bristol, Sheffield, Newcastle, Birmingham and Durham, a University of Cambridge law taster course, and a free STEP preparation course for Year 13 students applying to Cambridge, Warwick and Imperial.
• Work Experience and Employability Skills: Students are encouraged to take part in the Big Work Experience Challenge on Springpod to gain experience and earn rewards, alongside expert application masterclasses from a career coach offering practical guidance on avoiding common CV mistakes and understanding how recruitment processes work.
• Creative Careers and Apprenticeships: The new ERIC creative careers platform provides extensive insight into the sector, including sessions on creative apprenticeships, myth-busting around apprenticeship routes, and real apprentice experiences in areas such as fashion, merchandising and technical theatre.

Parents and carers are encouraged to read the newsletter with their child. Further support is available via careers@stationers.latrust.org.uk

Reminder: Year 10 & 12 Work Experience

Work Experience Week for Year 10 and Year 12 will take place from Monday, 6 July to Friday, 10 July 2026. Students are expected to have secured a placement, and the deadline to log placement details on Unifrog has been extended until Friday, 13 March 2026.

How to Log a Placement on Unifrog: Once an employer has confirmed a placement verbally or by email, students should log this on Unifrog by:

1. Launching Unifrog and scrolling down to the “Placements” tool.
2. Clicking “Add a new placement.”
3. Completing the Student Initial Form with the employer’s contact details.

Helpful Resources:

• Unifrog’s Placements tool FAQs – A short animation to get you started.
• How to Help Your Child Find a Placement – Tips for the search.
• Mr Smith’s Webinar – A full walkthrough of the school’s expectations.

For queries, families should contact Ms Saif via careers@stationers.latrust.org.uk