End-of-Year Letter 2024/25 – Parents/Carers of Current Students

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Dear Parents/Carers,

End-of-Year Letter 2024/25

As we come to the end of the academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the clear and positive culture shift we’ve seen at Leigh Stationers’ Academy and to thank you for the role you’ve played in supporting that progress. 

Highlights from 2024/25

This year, we have focused on raising expectations, embedding consistent routines, and creating a calm and purposeful learning environment. As a result, attendance has improved significantly, with more students reaching 95% or above, while suspensions and lesson removals have fallen sharply. Over 750 students were rewarded through our tiered rewards programme, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold trips to Vue Cinema, the O2 Arena, and Thorpe Park,  a clear message that excellent attendance, behaviour, and attitude are recognised and celebrated.

The strength of our culture is reflected in the confidence families continue to place in the academy. We remained significantly oversubscribed for Year 7, with over 375 first-choice applications for just 270 places, and over 180 students attended our Sixth Form Induction Day, highlighting the continued growth of Woolf College and the trust placed in our post-16 provision.

Outside the classroom, students have had access to a wide range of enrichment activities. With over 30 clubs running each week, pupils have developed new skills, explored interests, and built friendships. Educational visits and residentials have also expanded this year, with highlights including the Year 7 PGL trip, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, a CCF leadership camp, a magical visit to Disneyland Paris, and an unforgettable cultural trip to New York, with many more planned for next year.

Our Performing Arts programme continues to thrive. This year’s production of School of Rock was a huge success, filled with energy, talent and creativity. Our Winter and Summer Concerts – Classics to Pop – showcased the breadth of musical talent across the school, featuring performances from the choir, beginner orchestra, soloists, and student bands. Sport has also gone from strength to strength, with a busy calendar of fixtures and inter-college competitions. A standout moment came during our whole-school Sports Day last week, where Caxton College were crowned champions for the first time in 13 years. The atmosphere was outstanding, and it was a proud moment for students and staff alike.

These achievements reflect a growing culture of ambition, opportunity and inclusion at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. They would not have been possible without your continued support, and I want to thank you for the vital part you’ve played in your child’s success this year.

Results Days – Summer 2025

The academy looks forward to welcoming students for Year 11 and Year 13 Results Days, where staff will be available to offer support and guidance on next steps.

Year 11 Results Day Year 13 Results Day

Thursday 21 August 2025, 08:30-12:00

Thursday 14 August 2025, 08:30-12:00

Results will be available for collection from the academy restaurant during the times listed above. If a student is unable to attend in person, they must complete the designated Google Form in advance. This form, to be completed by the student, allows them to:

  • Nominate someone else to collect their results (e.g. a parent or guardian), who must bring a valid photo ID
  • Request results by email, using a current and regularly checked personal student email address (not a school email)

Year 11 Post-16 Guidance and Enrolment

All students will be asked to confirm their post-16 destination on results day, as part of the Department for Education’s statutory requirements. Staff will be available to offer advice and guidance where needed. Students planning to join Woolf College who meet the entry requirements should log in to their AdmissionsPlus account after receiving their results to complete their enrollment and subject choices. The Woolf College team will be on hand to support with this process.

Year 13 Destinations and Support

Students applying through UCAS will receive an email at approximately 08:00 on results day confirming the outcome of their application. If they have not met the conditions of their firm or insurance offer, they may receive an alternative or need to go through Clearing.

The Woolf College team will be available from 08:30 to provide individual support with UCAS decisions, Clearing, and other next steps. Students not applying to university can also speak with the team for advice on apprenticeships, employment or other pathways. 

We are also required to collect information on all students’ post-18 destinations. Those not applying via UCAS should come prepared to provide details of their confirmed offer or placement, including the provider name, course/job title, and level (where applicable). This should also be shared with Ms Francis at: catherine.francis@stationers.latrust.org.uk

Start of Module (Term) Arrangements

The full list of term dates for the 2025/26 academic year can be found here.

  • Monday, 1 September 2025 at 08:30 – Year 7 and Year 12 students return
  • Tuesday, 2 September 2025 at 08:30 – All other year groups return

There are no changes to the timings of the school day. Students are expected to arrive by 08:30 on their designated return date. Full details can be found on our website.

Parents and carers of students with an EHCP are invited to meet with a member of the SEND Team on Monday, 1 September 2025. If you have not received an appointment time, please contact the SEND Team at sen@stationers.latrust.org.uk. Please note that the academy is closed during the summer holiday, and any enquiries will be responded to once the academy reopens on Thursday, 28 August 2025.

Uniform

Leigh Stationers’ Academy works with two approved school uniform suppliers to give families greater choice and flexibility. Please ensure you place your order in good time to avoid any delays before the start of term.

JK Clothing Brigade
  • Operates a physical retail store: 14 Blackfen Rd, Wellington Parade, Sidcup DA15 9NB
  • Uniform can also be ordered online at: https://jkclothing.co.uk
  • No fixed order deadline, but early ordering is strongly advised

As outlined in our communication dated Friday, 7 March 2025, there are a number of important updates to our academy uniform which will take effect from September 2025:

  • Students who choose to wear a skirt must wear the academy’s dark grey kilt. This must be worn to the knee when standing.
  • Alternatively, students may wear plain, dark grey tailored school trousers. Please note that black trousers will no longer be permitted.

To support all students in being fully prepared for learning each day, we are also introducing the ‘Terrific 10’ – a checklist of essential daily equipment. The full list is shown on the poster below. Please can we ask all parents and carers to support us in ensuring that students arrive at school each day with the correct equipment. Your support helps us to maintain high standards and ensures every child is ready to learn.

Start of Term Webinar

Before the start of the new academic year, we will be holding a Parent/Carer Start of Term Webinar at 16:00 on Thursday, 28 August 2025. The session will take place via YouTube Live, and a recording will be available immediately afterwards for those unable to attend live.

The purpose of the webinar is to walk through the key start-of-term arrangements for all pupils, ensuring everyone is fully prepared for a smooth and successful return to school. We warmly encourage all parents and carers to watch the webinar to stay informed and confident about the first few days of term.

Thank you once again for your continued support. I hope you and your family have a restful summer break, and I look forward to welcoming our students back in September as we continue to grow and thrive as Leigh Stationers’ Academy.

Best wishes,

Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal