Latest News Page Updates | Friday, 10 October 2025

On Monday, 6 October 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy held its annual Prize Giving Ceremony at Stationers’ Hall to celebrate the achievements of students past and present. The theme of this year’s event was “The Next Chapter”, reflecting on students’ progress so far and the exciting journeys ahead.

Families were welcomed by Principal Mr Sparks, the Master of The Stationers’ Company, Mr Wills, and guest speaker Shernett Ranson MBE, Head of Public Appointments Talent & Outreach at the Cabinet Office and a Governor at Leigh Stationers’ Academy.

In his opening speech, Mr Sparks reflected on the theme of the evening, saying that, “The Next Chapter reminds us to pause and reflect on what has been achieved, to look back with pride on the chapters already written, and to look forward with optimism to all that is yet to come.” Throughout the evening, 31 awards were presented to students from Key Stages 3 to 5, recognising excellence across the five colleges and a range of specialist subjects.

Mr Sparks said, “This evening is a highlight of our academy calendar. It is a privilege to celebrate the hard work, determination, and success of our students in such a historic setting. Stationers’ Hall provides the perfect backdrop to acknowledge not only academic achievement, but also the creativity, resilience, and leadership that define our young people.”

Guest speaker Shernett Ranson MBE added, “The students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy truly embody the spirit of ambition and perseverance. Each award winner has demonstrated a commitment to excellence that will serve them well in the future.”

On Friday, 3 October 2025, two Leigh Stationers’ Academy students were recognised at the Greenwich ‘Do the Right Thing’ Awards, held at Woolwich Town Hall.

Jordan, from Caxton College, received the Young Carer/Family Supporter Award, while Poppy was named Runner-Up for the Inspiration to Others Award. Both students were praised for their commitment, compassion, and positive contribution to their communities. Ms Blayney, Raising Standards Lead, said: “We are incredibly proud of Jordan and Poppy. They are excellent role models, showing kindness, dedication, and the very best of what our students can achieve.”

On Tuesday, 7 October 2025, Year 7 students from Hansard College took part in a visit to Stationers’ Hall and the Tate Modern in London. 

At Stationers’ Hall, located near St Paul’s Cathedral, students were given a guided tour and learned about the long history of the Stationers’ Company, which has represented publishing, printing, and communication since the 1600s. The group then visited the Tate Modern, where pupils explored a range of modern and contemporary artworks. The visit encouraged discussion about different artistic styles and ideas.

The day provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning to real-world examples of history and art. Mr Turan, Assistant Principal, said: “The pupils gained a great deal from visiting both Stationers’ Hall and the Tate Modern. It was an excellent opportunity for them to see how history, communication, and creativity connect in the real world. We are very grateful to The Stationers’ Company for welcoming our students and look forward to continuing these visits in the future.”

Leigh Stationers’ Academy plans to continue this series of visits, ensuring all Year 7 students have the chance to visit Stationers’ Hall during the academic year.

Year 8 Parents’ Evening took place on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 — the first parents’ evening of the academic year. Over 85% of parents and carers attended, with a total of 1,442 appointments taking place throughout the evening.

Mr Sparks, Principal, said: “It was excellent to see such strong engagement from our Year 8 families. Parental support plays a vital role in every student’s progress, and I would like to thank all parents and carers who attended for their continued partnership with the academy.”

Future parents’ evening dates are listed below, along with the dates when bookings open via SchoolCloud:

Information on how to book appointments can be found here.

On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, Equiano College will lead Wear It Pink day across Leigh Stationers’ Academy in support of Breast Cancer Now’s national campaign. The day aims to raise awareness and vital funds to support those affected by breast cancer.

Students and staff are encouraged to swap one item of their usual uniform for something pink to mark the occasion. Pupils must still wear their full school uniform, with the exception of the item swapped, for example, a pink shirt, tie, socks, or accessory may be worn in place of the usual item. For those who prefer not to wear pink clothing, Equiano College will be creating handmade pink ribbons that can be pinned to clothing as an alternative way to participate.

Staff will visit tutor groups in the morning to collect small voluntary donations from anyone wishing to wear an item of pink or a ribbon. All funds raised will go directly to Breast Cancer Now to support life-changing research and care.

Mr Sparks, Principal, said: “This is our second year running Wear It Pink Day, and it’s fantastic to see the academy community supporting such a meaningful cause once again. Last year, we raised over £1,500 for the charity, and it was wonderful to see so many pupils and staff proudly swapping part of their uniform for something pink.”

More information about Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink campaign can be found here.

Leigh Stationers’ Academy teams took part in a series of football and netball fixtures last week, achieving strong results across multiple year groups. Matches included National Cup ties against Hurstmere and friendly netball fixtures against St Mary Magdalene.

Mr Judd, Director of PE, said: “It’s been an excellent week of sport across the academy, with strong performances from every team. The football and netball squads showed great skill, teamwork, and determination. We’re proud of how all our students represented Leigh Stationers’ Academy with commitment and pride.”

Last week, Year 13 A Level English Language students visited the British Library to take part in a ‘Sounds Familiar’ workshop. The session gave students the opportunity to explore the diversity of accents and dialects from across the United Kingdom and to reflect on how attitudes towards different varieties of English have evolved over time.

Ms Trute, Director of English, said: “It was wonderful to see our students so engaged with the topic and making links between what they’ve studied in class and the real-world diversity of spoken English. Experiences like this really deepen their understanding and appreciation of how language shapes who we are.”

As a reminder, parents and carers of Year 11 pupils have been emailed the mock examination timetable and details of the October half-term intervention programme. These sessions are designed to provide targeted support in key subjects, helping pupils consolidate their knowledge and strengthen exam techniques ahead of the mock examinations.

The Year 11 mock exams will take place in week three of Module 2, beginning Monday, 17 November 2025. This is an important milestone in the GCSE year, giving pupils valuable experience of formal exam conditions and helping them to identify key areas for further revision.

To support preparation, we have added a link to a letter outlining key revision resources and study guides available to all Year 11 pupils. Parents and carers are encouraged to review these materials with their child to ensure they are fully prepared for the upcoming assessments.

PSHE for Years 7-13

In Module 1, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will focus on age-appropriate themes to support students’ wellbeing, personal growth and preparation for life beyond the classroom. Each session is designed to encourage collaboration, critical thinking and skill development. This week’s topics include:

• Year 7: School Safety & Chromebook Use
• Year 8: What are my Human Rights?
• Year 9: How can I navigate the challenges of a modern-day society?
• Year 10: How can I understand the science behind healthy living?
• Year 11: How can I maintain good personal hygiene?
• Year 12: Where do taxes go?
• Year 13: What do I need to know about renting accommodation?

Parents and carers are encouraged to continue these conversations at home, discussing ideas to help reinforce students’ understanding of these important topics.

College Open Events for Post-16

To support Year 11 pupils with advice and guidance about their next steps, assemblies have been delivered by Shooters Hill Sixth Form College and North Kent College. In Module 2, pupils will also hear from London South East Colleges. These three institutions were among the most popular destinations for Leigh Stationers’ Academy pupils this summer and offer a wide range of courses and apprenticeship opportunities.

All Year 11 pupils will receive a one-to-one meeting with the academy’s Careers Advisor, Ms Saif, to discuss their next steps and explore suitable pathways.

A full list of college open events and opportunities has been shared with pupils via Google Classroom and can be viewed here. For any questions regarding future opportunities, parents and carers can contact our Careers Advisor at careers@stationers.latrust.org.uk.

As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach, Leigh Stationers’ Academy is supporting the Greenwich Safer Schools Policing Team in reminding families to help keep young people and the wider community safe during this time of year.

In recent years, there have been incidents across the borough involving groups of young people misusing fireworks and causing distress or injury. Sergeant Cathy Woollen, from the Greenwich Safer Schools Policing Team, is appealing to all parents and guardians to remain especially vigilant in the evenings leading up to Halloween and Fireworks Night.

Parents and carers can support this effort by:

• Knowing where your child is and ensuring they are not out unaccompanied during evenings in the coming weeks.
• Discussing the dangers of fireworks and the consequences of being involved, even as a bystander, in anti-social or unsafe behaviour.
• Checking that your child does not have fireworks in their possession. If you find any, please dispose of them safely by following the London Fire Brigade’s guidance.
• Reporting any shops selling fireworks to under-18s to Greenwich Trading Standards via tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

Sharing any information about potential disorder by calling 101 or emailing woolwichtowncentreteam@met.police.uk.