Latest News Page Updates | Friday, 17 October 2025

Latest Newsletter

Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,

As we reach the end of Module 1, it has been wonderful to reflect on the strong sense of community that defines our academy. This week’s events, from the Wear It Pink Day led by Equiano College to our Macmillan Coffee Afternoon, have demonstrated the compassion and generosity that sit at the heart of the Leigh Stationers’ Academy vision: a community where no student is left behind. Across the module, pupils have continued to embody our mission through their achievements in lessons, enrichment activities, and college celebration assemblies.

This half term has also seen the publication of the Department for Education’s 2025 performance data, confirming our best-ever results with an Attainment 8 score of 52.7, a significant improvement on the previous year. This result places Leigh Stationers’ Academy as the fifth highest performing secondary school (out of 32) in the local authority for attainment, and the fourth highest for the percentage of students achieving a grade 5 or above in English and Maths. In addition, this module, attendance remains exceptionally strong at 95.7%, well above the national average of 92.4%, and pupils continue to impress with their excellent behaviour, attitudes, and commitment to learning. With a busy Module 2 ahead, including our Remembrance Day Service, Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, and the Christmas Extravaganza, there is much to look forward to. I wish all pupils, parents, and carers a relaxing and well-deserved half-term break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, at 08:30. A full list of term dates can be found here.

Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy

End-of-Module Celebration Assemblies

At the end of each module, every college at Leigh Stationers’ Academy holds a celebration assembly to recognise the achievements of its pupils across a range of areas. These assemblies highlight excellence in attendance, behaviour, homework completion, and individual successes that reflect the academy’s values of Leadership, Scholarship and Achievement.

Each Head of College has provided a detailed summary of their college’s achievements this module. To read the full summaries, please visit the pages below.

Angelou College

Click HERE

Caxton College

Click HERE

Hansard College

Click HERE

Equiano College

Click HERE

Woolf College

Click HERE

This is a smaller group photo featuring students and one female staff member. The students are holding their certificates and posing in front of the college banners. The Caxton College banner is the most prominent one on the left.
This is a large group photo of students and some staff members taken during the "Module 1 Celebration Assembly." The students are dressed in school uniform and are standing in rows, proudly holding certificates. A projection screen on the wall confirms the event's name and features the academy's logo and the specific colleges being celebrated: Hansard & Equiano College. The banners for all five colleges (Angelou, Caxton, Equiano, Hansard, and Woolf) are visible in the background.
This image shows three students smiling and proudly holding their certificates, posing with a female staff member who is standing slightly behind them. The college banners for Caxton, Angelou, Equiano, and Hansard are visible in the background.
This is a group photo of multiple students, all holding their certificates (one student is also holding a small gift, possibly a chocolate bar), posing with a larger group of staff members. The staff are positioned both at the front and behind the students. The college banners are once again visible behind them.

Module 2: Key Dates for Your Diary

Leigh Stationers’ Academy has a number of important events scheduled throughout Module 2. Families are encouraged to note the dates below and check the academy’s latest news page for further details closer to each event.

  • Monday, 3 November 2025: INSET Day
  • Tuesday, 4 November 2025: Pupils return to the academy
  • Tuesday, 4 November 2025: Year 12 PGL Information Webinar – 17:00
  • Friday, 7 – Sunday, 9 November 2025: Year 12 PGL Residential Trip
  • Tuesday, 11 November 2025: Remembrance Day Service
  • Wednesday, 12 November 2025: Flu Vaccinations (Years 7–12)
  • Wednesday, 12 November 2025: Jack Petchey Speak Out Workshop – Caxton College
  • Thursday, 13 November 2025: Jack Petchey Speak Out Workshop – Angelou College
  • Friday, 14 November 2025: Jack Petchey Speak Out Workshop – Hansard College
  • Tuesday, 18 November 2025: Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge Final
  • Wednesday, 10 December 2025: Year 12 Parents’ Evening – 16:00–19:00
  • Monday, 11 December 2025: Christmas Jumper Day
  • Tuesday, 16 December 2025: Flu Vaccination Catch-Up (Years 7–12)
  • Tuesday, 16 December 2025: Christmas Extravaganza – Day 1
  • Thursday, 18 December 2025: Christmas Extravaganza – Day 2
  • Friday, 19 December 2025: End of Module 2 – 12:35

Further details, reminders, and photographs will be shared on the academy’s website and social media channels throughout the term.

Year 12 PGL Information Webinar

Parents and carers of Year 12 pupils attending the upcoming PGL residential are invited to join the Woolf Team for a live information webinar on YouTube at 17:00 on Tuesday, 4 November 2025. The session will provide key details about the trip, which takes place from Friday, 7 to Sunday, 9 November 2025, including travel arrangements, itinerary highlights, accommodation, kit list, and consent requirements. A short Q&A will follow the presentation.

For those unable to attend live, a recording of the webinar will be available on the same YouTube link immediately after the session.

Watch live or catch up HERE

Equiano College Leads Wear It Pink Day Fundraiser

On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy once again joined the national ‘Wear It Pink Day’ in support of Breast Cancer Now. Organised by students from Equiano College, the event encouraged everyone to wear one pink item alongside their uniform and make a donation. Pink ribbons, handmade by Equiano College students, were also available for a small donation during morning registration.

The initiative aimed to raise both funds and awareness for breast cancer research and support. Principal, Mr Sparks, said: “This cause holds special significance for our academy, as several members of staff have been directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer. It was incredibly moving to see our community come together in such a positive way. Thank you to everyone who wore pink and donated so generously, and a special thank you to the pupils of Equiano College for leading this meaningful event.”

A large group of students in school uniform are gathered together, posing enthusiastically with their hands raised. Many wearing an item of pink clothing
This image shows an outdoor stall set up on a paved area, likely for a fundraiser or market. The stall is selling a variety of treats and small novelty items. Items include many bags of colorful candies and sweets wrapped in cellophane. There are trays of donuts and cookies (chocolate chip and plain shortbread style). In the center, a large plastic jar holds several small plush toys (possibly dogs or snowmen) on sticks, possibly offered as prizes.

Sweet Success as Staff Fundraise for Macmillan

On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, staff at Leigh Stationers’ Academy came together to support Macmillan Cancer Support by hosting a Macmillan Coffee Afternoon. The event saw colleagues contribute an impressive array of homemade cakes, pastries, and sweet treats. The event raised nearly £300 for Macmillan Cancer Support, helping the charity continue its vital work supporting people affected by cancer.

Principal Mr Sparks said: “It was wonderful to see our staff community unite for such an important cause. Thank you to everyone who baked, donated, and supported the event; and a particular thank you to Julie Russell and the Admin Team for organising it so brilliantly.”

A group of six adult staff members are standing together indoors, eating small servings of cake/dessert from plates. They are all wearing work attire, with several wearing lanyards with ID badges. The person on the far left and the two people on the far right are wearing brightly colored jackets (pink and white/cream), suggesting they may have dressed up for the event. The setting appears to be a school library or resource area, with windows and shelving visible behind them. A sign on a filing cabinet says, "NO FOOD OR DRINK," which adds a touch of irony given the cake consumption.
A group of five female staff members are gathered in a brightly lit, casual seating area, which looks like a quiet reading or breakout corner in the school. They are sitting in colorful blue and purple chairs and smiling at the camera, engaged in a conversation or break. Three of the five are wearing bright pink jackets or tops.
Macmillan coffee morning with a table full of cakes
A group of five adult staff members are posing together indoors, also eating cake/dessert from small plates or bowls.
Macmillan coffee morning with a table full of cakes

New Cucina Restaurant Menu Available After Half Term

Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to share the updated Cucina restaurant menu, which will take effect after the half-term break. The new menu offers a wide selection of hot meals, vegetarian and vegan options, pasta dishes, and freshly baked desserts. Families and pupils can view the full menu by clicking the link here.

Weekly Sports Fixtures Round-Up

Leigh Stationers’ Academy teams competed in a number of fixtures last week, including National Cup games, LAT tournaments, and friendly fixtures against local schools.

FixtureResultScorers / ShootersPlayer of the Match
U15A National Cup vs Hurstmere1-2 LossArthur BWill B
Year 9 & 10 LAT Girls Handball Tournament9th OverallN/AChloe G
Year 8 Boys Vs Haberdashers Knights Academy (Blackheath Cup)3-4 LossJaice GNot listed
Year 7 Girls v St Mary MagdaleneWon 7-1Martha L, Betty H, Muizza L, Grace K, Prwsha M, Lola G, Olivia B, Isabelle MGrace
Year 7 Girls v St Mary MagdaleneWon 4-0Geetanjali

Mr Judd, Director of PE, said: “It has been another fantastic week of sport at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. Our pupils continue to represent the academy with great enthusiasm and pride. The skill, teamwork, and spirit shown across all fixtures were excellent — well done to everyone who took part.”

Personal Development Updates

PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-13

In Module 2, 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: What does good mental health look like?
  • Year 8: How can I keep control of my money?
  • Year 9: What does good mental health look like?
  • Year 10: What is the cost of living crisis?
  • Year 11: Effective Revision Strategies
  • Year 12: How do I maintain a healthy diet?
  • Year 13: Effective Revision Strategies

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

Career Exploration Series: Advanced Nursing Careers

On Thursday, 6 November 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy will be hosting a Career Exploration Series talk featuring Guest Speaker Juan Carrasco Alvarez, the Corporate Lead for Advanced Practice. This session will give pupils the chance to gain valuable insights into advanced nursing careers, learn about pathways for professional growth, and hear firsthand from an experienced industry leader. For more information and to register, please click here. If your child would like to attend, please complete the mandatory consent form available here.

Post-16 Opportunity: AFC Greenwich Borough Under 19s Boys

Leigh Stationers’ Academy has previously had lots of success with pupils going on to complete further education with Welling United Football Club. This programme is now transitioning over to AFC Greenwich Borough Academy and will offer the same structured and competitive post-16 academy programme as in previous years that allows students to pursue both academic qualifications and high-level football development. More information regarding this programme can be found on their website and in their Scholarship Programme brochure

Their first open trial event is scheduled for Monday 27, October at GB10Sports, 177, Footscray Road, SE9 2SZ. Interested students can register via this link.