Latest News Page Updates | Friday, 21 November 2025

On Tuesday, 11 November 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy held its annual Remembrance Day Service, this year titled “Many Voices, One Humanity.” Led by Vice Principal Mr Smith, this year’s service brought together over 1,000 students, staff, and guests from The Stationers’ Company.

Principal Mr Sparks opened the service by reflecting on the words of Maya Angelou: “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” He explained how Angelou’s call to confront the past with honesty and empathy connects to this year’s theme, “Many Voices, One Humanity.” Mr Sparks invited students and guests to listen to the voices of those who served, those who rebuilt, and those who still live with the cost of conflict – reminding all present that remembrance is not only about memory but about action: showing courage, compassion, and unity in everyday life.

The service continued with contributions from across the academy community. It opened with a parade from the Combined Cadet Force, followed by a performance of Pie Jesu from the Year 7 and 8 Choir, composed by Mr Yeates and conducted by Ms Yeates. A series of readings then took place: Major Wilson of the Combined Cadet Force read The Parable of the Good Samaritan; Professor Linda Drew, Chair of Governors, read In Flanders Fields by John McCrae; pupil representatives from Angelou, Caxton and Hansard Colleges read Poppies by Jane Weir; and pupils from Equiano and Woolf Colleges delivered the Kohima Epitaph. Together, these elements provided a clear narrative through which students and guests could reflect on the meaning of remembrance.

The ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths by representatives from The Stationers’ Company and Leigh Academies Trust. Pupil representatives then laid wreaths on behalf of their colleges, before all students were invited to place a poppy at the end of the service. This allowed every attendee to take part in a personal act of remembrance.

Mr Smith closed the ceremony by thanking all who contributed to the service and reflecting on this year’s theme, “Many Voices, One Humanity.” He reminded those gathered that remembrance is not the story of one person or one nation, but the shared story of all humanity. Drawing on the readings, he highlighted the diverse voices heard during the service: the mother’s voice of love and loss in Poppies, the fallen soldiers’ enduring message in In Flanders Fields, and the timeless call to compassion in The Parable of the Good Samaritan. Each, he noted, adds its own harmony to a collective act of remembrance. Mr Smith urged students to carry the spirit of remembrance beyond the ceremony, through their words, actions, and daily choices, honouring the past by building peace in the present.

On Thursday, 20 November 2025, 97 pupils from Caxton College visited the West End to watch Hercules the Musical. The production, based on the Disney film, retells the story through dynamic staging, vibrant choreography and a celebrated score, offering pupils an engaging introduction to large-scale musical theatre.

The visit forms part of the academy’s commitment to ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to experience a West End production during their time at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. Pupils from Angelou and Hansard Colleges will attend later in the academic year.

Mr Turan, Assistant Principal, said: “The pupils were a real credit to the academy. They were enthusiastic, exceptionally well behaved and fully immersed in the experience. It was wonderful to see how much they enjoyed the performance, and we look forward to running further trips later this academic year.”

To support preparation for the mock examinations, warm-up sessions will run for relevant subjects as follows:

• Morning exams: 08:00–08:30 on the day
• Afternoon exams: 15:15–16:00 the day before (straight after school)
• Wednesdays (PM only): 14:15–15:00

Pupils attend in their usual classroom with their class teacher. Attendance is strongly encouraged as these sessions provide final guidance, key reminders and exam tips.

Year 11 Schedule

Core PE will be suspended from Wednesday, 12 November 20025 for the duration of the mock period while the sports hall is in exam setup; a further update will confirm when it will resume.

Year 13 Schedule

Mr Flower, Vice Principal, said:  “I want to commend our pupils for their exceptional attitude throughout the examination period. Their attendance has been outstanding, and their commitment to the pre- and post-exam warm-up sessions is making a real difference to their confidence and performance. We have also seen a noticeable improvement in how quickly and calmly pupils line up for each exam. This level of focus and maturity creates exactly the right environment for success. Let’s keep this momentum going. I encourage every pupil to continue making the most of the warm-up sessions and to maintain this excellent standard right through to the final paper.”

Leigh Stationers’ Academy teams took part in football and rugby fixtures this week, including Blackheath Cup and ESFA National Cup matches, along with a single competitive rugby fixture.

Mr Judd, Director of PE, said: “Our pupils showed real determination across all fixtures this week. Whether celebrating a win or learning from a narrow loss, they represented the academy with great attitude and resilience. We look forward to building on this in the coming weeks.”

As temperatures begin to drop, Leigh Stationers’ Academy would like to remind families of the school’s cold-weather uniform expectations to ensure all pupils remain warm, comfortable and prepared for the winter months.

General Uniform

To support pupils in colder conditions:

• Gloves and hats may be worn (outdoors only).
• Hats must be removed when entering any school building.

PE Kit

In line with the academy’s uniform policy, pupils may wear additional layers during PE lessons in winter modules:

• Underlays/skins: Black or navy skins or a black under-layer are permitted.
• Leggings: 

• • Official Leigh Stationers’ Academy sports leggings may be worn on their own.
  • Unbranded black or navy leggings may also be worn, but school shorts must be worn over the top.

Ms Dooley, Deputy Principal, said: “We had our first signs of snow this week, and while the school looked beautiful, it was a clear reminder that the colder months are here. We want to ensure pupils are wrapped up warm while still meeting our uniform expectations, and we really appreciate the continued support of parents and carers in helping us achieve this.”

On Monday, 17 November 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted its MYP Parent Coffee Morning, where families received an overview of how the Middle Years Programme supports meaningful and holistic learning. The session introduced parents to the IB Learner Profile traits, which help shape students into reflective, principled and open-minded global citizens.

Parents also explored the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills and the academy’s inquiry-based learning approach, both of which are central to the MYP. The event concluded with an explanation of MYP assessment, which uses criteria-based feedback to support pupil growth and deeper understanding.

Ms Jess, Assistant Principal, said: “We were delighted to welcome a number of parents to the session. Your engagement and support play a key role in helping our pupils thrive within the MYP framework, and we look forward to continuing these conversations throughout the year.” A link to the presentation is available here.

Year 10 and 12 Work Experience: Save the Date

Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to confirm that Work Experience Week for Year 10 and Year 12 pupils will take place from Monday, 6 July 2026 to Friday, 10 July 2026. This important opportunity allows pupils to gain first-hand experience of the workplace, explore potential career pathways and develop key skills that will support their future aspirations.

The programme will be introduced through a parent/carer webinar later in the year, offering further information and guidance on securing placements and supporting pupils through the process. Parents and carers are encouraged to save the date and begin discussing possible placement ideas with their child.

Parent/Carer Webinar: Supporting Post-16 Choices

Unifrog, the careers and destinations platform used at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, is offering a 45-minute online webinar designed to help parents and carers understand the full range of post-16 pathways and how best to support their child’s next steps.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 3 December at 17:30 and will provide clear guidance on available routes after Year 11, key considerations, and practical ways to support decision-making at home. Parents and carers are encouraged to register using the link provided. A pupil version of the session will also run at 16:30 on the same day. Pupils have already received the information via Unifrog but may also sign up using the following link.

University of East Anglia: Upcoming Subject Taster Sessions

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is offering a series of online subject taster sessions to help students explore university-level study and future pathways. Over 100 live, interactive sessions run each year, all open for individual sign-up. Parents and carers can explore the available opportunities using the link provided.

Apprenticeship Opportunities for Year 13 Pupils

Applications are now open for a range of degree and higher apprenticeships with BP, E.ON and Barclays. These programmes allow students to earn a salary, gain industry experience and, in many cases, work towards a university-level qualification without tuition fees. Opportunities span areas such as business, engineering, digital innovation, sustainability, banking and technology.

KPMG has also launched applications for its 2026 apprenticeships in Audit, Tax and Business Services, offering starting salaries of £23,000–£26,250 depending on location.

Places fill quickly, so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Application links:

• BP: https://careers.bp.com/early-careers/apprenticeships
• E.ON: https://www.eon-uk-careers.com/en/early-careers/degree-apprenticeships.html
• Barclays: https://search.jobs.barclays/apprenticeships
• KPMG: https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/apprentice

PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-13

In Module 2, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education at Leigh Stationers’ Academy continues to 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: How can I support my own mental health?
• Year 8: What does good mental health look like?
• Year 9: How can I talk about my emotions?
• Year 10: What is budgeting?
• Year 11: Mock Exam Revision
• Year 12: What impact does body shaming have?
• Year 13: Mock Exam Revision

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

Careers Education: Weekly Information, Advice & Guidance 

This week’s Careers Newsletter features a selection of virtual insight events, apprenticeship opportunities and sector spotlights for students interested in finance, business and professional industries.

The insight sessions include talks from organisations such as Deutsche Bank, the FCA, Pearson and Sheffield Business School, offering an introduction to careers in finance, digital professionalism and business management. Apprenticeships highlighted this week include programmes from Barclays, UBS and Price Bailey, alongside real-life case studies showing alternative routes into professional careers.

The newsletter also spotlights the role of an Investment Banker, Deloitte’s school-leaver pathways and the London School of Economics, University of the Year 2025.

Parents and carers are encouraged to read the full newsletter and discuss opportunities with their child. For support, contact the Careers Team at careers@stationers.latrust.org.uk.

New Business Clubs Launch for Year 9

Leigh Stationers’ Academy is introducing three new Business clubs next week, initially open to Year 9 pupils. These clubs are ideal for those interested in entrepreneurship or considering Business at Key Stage 4. Parents and carers can register via SOCS.

The Apprentice Club – Mondays (WOO-15, Ms Hussain): Weekly challenges focused on identifying market opportunities, product design and teamwork.

Dragon’s Den Club – Thursdays (WOO-11, Ms Nkoy): Pupils develop innovative products and pitch their ideas to a panel of “Dragons.”

Business Simulation Club – Thursdays (WOO-18, Ms Holland): Interactive simulations using Chromebooks where pupils run virtual businesses and make strategic decisions.

Information about other academy clubs can be found here.

College Council Meetings Begin

Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s newly established College Council held its first meetings this week, providing student representatives with a structured forum to share ideas and contribute to academy-wide improvement.

During the sessions, each college group discussed three key areas: selecting potential causes for this year’s College Charity Campaign, giving feedback on the range and quality of extracurricular clubs, and reviewing the current careers guidance programme to suggest improvements for future workshops and mentoring opportunities.

This marks the beginning of the Council’s work for the year. Further updates and outcomes from these discussions will be shared in upcoming newsletters.

Families are reminded that if your child missed their school flu vaccination, there are still opportunities to get protected. We have included details of the Greenwich Immunisations Service clinic sessions here, where children and young people can either book an appointment or attend as a walk-in at a time that suits you. You can also find an e-consent link here, which can be easily accessed using the QR code provided.