A Message from the Principal
Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
As I conclude my second week as Principal, I would like to thank you for the warm welcome and continued support I have received from students, staff and families alike. It has been a pleasure to see, so early on, the breadth of opportunity and the strength of community that define life at Leigh Stationers’ Academy.
This week has been a particularly rich one, with students engaging in a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom. From our alpaca walking trip, which provided a calm and reflective opportunity to support student wellbeing, to the excellent participation in the Equiano Panathlon 5-a-side football tournament, it has been wonderful to see students demonstrating resilience, teamwork and positivity in new environments. These experiences are a powerful reminder of the importance of enrichment in supporting both personal development and emotional wellbeing.
Our Year 11 students have formally commenced the official summer examination season. Across the curriculum, whether in drama, art, photography or in modern foreign languages, students have sat their first examinations, approaching them with maturity, focus and a commendable sense of determination. This marks an important milestone in their academic journey, and it has been encouraging to see the calm and purposeful manner in which they have begun this period. Examinations will continue over the coming weeks, and we know that our students will continue to demonstrate resilience and commitment as they strive to achieve their very best. To support them during this crucial time, our Saturday revision sessions at the Academy are continuing to run. These sessions provide valuable additional guidance, structure and subject-specific support, and we strongly encourage all Year 11 students to take full advantage of these opportunities.
We have also celebrated student achievement across our enrichment pathways, with many pupils receiving Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. These accolades reflect not only participation, but sustained commitment and enthusiasm for learning beyond the classroom. It was especially pleasing to see so many students reach the Gold standard, an outstanding accomplishment that speaks volumes about their dedication.
Alongside these opportunities, our ongoing focus on safeguarding and wellbeing remains central. This week’s highlighted resource on mental health and wellbeing reinforces the importance of early identification and support, and I strongly encourage families to make use of the guidance available through our Student and Family Support Hub.
There is, as always, much to look forward to in the weeks ahead, and I am excited to continue building on the strong foundations already in place at the Academy. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us provide the very best for our students.
Best wishes,
Mr Ben Russell | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Alpaca Adventure: Students Explore Nature and Wellbeing
On Wednesday 22nd April, a group of 10 students visited Lower Bush Alpacas for a unique and enriching experience. They met and learned about the alpacas, including their care, behaviour, and environment, with the animals’ calm nature creating a relaxed atmosphere. The visit also included a peaceful countryside walk, allowing students to enjoy nature and its benefits for reducing stress, improving mood, and encouraging mindfulness.
These experiences support student wellbeing by offering a break from routine, building confidence, and encouraging social interaction in a low-pressure setting. Interaction with animals can also be therapeutic, promoting calm and emotional regulation. Overall, the trip helped students step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and enhance their wellbeing in a supportive environment.
Celebrating Student Achievement Across Our Enrichment Pathways
Last week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, students proudly received their Bronze, Silver and Gold badges across our six pathways: STEM, Scholarship, Curriculum, Creative, Leadership and Sports. These awards recognise the enthusiasm and commitment shown through participation in clubs, trips and wider school opportunities. We were especially delighted to celebrate the many pupils who achieved the Gold standard, an outstanding accomplishment that reflects sustained dedication and a genuine passion for learning beyond the classroom.
Congratulations to all our students for embracing these opportunities with such energy and positivity. Your commitment and enjoyment across these pathways continue to enrich our school community.
Kick-Off Success: Equiano Teams Impress at Panathlon 5-a-Side
On Wednesday, 22nd April, 13 students from Equiano College took part in the inaugural Panathlon 5-a-side tournament held at Eltham Goals. Equiano College entered a U13 and a U16 team for the round-robin event supported by Mr Soane. Despite minimal practice, both teams played some very nice football in what turned out to be a high-quality competition. The attitude and behaviour of all the players were outstanding, showing great sportsmanship throughout, and they all received a medal and certificate of participation.
Inside the Auction House: Careers Day at Roseberys
On Thursday, 23 April 2026 Year 9 and 10 students attended an inspiring Arts Scholars Careers Day at Roseberys Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers. The visit gave students a valuable insight into the professional art world within an authentic auction house setting.
Throughout the day, students took part in hands-on workshops exploring jewellery, 20th century design, historic artefacts, and marketing and photography. They handled real objects and learned how specialists assess, value, and prepare items for auction.
Students also discovered how auctions work, including bidding techniques and the fast-paced nature of the saleroom. A highlight was the “Basic, Better, Best” challenge, where students compared items and ranked them by value. Congratulations to Albert Regan-McCarthy, who won the competition.
The day concluded with an exciting mock auction, bringing the whole experience to life. Overall, it was an engaging and informative visit that offered students a memorable introduction to careers in the art and auction industry.
Safeguarding Resource of the Week: Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
At Leigh Stationers’ Academy, we recognise that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a responsibility shared by everyone in our community, including parents and carers. To support our families in this vital role, we are highlighting a specific resource from our Student and Family Support Hub each week.
Mental health is a significant factor in the lives of young people and should be followed up on and supported to the same extent as physical health concerns. Our Hub provides guidance on identifying early signs that a child may be experiencing a mental health concern or is at risk of developing one.
This resource empowers you to:
- Identify indicators of mental health issues, such as significant changes in a child’s behavior, mood, or academic engagement.
- Understand the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or trauma on a child’s wellbeing and ability to learn.
- Access specialized help through the Academy’s internal wellbeing team or external professional organizations.
You can find this and other essential support resources by visiting our dedicated hub here: https://leighstationersacademy.org.uk/student-family-support-hub.
Personal Development Updates
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-13
In Module 5, 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.
| Year Group | This Week | Next Week |
|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | Is the internet a safe place? | Why can the internet be an unsafe place? |
| Year 8 | What is cyberbullying? | What is cyberbullying? Why do I need personal boundaries when online? |
| Year 9 | What is done with our personal data? | Why could the internet be considered dangerous at times? |
| Year 10 | How does the UK Government run? | Why could the internet be considered dangerous at times? |
| Year 11 | Revision | Revision |
| Year 12 | How do I find the right work experience placement? | How do I find the right work experience placement? |
| Year 13 | Revision | Revision |
Careers Education: Weekly Information, Advice & Guidance
This week’s Careers Newsletter focuses on environmental careers linked to Earth Day, alongside exam support and guidance on technical pathways such as T Levels.
- Earth Day & Green Careers: Students can explore sustainability through activities like climate quizzes and global clean-up initiatives, access a Green Careers Hub to learn about roles and skills in the sector, and attend a webinar on green apprenticeships featuring employers and real apprentice experiences.
- Guidance for Parents & Carers: Webinars are available to help families understand T Levels, including how placements work and when to apply, alongside a British Army session designed to support parents in guiding students through application pathways.
- Exam Support & Skills Development: Resources include an exam support magazine focused on wellbeing, tools to match students to suitable post-16 pathways, creative industry workshops on networking and branding, and platforms like YouthTube to explore real student career journeys.
Parents and carers are encouraged to read the newsletter with their child. Further support is available via careers@stationers.latrust.org.uk
Click HERE to read this week’s Careers NewsletterThe Creative Industries can often feel like a mystery. This session helps parents and carers support their young person’s passion by explaining how creative education works and highlighting real career paths. This event specifically welcomes those from backgrounds historically underrepresented within the film and TV industries.
- Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026
- Time: 18:00 – 19:00
- Face to face or virtual: Face to face
- You can sign up here
This event is a great opportunity to explore university life and get expert advice in just two and a half hours. You can chat with representatives from over 30 universities worldwide via live Q&A and choose from 16 webinar sessions covering everything from applications to student life.
- Date: Wednesday, 03 June 2026
- Time: 15:00 – 17:30
- Face to face or virtual: Virtual
- You can sign up here
This apprenticeship offers students aged 16–18 a hands-on start to a retail career, combining structured learning with practical experience to earn a Level 2 National Standard qualification. Apprentices receive support from coaches and buddies while gaining insight into all areas of store operations.
- Deadlines: Deadlines vary by location (Early applications recommended)
- You can find out more here
This opportunity is ideal for students passionate about early years education and helping young minds grow. As an apprentice, they will gain hands-on experience and earn while they learn, developing the essential skills needed for a meaningful career in education while making a real impact on children’s lives.
- Deadlines: Applications open now (Deadline: 10 July 2026)
- Contract: Full-time (September 2026 start)
- You can find out more here.
If you are in Years 10–13 and living in London, join this Careers Insight Day to explore the variety of roles within a museum. You will have the chance to take part in workshops, go behind the scenes, get hands-on with objects, and speak to staff about their career paths in the sector.
- Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
- Time: 10:00 – 15:00
- Face to face or virtual: Face to face
- You can sign up here
Disneyland Paris Trip 2027 - Expression of Interest
We would like to inform parents and carers that a letter has been sent to families of students currently in Year 7 and Year 8 regarding a proposed residential trip to Disneyland Paris in June 2027.
This long-running and popular trip offers students the opportunity to travel by Eurostar, stay in accommodation near the park, and enjoy two days in the Disney Parks with their peers.
At this stage, we are asking families to register their interest only. If you would like your child to be considered for the trip, please complete the form here by Friday 1 May 2026.
Please note that places are limited and further details, including payment information and allocation of places, are outlined in the letter sent home. If you have any questions, please contact christine.blayney@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
