Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
It has been another busy and rewarding week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. We were delighted to host pupils from Costa Rica as part of the British School Integration Programme, a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to share experiences and learn about another culture. We also celebrated the success of our own pupils, along with those from Leigh Academy Blackheath and Leigh Academy Halley, at the Greenwich Awards Ceremony. At school, our Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening was very well attended, with families engaging in workshops and building strong links with tutors.
Looking ahead, we have a number of key events coming up. Woolf College will host its Open Evening on Thursday, 2 October, giving prospective sixth form students and families the chance to explore different pathways. Year 7 pupils will enjoy hands-on history during the Company of Arts Scholars’ Treasure Chest workshops next week, and we look forward to welcoming families to Year 8 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
From Costa Rica to Greenwich: Pupils Share Culture at LSA
On Tuesday, 23 September 2025, pupils from Costa Rica joined Leigh Stationers’ Academy for the day as part of the British School Integration Programme.
The visitors were welcomed by Mr Smith, Vice Principal, who organised the event, before enjoying a tour of the academy. They were then paired with pupils in Years 9 and 10 to experience a full day of lessons. The visit concluded with a presentation of certificates by Ms Dooley, Deputy Principal. We are exceptionally proud of the following 15 pupils who volunteered as “buddies” for the day and represented the academy with distinction during this event: Victoria (9ANG), Shanaiah (10ANG), Archie (10ANG), Kollina (9CAX), Suzena (9CAX), Dan (10CAX), Lily (10CAX), Kyra (10CAX), Jay (9HAN), Jadon (9HAN), Thomas (9HAN), Lois (10HAN), Sofia (10HAN), Ritu (10HAN) and Charlotte (10HAN).
Mr Sparks, Principal, commented: “It was a wonderful experience for both our pupils and those visiting from Costa Rica. We were delighted to host them, share experiences, and learn more about their culture. We hope they had a great visit and wish them an enjoyable stay in the UK. As an IB MYP school, opportunities like this strengthen our commitment to international mindedness and developing responsible global citizens. The pupils were also incredibly generous in leaving us gifts, including picture guides to Costa Rica and some coffee, which, for teachers, is always very much appreciated.”
Leigh Academies Trust Pupils Shine at Greenwich Awards
On Wednesday, 10 September 2025, pupils from Leigh Stationers’ Academy, together with pupils from Leigh Academy Blackheath and Leigh Academy Halley, were recognised at the Achieving Greatness in Greenwich Awards Ceremony, held at Woolwich Town Hall.
From Year 11, Nikita received the Excellence Award, while Avni was presented with the Endeavour Award. From Year 13, Kin was honoured with the Excellence Award, and Caroline received the Endeavour Award.
Mr Sparks, Principal of Leigh Stationers’ Academy, commented: “We are incredibly proud that pupils from across Leigh Academies Trust have been recognised by the local authority for their excellent achievements. It is wonderful to see their talent, resilience and commitment celebrated in such a prestigious setting, and we wish them every success in the future.”
Woolf College Open Evening
On Thursday, 2 October 2025, Woolf College will host its annual Open Evening from 16:30 to 19:00 for prospective Year 12 students and their families.
The event will provide an opportunity to learn more about life in sixth form and take part in subject ‘taster’ sessions to help guide future choices. The evening will include a speech from the Head of Woolf College, an address from the newly appointed Head Student, and a series of subject presentations.
Presentations will cover all qualifications offered at Woolf College, including A Levels, T Levels and Vocational subjects, giving students a clear understanding of the different pathways available.
Students and families have been asked to register via Applica, with each student receiving a personalised timetable based on their subject preferences. Many students have already signed up, and the Applica registration will close at 17:00 on Friday, 26 September 2025. If you are still interested in attending after this deadline, please contact Mr Duran, Assistant Principal, at antonio.duran@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
Company of Arts Scholars Treasure Chest Experience
On Monday, 29 September, Wednesday, 1 October, and Friday, 3 October 2025, Year 7 pupils at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will take part in A Treasure Chest Experience, run by the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars.
Over the three days, each Year 7 tutor group will take part in a dedicated one-hour workshop. Pupils will have the opportunity to handle a fascinating range of objects from different eras and materials, from WWII medals to Roman oil lamps, and explore their historical, social, and cultural contexts.
Mr Sparks, Principal, commented: “This hands-on experience promises to bring history to life, encouraging curiosity and deeper understanding of how artefacts reflect the lives of people across time. We are very grateful to the Stationers’ Company for introducing us to the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars and making this opportunity possible for our pupils.” The timetable for these events is outlined below:
| Monday, 29 September 2025 | Wednesday, 1 October 2025 | Friday, 3 October 2025 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Period 2 (10:30) | 7A/Hi1 | 7A/Ge3 | |
| Period 3 (11:35) | 7H/Sp1 | 7H/Ar2 | 7H/Sp3 |
| Period 4 (13:10) | 7A/Sp2 | 7C/Hi2 | 7C/Ge3 |
| Period 5 (14:15) | 7C/Sp1 |
Strong Start for Year 7 at Meet the Tutor Evening
On Wednesday, 24 September 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy welcomed new Year 7 families to the annual Meet the Tutor Evening. The event provided parents and carers with the opportunity to meet their child’s tutor, learn more about life at the academy, and gain insight into how the school supports pupils as they transition into secondary school. Families were also able to attend a series of workshops covering key areas such as SEND provision, pupil wellbeing, the IB Middle Years Programme and homework, and the importance of extra-curricular opportunities.
The evening was very well attended, with families making the most of the chance to establish strong connections with staff early in the academic year. Ms Barnes, Assistant Principal, commented: “It was fantastic to see so many families engaging with the workshops and speaking with tutors. These conversations at the start of the year help to build strong partnerships between home and school, which are so important for pupil success. Thank you to everyone who attended.”
Flu Vaccinations for Pupils in Years 7–11
On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy will host the Greenwich Immunisation Team to deliver flu vaccinations for pupils in Years 7–11. Parents and carers are asked to complete the electronic consent form for every child, whether you wish your child to receive the vaccination or you choose to decline. To support smooth planning for the day, families are kindly asked to complete the form as soon as possible.
The consent form and further details can be found in the flu vaccination letter, along with an information leaflet about the vaccinations.
Weekly Sports Fixtures
U12 Kent Cup – Round 1
Leigh Stationers’ Academy U12s faced tough opposition in the opening round of the Kent Cup, with the team losing 5–0. Mr Judd, Director of PE, commented: “The squad gave a determined performance, and Stanley was rightly named Player of the Match for his efforts.”
Team: Stanley, Oliver, Arthur, Ollie, Danny, Max, Luke, Noah, Ibrahim, Ahmad-Tufai, Emmett, Paddy, Fraser.
U14 LAT Netball Tournament – Mascalls School
Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Year 9 girls put in a fantastic effort at the recent LAT Netball Tournament, finishing 6th out of 14 schools after winning four of their six matches. The team recorded victories against LAT Tonbridge, LAT Blackheath, LAT Rainham and Hugh Christie.
Ms Melia, Deputy Director of PE, commented: “Lois and Chante stood out with their accurate shooting, while Seriah impressed with her strong defensive play. Maria, Hollie and Neve showed excellent control in midfield, contributing to a brilliant all-round performance.”
Player of the Match: Chante
Team: Chante, Neve, Seriah, Anya, Lola, Nancy, Lois, Hollie, Olivia, Maria. understand about the UK government?
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across 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: How can I travel to and from school safely?
- Year 8: What can we learn from other faith communities?
- Year 9: What do each of the main political parties stand for?
- Year 10: How can outside influences impact my mental health?
- Year 11: How can I maintain good personal hygiene?
- Year 12: How does voting work?
- Year 13: How can I ace an interview?
Parents and carers are encouraged to continue these conversations at home, discussing ideas to help reinforce students’ understanding of these important topics.
Reminder: Year 8 Parents’ Evening
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will host the Year 8 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, from 16:00 to 19:00. This face-to-face event will give parents and carers the opportunity to meet subject teachers and discuss their child’s academic progress.
The booking system for appointments will open at 19:00 on Friday, 26 September 2025, and close at 12:00 on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. To ensure that all parents and carers are able to secure appointments, bookings will initially be limited to six subject teachers per child.
Please select carefully which teachers you would like to see. Any remaining appointments will be released next Friday before the event. Appointments can be made via the SchoolCloud booking system, with full instructions available on the academy’s website. For any assistance or further information, please contact Gabrielle Holland at gabrielle.holland@stationers.latrust.org.uk
