Latest News Page Updates | Friday, 3 October 2025

Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,

This week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy has been one of achievement and opportunity. Year 7 pupils explored history first-hand through the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars’ Treasure Chest workshops; our alumni community reached a milestone with Jeremy Fosten becoming the first former pupil admitted as a Freeman of The Stationers’ Company; and more than 300 families joined our Woolf College Open Evening, hearing about the exceptional teaching, support and opportunities available in our Sixth Form. Enrichment continued with the Year 7 Alpaca Walk, while on the sports field, there were excellent cup performances from the U12 girls (10–0) and U12A boys (9–1).

It is hard to believe that we are already entering the final two weeks of Module 1. What a great start to the year it has been. On Monday, we host our annual Prize Giving at Stationers’ Hall, celebrating the success of pupils from the last academic year. As we approach the end of the module, it is important that pupils maintain strong attendance and exemplary behaviour, finishing the term with the same focus and determination they have shown so far. The start of this year has been very settled, and we look forward to recognising pupils’ achievements in our end-of-module Celebration of Success assemblies.

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

Pupils Explore Artefacts with the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars

This week, all Year 7 pupils took part in a “Treasure Chest Experience” workshop led by volunteers from the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars. The sessions offered pupils the chance to handle a wide range of objects, including Roman oil lamps, Victorian tea caddies, Second World War medals, ancient coins, and early ceramics. Pupils explored each artefact to uncover its historical, social and cultural significance, sparking curiosity and lively discussion.

Volunteers from the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars praised the insightful questions pupils asked and commented on how engaged they were throughout. A highlight was the sensory exploration of the Victorian tea caddy, with pupils able to smell the tea and connect the object both to its historical context and their modern lives.

Felicity Marno, Chair of the Education Committee, said: “I think the pupils found many of the items very intriguing, and some found them inspiring. They loved the link between the pieces and history. One pupil was so amazed by being able to handle a real WWII medal awarded to a soldier, he said he felt he almost shouldn’t touch it!”

Principal Mr Sparks said: “We are extremely grateful to the team from the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars for giving our pupils this unique experience. The chance to handle real historical artefacts has greatly enriched their understanding of history.”

An adult, possibly a teacher or presenter, is interacting directly with the students. She is smiling and speaking to the students, one of whom is holding the artifact and talking excitedly.

A group of students is at a table with worksheets and a partially open wooden box. The student with reddish hair in the foreground is engaged with the material. A plate with a blue design is also visible.

A student is using a magnifying glass to closely examine details on the documents or objects, indicating a task that requires close observation.

This image shows a group discussion setting. Four students are at a table, and an adult (possibly a teacher) is standing next to them. One student is holding a small notebook, while the others are engaged in conversation and looking at their papers. The background reveals the setting to be a bright, modern learning space with computer stations and bookshelves.

A close-up view showing students writing and looking at worksheets that feature images of items like a pocket watch and possibly medals or coins. A small wooden box is prominent on the table, and one person is holding a light-colored, smooth object.

An adult, possibly a teacher or presenter, is interacting directly with the students. she is pointing to an object (a smooth, light-colored artifact) held by a student.

A student is deeply focused on the activity. he is writing on a worksheet with a brass candlestick and unlit candle nearby, suggesting a historical or 'old-fashioned' theme to the items they are studying.

Four students, wearing school uniform shirts and ties, are gathered around a table. Two girls are focused on a small wooden box that is open, perhaps examining its contents or an item placed nearby. They also have worksheets spread out on the table.

Year 11 Prepare for Mock Examinations and Half-Term Interventions

Parents and carers of Year 11 pupils will receive the mock examination timetable and details of the October half-term intervention programme by email today. These interventions will provide targeted support in key subjects to help pupils strengthen their knowledge and skills ahead of the examination series.

The Year 11 mock examinations will take place in week three of Module 2, week commencing Monday, 17 November 2025. These assessments are an important milestone, giving pupils the opportunity to experience formal exam conditions and identify areas to focus on in the months ahead.

Mr Flower, Vice Principal, said: “We are very proud of Year 11 and the way they have started this year. Their engagement with interventions, commitment to their studies and strong attendance reflect a year group determined to achieve their very best.”

Over 300 Visitors Attend Woolf College Open Evening

On Thursday, 2 October 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy welcomed over 300 students and their parents/carers to the Woolf College Open Evening.

The evening began with talks from the Principal and Head of Woolf College, who shared the academy’s vision for Sixth Form study and highlighted how pupils benefit from exceptional teaching, exceptional support and exceptional opportunities. Families then took part in a series of subject sessions, where they explored the wide range of A Levels, T Levels and vocational qualifications available.

The event gave prospective students the chance to meet teachers, explore different pathways, and see how Woolf College prepares young people to achieve their ambitions.

Ms Collier, Head of Woolf College, commented: “It was fantastic to see so many families join us for our Open Evening. We are grateful to all parents and carers for showing such interest in Woolf College and the opportunities we provide. Our students benefit from exceptional teaching, exceptional support and exceptional opportunities, and it was a pleasure to share this in my presentation and with our visitors.”

Click HERE to view the presentation from the Head of Woolf College and find out more about joining the Woolf College Sixth Form.

Caxton College Pupils Step Out for First Alpaca Walk

On Wednesday, 1 October 2025, a group of Year 7 pupils from Caxton College took part in the first Alpaca Walk of the year.

The activity provided pupils with the chance to build confidence, develop teamwork and try something new. Ms Blayney commented: “The pupils got so much from this trip. It was a wonderful way for them to grow in confidence, support one another and enjoy a completely new experience together.”

Pupils also shared their thoughts afterwards, with one remarking, “If I could take this alpaca to school, I totally would,” while another commented, “This is officially the best walk I’ve ever taken.”

Those who took part were Keane, Patsy, Mason, Piper, Mya, Miya, Emilia and Meia.

A large group of children and teenagers is posing together for a photo next to a fence at the farm. They are standing in front of an animal enclosure (with a goat visible) and various farm structures. They appear to be enjoying their outing.

A group of people are gathered in a fenced, wood-chip area at an animal farm. Several alpacas are standing nearby, some on leads. A girl in the foreground is smiling while holding the lead of a large, shorn alpaca with a shaggy neck and head. Other adults and children are visible in the background, suggesting a guided activity.

Several people are focused on two dark brown alpacas in a fenced area. A young girl in the center is interacting with one of the alpacas, holding its lead and perhaps offering it food. An adult in a high-visibility vest and another in a green jacket are supervising the activity.

A group is walking alpacas through a wooded area or forest path. A white alpaca on a red and blue lead is prominently in the foreground, being guided by a girl wearing a black puffer jacket. Other children and alpacas are visible behind them on the leaf-covered ground.

Weekly Sports Fixtures

U12 Girls – Kent Cup vs Charles Darwin

The U12 girls made an excellent start to the year, with a dominant 10–0 victory in the Kent Cup. Goals came from Letty, Phoebe, Holly S and Holly G. Player of the Match was jointly awarded to Phoebe and Zoe for their outstanding performances.
Team: Zoe, Phoebe, Chloe, Nasara, Letty, Holly, Imogen, Beau, Sophia, Maddie, Blythe, Rosie

This photograph shows a girls' soccer (football) team posing for a team picture outdoors on a sunny day

U12A Boys – National Cup Round 1 vs Haberdashers’ Hatcham

The Year 7 boys produced a fantastic first outing with a confident 9–1 win in their opening National Cup fixture. The team showed determination throughout and were disappointed to concede a single goal. They now progress to face Thomas Tallis at home in the next round. Player of the Match was awarded to the whole team for an exceptional collective performance.
Team: Casey, Mason, Jonah, George, William, Paul, Alex, Dennis, Tristan, Kore, Ibrahim

U16 Boys – National Cup Round 1 vs Eden Park

The Year 11 boys delivered a strong, battling display in a closely fought match against Eden Park, narrowly losing 2–1. They held the game at 1–1 for most of the match before conceding two late goals. Louis scored the team’s goal, with Seb named Player of the Match for an excellent performance.
Team: Ty, Louis, Trey, Rom, Seb, Kyan, Vir, John (Captain), Harry S, Harry M, Akram, Marvin, Zak

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: School Travel Safety
Year 8: What is governance and how does it impact my life?
Year 9: How does the law protect me?
Year 10: What do we know about different types of mental health?
Year 11: How can I maintain good personal hygiene?
Year 12: What is extremism?
Year 13: How do I network effectively?

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 opened for appointments at 19:00 on Friday, 26 September 2025, and will close at 12:00 on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. To ensure that all parents and carers are able to secure appointments, bookings are limited to six subject teachers per child. Please select carefully which teachers you would like to see. Any remaining appointments will be released today. 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

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