Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
When I think back to my own time at school, I genuinely don’t remember having anything like the number and range of trips and visits our students now enjoy, and this week has been a perfect example of that. From University trips to Cambridge, Greenwich and Chichester, to the British Army careers session and coursework fieldwork at Bluewater, our pupils have been out in the world learning first-hand, asking great questions and representing the academy with maturity.
Another highlight for me this week has been seeing the library begin to transform. Thanks to the generous Stationers’ Foundation grant, we have welcomed over 4,000 new titles, and the momentum around reading for pleasure is already building. I’ve been particularly impressed by our Library Ambassadors, who have given up their time to unpack, sort and organise the new stock with real care and pride. The library sits at the heart of our site, and this refresh is about far more than new books—it’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive space where every student can find something they love to read.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Stationers’ Foundation Grant Brings Over 4,000 New Titles to the Academy Library
Leigh Stationers’ Academy has received a grant of £15,972.26 from The Stationers’ Foundation to support the refresh and rejuvenation of the academy library, located at the heart of the site in the Crown building.
The funding has enabled the academy to purchase a significant range of new books to broaden and update the library’s offer. This includes up-to-date non-fiction, texts reflecting a wide range of cultures and experiences, and novels across a wide variety of genres. A new section has also been created to support students who find reading more challenging, including modern graphic novels and dyslexia-friendly texts.
The restocking has been led by the academy’s voluntary Library Ambassadors, whose role in the project has grown rapidly. Ms Hamilton-Cox, Assistant Principal, said: “Our Library Ambassadors have been at the centre of this project from the very start. What began with seven volunteers has now grown to more than 20 pupils, all giving up their time to unpack, sort, catalogue and shelve the new books. We started with 42 boxes and over 4,000 titles, and the library is already becoming a more vibrant, inclusive space where students feel excited to read, learn and spend time.”
Mr Sparks, Principal, added: “We are incredibly grateful to The Stationers’ Foundation for their generous grant, which is making a tangible difference to students’ access to high-quality books and to our wider culture of reading. At a time when national attention is rightly focused on encouraging reading for pleasure, this investment is helping to build momentum across the academy, supporting every student to find books they love and strengthening our commitment that no child will be left behind.”
The library refresh is ongoing, with the new stock continuing to be organised and showcased to ensure students can quickly find books that spark interest and support learning across the curriculum.
Cambridge Visit Inspires Year 10 Students to Aim High
A group of ten Year 10 students visited the University of Cambridge on Thursday, 22 January 2026, spending the day at Gonville and Caius College to learn more about university life and future pathways.
Students began with an introductory talk on student life and entry requirements, followed by a Q&A with student ambassadors and a tour of the historic college. The visit also included a three-course lunch in the college dining hall and a guided tour of the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences.
Ms Hunt, Lead Practitioner, said: “It was wonderful to see how curious and confident our students were throughout the day. Visiting Gonville and Caius gave them a real sense of what studying at a world-class university could look like, and many left feeling genuinely motivated to aim high and take their next steps seriously.”
Year 12 Attend University of Chichester Outreach Experience Day
Year 12 students visited the University of Chichester on Monday, 26 January 202,6 to take part in an Outreach Experience Day, designed to support aspirations and next-step planning beyond sixth form.
During the day, students attended subject lectures linked to their current A Level studies, including Business, Law, Psychology and Criminology, and took part in a Q&A with current undergraduates about university life and routes into higher education. Students also participated in a welcome and campus introduction, interactive taster workshops, a campus tour, and guidance on university applications, student finance and future pathways.
Ms Collier, Head of Woolf College, said: “With more than 500 students attending from across the region, it was a brilliant opportunity for our Year 12s to immerse themselves in a real university environment. They met other young people with similar ambitions, asked thoughtful questions, and came away with a clearer sense of what university life could look like for them.”
Strong Debut for LSA at Royal Borough of Greenwich Book Quiz
A team of nine Year 7 and 8 students represented Leigh Stationers’ Academy at the Royal Borough of Greenwich Annual Book Quiz at Eltham Hill School on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
The competition featured 22 teams and included a range of challenging rounds. The Leigh Stationers’ Academy team finished 4th overall, marking a strong result in the academy’s first year taking part. As part of the event, students also heard from Anthony McGowan, a Carnegie Medal-winning children’s author, who spoke about his journey into writing and encouraged students to continue reading widely and record ideas as they go.
Mr Davies, Teacher of English, said: “Our students were exceptional. They came prepared, worked brilliantly as a team and approached every round with focus and enthusiasm. Finishing fourth in such a strong field is an excellent achievement, and it was a fantastic opportunity for them to celebrate reading and meet an inspiring author.”
Hands-On STEM Challenges for Year 8 at the University of Greenwich
Year 8 students visited the University of Greenwich on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, taking part in a STEM programme designed to link curriculum learning to real-world applications.
Throughout the day, students completed a series of activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This included exploring the use of fingerprints in forensic investigations, learning how coding can be used to create a robotic arm, completing a timed engineering design-and-build challenge, and investigating number patterns in Mathematics.
Ms Hunt, Lead Practitioner, said: “The trip gave students a valuable insight into STEM learning beyond the classroom. The workshops supported key knowledge and skills, and the campus tour helped students to see what further study could look like in the future.”
Careers Exploration Series: Students Hear from the British Army
Year 9 students took part in a Careers Exploration Series session on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, hearing from WO2 Ray McCaughey, Engagement Warrant Officer for the British Army.
With more than 26 years of military experience, WO2 McCaughey outlined the wide range of pathways available within the Army, including apprenticeships, professional qualifications and full military careers. He also explained how Army life develops transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, resilience and discipline.
Mr Smith, Vice Principal, said: “It was fantastic to see how engaged our Year 9 students were throughout the session. They asked thoughtful questions and contributed to a really meaningful discussion about future pathways. We are very grateful to WO2 McCaughey for giving his time and sharing such valuable insight into the opportunities available in the Armed Forces.”
Year 10 Retail Business Students Carry Out Primary Research at Bluewater
Year 10 Retail Business students visited Bluewater Shopping Centre on Wednesday 28 January 2026 to complete primary research in support of their coursework.
During the visit, students worked independently as mystery shoppers, observing retail environments and gathering evidence on customer service, store layouts, pricing strategies and promotional techniques. The information collected will be used to support analysis and evaluation in their subsequent coursework.
Mr Sandhu, Lead Practitioner, said: “I was really impressed by the way our students represented the academy at Bluewater. They showed maturity and confidence, asked the right questions, and stayed focused on gathering high-quality evidence for their coursework. It was a pleasure to see them taking real ownership of their learning.”
Weekly Sports Update
Leigh Stationers’ Academy teams recorded a strong set of results this week across rugby, netball and football, including a first-ever win for the Year 10 rugby team and progression to a county final for the Year 7 girls.
Mr Judd, Director of PE, said: “I am incredibly proud of the grit and teamwork shown by all our athletes this week. Seeing our Year 10 rugby team win their first-ever fixture and the Year 7 girls secure a spot in the Kent Cup Final is a testament to the hard work being put in during training. Well done to Mr Mitchell for his excellent work with the rugby squad, and a huge well done to Miss Penney for guiding the Year 7s to their semi-final victory!”
| Fixture | Result | Scorers / Shooters | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| U15 Rugby Union Friendly vs Forest Hill | 33–26 win | Ted E (3), Kalel P (2), James M, Lucas C | Ted E |
| Year 10/11 GCSE Netball | 20–5 win | - | Maisie W (Y11), Megan C (Y10) |
| Year 7 Girls Kent Cup Semi-Final | 2–1 win | Letty B, Holly G | Imogen N |
| Year 9 & 10 Boys LAT 5-a-side Tournament (Final) | 4–1 win | - | Asa Rope |
Personal Development Updates
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-13
In Module 3, 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 | What are boundaries and why are they important? | How does bullying impact others? |
| Year 8 | How can we maintain a healthy family relationship? | How do different types of families affect our own views and actions? |
| Year 9 | How can I identify negative influences within a relationship? | Why is violence never acceptable? |
| Year 10 | What is sexual harassment? | What is consent? |
| Year 11 | Effective Revision Strategies | Effective Revision Strategies |
| Year 12 | How do I identify a catfish? | Online Safety & Personal Information |
| Year 13 | Effective Revision Strategies | Effective Revision Strategies |
Careers Education: Weekly Information, Advice & Guidance
This week’s Careers Newsletter focuses on National Apprenticeship Week 2026, highlighting a wide range of events, resources, and guidance to help students and parents explore apprenticeship pathways.
- National Apprenticeship Week Events for Students: Students can engage with virtual sessions from Nestlé, KPMG, Lloyds Banking Group, BT Group, and training providers through webinars, job simulations, online fairs, and live Q&A sessions with current apprentices.
- Skills Building & Preparation: New resources include Kaplan’s five-day AI Skills Sprint, access to the OuterCircle apprentice community for mock interviews and mentorship, and simple daily activities designed to build awareness without needing IT access.
- Resources for Parents & Carers: Parents can attend a dedicated webinar from Amazing Apprenticeships and access a practical hints and tips guide to better understand how to support young people exploring apprenticeship routes.
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 Newsletter
Marlborough Highways Apprenticeships Insight Day
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, students are invited to attend an Apprenticeship Insight Day with Marlborough Highways on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. The session will include talks from current apprentices, a Q&A, and an insight into apprenticeship opportunities and careers in highways and construction.
- Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026, from 10:30 am
- Venue: Solar House, Stratford (E15 4LJ)
- Register: Students can register here
Thamesmead Apprenticeship Showcase
Students are invited to attend the Thamesmead Apprenticeship Showcase, a local event for young people aged 14–25 who would like to find out more about apprenticeship routes and local opportunities.
The showcase will bring together local employers and training providers to discuss real apprenticeship vacancies and pathways across sectors including construction, housing and engineering. Students will also be able to access practical support with CV writing and interview preparation.
- Date: Wednesday 18 February (drop in anytime between 13:00–16:00)
- Venue: The Nest, Cygnet Square, Thamesmead, SE2 9UH
- Registration: Students can register here
TfL Apprenticeship Event: Early Careers Opportunities
Transport for London (TfL) is hosting an apprenticeship event on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, to showcase its lesser-known apprenticeship programmes and promote a range of early careers opportunities. Students will have the chance to speak with current TfL apprentices and their managers, as well as meet the recruitment team to learn more about specific roles and the application and selection process. Students can find out more about the apprenticeships on offer and register by using the following link.
Year 12 Opportunity: Macquarie “Rise To It” Insight Day
Macquarie is running a Rise To It Insight Day in London on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, aimed at Year 12 students interested in learning more about careers in finance and banking. Hosted in person at Macquarie HQ (Central London), the event will give students the opportunity to hear from professionals across the business, ask questions about career pathways, and find out more about Macquarie’s October half-term work experience offer. Students can register using the following link.
