Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
This week has been a wonderful showcase of what makes Leigh Stationers’ Academy such a vibrant and ambitious community. From our Year 11 Prom to the Summer Concert and the recent Transition Day, our students have demonstrated maturity, creativity and pride in all they do. Trips to Disneyland Paris, London Docklands, and the Kent coast provided enriching opportunities for personal development and academic learning beyond the classroom. It was also a pleasure to welcome over 250 new pupils and their families on our Year 6 Transition Day, the start of their academic journey with us.
As we approach the final fortnight of the school year, there is much still to look forward to. Work experience begins for students in Years 10 and 12, with many having secured placements in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and law. We also look ahead to our Sports Awards Evening, Parents’ Evenings for Years 10 and 12, Humanutopia workshops for Year 9, and our upcoming musical production, School of Rock. These final weeks provide further opportunities for our students to demonstrate the values of leadership, scholarship, and achievement that underpin life at Leigh Stationers’ Academy.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Year 11 Prom: A Stylish Celebration to End the Year
On Thursday, 3 July 2025, over 200 Year 11 pupils from Leigh Stationers’ Academy came together to celebrate the end of their GCSE journey at this year’s Prom. Held at the Applegarth Suite, the event was a fantastic evening filled with style, fun, and plenty of dancing.
Pupils arrived dressed in their finest, making the most of the photobooth, dance floor, and buffet. A highlight of the evening was the staff dance-off, this year featuring an entertaining showdown between Mr Farr and Ms Edwards.
Ms Smith, Vice Principal and organiser of the event, said: “Our Year 11 pupils were an absolute credit to the academy. They looked fantastic, celebrated with real maturity and joy, and made the evening one to remember. It was a fitting way to mark the end of their time in Year 11, and we’re already looking forward to celebrating their results with them this summer.”
Years 8 & 9 Students Enjoy Magical Disneyland Paris Trip
Over 50 students from Years 8 and 9 recently returned from a two-day visit to Disneyland Paris. The group travelled by Eurostar from London St Pancras, arriving in time to enjoy both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.
For many students, it was their first time visiting Disneyland or travelling on a high-speed train, making the trip especially memorable. Highlights included Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Ratatouille: The Adventure, and the spectacular Disney Stars on Parade.
Pupils stayed at the themed Hotel Explorer and enjoyed the full Disney experience. Staff members also got involved in the adventure, with a few brave enough to face the Tower of Terror. Ms Blayney, Trip Leader, said: “The trip was a real highlight of the year. It was more than just fun – it was a chance for pupils to build friendships, experience something new, and grow in confidence. Their behaviour throughout was excellent – they represented the academy with maturity, enthusiasm, and kindness. We were incredibly proud of them.”
Royal Marines Cadets Take on Rock Climbing Challenge
As part of their preparation for Summer Camp, the Leigh Stationers’ Academy CCF (Combined Cadet Force) recently took part in a practical climbing session. Pupils completed either a basic introduction or an intermediate rock-climbing course, developing essential skills ahead of their upcoming high ropes course. Major Wilson said:
“It’s always brilliant to see our cadets pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. Experiences like this help them grow in confidence and resilience; they rise to the challenge every time. I’m proud of how they supported each other and approached the day with such determination as we prepare for a packed summer ahead.”
Summer Concert Showcases Student Talent Across the Academy
This year’s Summer Concert, Classics to Pop, held in the Main Hall, proved a vibrant celebration of musical talent at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. Performances included vocal solos and duets, band numbers, and ensemble pieces from the Year 7 choir and beginner orchestra. The audience was treated to a wide-ranging setlist including hits by Pharrell Williams, Adele, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Mr Sparks, Principal, said: “A huge thank you to the Performing Arts Department, especially to Mr and Mrs Yeates, for delivering such a high-quality concert. Events like this remind us just how vital the arts are in schools. They give students the chance to express themselves, develop confidence, and share their talents with the wider community. We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part.”
Coming Soon: School of Rock – Friday, 18 July 2025
Parents and carers are advised that tickets for our next production, School of Rock, taking place on Friday, 18 July 2025, will be available via ParentPay from 6 July 2025. Adult tickets are priced at £5, and children may attend free of charge.
Year 6 Transition Day Welcomes New Pupils to LSA
On Wednesday, 2 July 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy welcomed over 250 new Year 7 pupils for their official Transition Day. Pupils took part in a full day of secondary school lessons, including two core subjects and two creative subjects. They also navigated the academy restaurant during a busy lunchtime and did so with maturity, confidence, and enthusiasm.
At the end of the day, parents and carers joined staff for a welcome presentation from Mr Sparks, Principal, and had the opportunity to meet with the academy’s uniform suppliers and attend a one-to-one appointment with a member of the team. The feedback from pupils, families, and staff was overwhelmingly positive.
Ms Barnes, Assistant Principal and Transition Lead, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome our new cohort. The pupils were engaged, curious, and a credit to their primary schools. We were also delighted to meet with so many parents and carers. It was clear that families left the day feeling confident and reassured ahead of September.”
Mr Sparks, Principal, commented: “We’re proud to be oversubscribed again this year, with over 380 families selecting Leigh Stationers’ Academy as their first choice for just 270 places. Our Transition Day marks the beginning of a new and exciting journey for each of our incoming Year 7s, and we look forward to welcoming them officially in the new academic year.”
The presentation slides from the parent/carer welcome talk can be found here.
Geography in Action: Students Take Learning Beyond the Classroom
Year 10 Geographers Explore Regeneration in Docklands
On Monday, 30 June 2025, 170 Year 10 students from Leigh Stationers’ Academy took part in a field trip to the London Docklands as part of their GCSE Geography studies. The visit supported their understanding of key content for Paper 2 (Urban Environments) and Paper 3 (Geographical Applications), with a particular focus on regeneration.
Students visited a range of locations to assess the impact of redevelopment in East London, comparing older dockland sites with areas like Canary Wharf. Using field sketches, environmental quality surveys, and observational techniques, students explored how social, economic, and environmental factors have shaped the area.
Year 12 Investigate Coastal Processes on the Kent Coast
On Wednesday, 2 July 2025, Year 12 A Level Geography students headed to Reculver Bay, Whitstable, and Tankerton Beach for a day of coastal fieldwork. The trip focused on understanding coastal erosion and sediment dynamics, directly linking to their A-Level coursework.
Students completed beach profiling, measured sediment characteristics, and applied classroom theory to a real-world setting. Their findings will support their independent investigations and further develop the enquiry and data analysis skills needed for success in A Level Geography.
Mr Jusik, Director of Humanities, said: “Fieldwork is an essential part of what makes geography such a dynamic and meaningful subject. Both trips gave our students the chance to apply their learning, develop confidence in data collection, and explore how geography helps us understand and explain real places.”
Humanutopia Workshops for Year 9 Students
All Year 9 students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will participate in a one-day personal development workshop led by Humanutopia during the week commencing Monday, 8 July 2025.
The workshops aim to build self-awareness, resilience, and positive aspirations through group activities and reflective discussion. Students will work in mixed groups to explore their experiences, strengthen peer relationships, and consider steps for personal growth.
Workshops will run on the following dates:
- Tuesday, 8 July 2025 – 9CAX1, 9CAX2, 9CAX3, 9ANG2, 9ANG3
- Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – 9HAN1, 9HAN2, 9HAN3, 9ANG1
To learn more, visit www.humanutopia.com.
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is delighted to invite families, staff, and students to this year’s Summer Concert, Classics to Pop, which will take place on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, from 18:00 to 20:00. The event will showcase the musical talent of students across the academy, featuring choir performances, the academy’s beginner orchestra, solos, duets, and band performances of well-known classics and pop favourites.
The programme will include hits such as:
- Blame It on the Boogie – The Jacksons
- I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross
- Get Down On It – Kool & the Gang
- Under Pressure – Queen & David Bowie
- Murder on the Dance Floor – Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Tickets have been allocated to parents and carers of performers. The Academy looks forward to sharing videos and photos in next weeks latest news updates.
Mr Yeates, Director of Performing Arts, said: “This concert is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity, confidence, and commitment of our students. From classical favourites to iconic pop hits, there is something for everyone in this year’s line-up. We are looking forward to welcoming the school community for what promises to be an uplifting and memorable evening.”
Work Experience Fortnight for Years 10 & 12
From Monday, 7 July to Friday, 18 July 2025, students in Years 10 and 12 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will take part in work experience placements across a wide range of industries. The programme is designed to provide students with a meaningful opportunity to explore potential career paths, build confidence, and develop key employability skills.
Ms Collier, Head of Woolf College, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the initiative and determination our students have shown in securing such a broad range of placements, from healthcare and education to technology and law. These experiences will provide them with valuable insight into the world of work and help shape their ambitions for the future.”
For those who have been unable to secure an external placement, the academy has developed an engaging and enriching in-school work experience programme. Students attending the academy during this period will take part in a variety of career-focused activities, including:
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship workshops
- Industry Insight talks with professionals from sectors such as construction and media
- Virtual work experience opportunities
- CV writing and cover letter sessions
- Careers advice and personal development activities
All students attending the in-school programme should arrive in full school uniform and will follow a normal school day schedule. A letter with further details has been sent to parents/carers and can be accessed here.
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-10
During Module 6, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will continue to focus on key areas of personal development tailored to each year group from Years 7 to 10.
Year 7 and Year 8 students will focus on ‘Life Beyond LSA’ skills, whilst Year 9 PSHE lessons will centre around the MYP Service as Action project, a core component of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. This initiative encourages students to become compassionate individuals who contribute positively to their communities and environment. Year 10 students will continue with preparations for their forthcoming mock examinations.
This week’s PSHE topics include:
- Year 7: Finances & Budgeting
- Year 8: Debt & Expenditure
- Year 9: MYP Service As Action Project
- Year 10: Work Experience Placement Preparation
Parents and carers are encouraged to engage in discussions at home, such as exploring ideas about laws that keep us safe or supporting Year 10 pupils as they prepare for their exams.
Reminder: Parents’ Evenings for Year 10 & Year 12
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will be holding two upcoming Parents’ Evenings:
- Year 12: Wednesday, 9 July 2025 from 16:00 to 19:00
- Year 10: Wednesday, 16 July 2025 from 16:00 to 19:00
These evenings offer an important opportunity for parents and carers to meet with subject teachers, discuss their child’s academic progress, and identify areas for further support. Bookings for both events went live via SchoolCloud at 18:00 on Wednesday, 2 July 2025. For full guidance on how to book appointments, please visit our website: Guide for Booking Parents’ Evening Appointments
For Year 10 Parents’ Evening, bookings are initially limited to eight teachers per pupil. This limit will be lifted on the day of the event, allowing parents to make additional bookings where staff still have availability.
Reminder: Sports Awards Evening – Monday, 7 July 2025
Leigh Stationers’ Academy looks forward to welcoming students and families to this year’s Sports Awards Evening on Monday, 7 July 2025, from 18:00 to 19:00 in the Main Hall. All students who have represented the academy in sports teams this year are invited to attend.
Students should arrive by 17:30 in full school uniform, ready to celebrate a year of sporting commitment and success. Each student may bring up to two guests, with tickets available via ParentPay at £2.50 per guest. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, 4 July 2025.
Mr Judd, Director of PE, commented: “Our Sports Awards Evening is always a highlight of the year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to recognise the hard work, talent and progress of our students, and to celebrate their achievements alongside their families and peers.”
