Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
What a week it’s been at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. I had the pleasure of joining a group of students at the Richard Johnson ‘Bubble’ Service at St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street — a truly memorable experience and a reminder of our rich connection with The Stationers’ Company. Our pupils listened intently, asked thoughtful questions, and represented the academy superbly. It was also lovely to hear about the final alpaca walking trip for Caxton pupils and to see Equiano students working together on the water as part of their rowing enrichment. These moments make our community special – pupils stepping up, trying something new, and supporting one another along the way.
At the same time, I want to recognise our Year 11 and 13 pupils, who are now more than halfway through their public examinations. Their focus, resilience, and work ethic have genuinely impressed us all. We’ll continue to offer morning warm-ups, afternoon revision, and after-school support next week — and a final Saturday Maths session is also running this weekend. You’ll find all the key details below. Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
A Memorable Morning at St Bride’s: Richard Johnson ‘Bubble’ Service
On Tuesday, 3 June 2025, a group of Leigh Stationers’ Academy students attended the Richard Johnson ‘Bubble’ Service at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street – a longstanding tradition and one of the highlights of The Stationers’ Company calendar. The service reflects on the Latin phrase Vita Humana Bulla Est (“Life is a bubble”), as requested by Richard Johnson in his will, and offers a chance to reflect on the fragility and beauty of life.
This year’s sermon was delivered by Reverend Rupert Shelley, Chaplain of RMR, who spoke powerfully about nurturing a thirst for life and the importance of living with purpose, curiosity, and joy. The choir of St Bride’s performed a beautiful programme of music, including the iconic I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, which added both solemnity and a touch of joy to the occasion.
Mr Sparks, Principal, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with the heritage of The Stationers’ Company and take part in a service that dates back to the 1700s. Our pupils represented the academy superbly and were a real credit to our community. Thank you to The Stationers’ Company for the kind invitation and warm welcome.”
Final Alpaca Walk for Caxton Pupils
On Tuesday, 3 June 2025, a group of Year 7 and 8 pupils from Caxton College took part in their final alpaca walking session – a rewarding and memorable experience that brought this unique enrichment opportunity to a close.
The visit began with pupils spending time with pygmy goats before leading their alpacas through the tranquil outdoor surroundings. Over the course of the programme, pupils have developed confidence, empathy, and a sense of responsibility through their interactions with the animals. While some were initially unsure, many quickly grew in confidence, chatting, smiling, and laughing at their alpaca’s quirky personalities.
Ms Blayney, Trip Leader, said: “It’s been a joy to see how much our pupils have grown through these visits. This final session was a fantastic way to end the series, and it was clear how much the students valued the experience. They’ve been a credit to Caxton and to the academy.”
Equiano College Students Take to the Water with London Youth Rowing
On Wednesday, 4 June 2025, students from Equiano College took part in the second of four on-the-water rowing sessions, delivered by London Youth Rowing as part of their ongoing enrichment programme. During the session, pupils rowed in a bellboat – a large double Canadian canoe – which required strong communication and teamwork to keep the boat moving in a straight line and changing direction as needed. Students also had the opportunity to take turns in the stroke seat, setting the pace and rhythm for the rest of the group.
Rebecca, the session leader, was full of praise for the group’s effort and determination, noting their ability to work collaboratively and support one another throughout the morning. In the next sessions, students will have the chance to experience other types of craft, including paddleboarding, as they continue to develop their skills and confidence on the water.
Summer Examinations for Years 11 & 13
Students in Year 11 and Year 13 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy are now over halfway through their public examinations. Throughout this period, pupils have demonstrated commendable focus, resilience, and determination.
Our structured programme of academic support – including morning warm-up sessions, afternoon revision, and after-school interventions- will continue next week. The full timetable of warm-up sessions and examinations for the week commencing Monday, 9 June 2025 is available via the links below.
Timetables for Years 11 & 13 | w/c Monday, 9 June 2025
Saturday Session
In addition, a targeted Mathematics intervention session will take place on Saturday, 7 June 2025, from 11:00 to 13:00. This session offers an important opportunity for final preparation ahead of the next maths paper on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
PSHE Updates: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-11
During Module 6, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will 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: School/Life Balance
- Year 8: UK Government & Democracy
- Year 9: MYP Service As Action Project
- Year 10: Mock Exam Revision
Parents and carers are encouraged to engage in discussions at home, such as exploring online safety with younger students or supporting Year 10 pupils as they prepare for their exams.
Work Experience Update for Years 10 & 12
Students in Years 10 and 12 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will take part in two weeks of external work experience from Monday, 7 July to Friday, 18 July 2025. This important aspect of the academy’s personal development and careers programme helps students connect their learning to the world of work and explore potential future pathways.
Ms Collier, Head of Woolf College, said: “We would like to congratulate the many students who have already secured placements and uploaded their details to Unifrog, and thank the parents and carers who continue to support the process by helping with arrangements and communicating with the academy team.”
To allow more time for the remaining students to finalise arrangements, the submission deadline for placement details has been extended to Friday, 13 June 2025.
Key Reminders for Students and Families:
- Information Evening Recording: A recording of the recent Work Experience Information Evening is available to watch. It provides detailed advice on sourcing placements and preparing effectively.
- Unifrog Submission Deadline: Placement details must now be submitted via Unifrog by Friday, 13 June 2025. A video guide is available in Google Classroom to support students with this process.
- Need Help? Students still seeking a placement can book a one-to-one meeting with the Careers Advisor via the link in their Google Classroom.
Students who do not secure a full ten-day placement will be expected to attend school on the days they are not at a placement, where they will follow a structured in-school work experience programme. Further details will be shared in due course.
For any queries, please contact:
- Ms Collier, Head of Woolf College, eve.collier@stationers.latrust.org.uk
- Ms Saif, Careers Advisor, shaina.saif@stationers.latrust.org.uk
