Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
It’s been a fantastic week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, made even better by the sunshine and a real sense of positivity around the site. We were delighted to welcome so many families into the academy, whether for our well-attended Year 8 Parents’ Evening or the thoughtful and engaging discussions at our MYP Parent Voice Forums. These moments of connection truly matter, and I would like to thank every parent/carer who took the time to come in, meet with staff, and share their feedback. Your involvement and support make a genuine difference.
Looking ahead, our focus now turns to the summer examination season, which formally begins next week for Years 11 and 13. Our students have shown real maturity and commitment in their preparations, and we’re doing all we can to ensure they feel confident and supported. From morning warm-up sessions to after-school revision, we have a full programme of targeted support in place. I know our pupils will do themselves – and us – proud.
Here’s to another fantastic week!
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Summer Examinations Begin for Years 11 & 13
The formal public examination period begins next week for students in Year 11 and Year 13. All students have now received their final examination timetables, detailing the date and time of each exam. Parents and carers will also receive a copy of their child’s timetable via email.
Alongside their regular lessons, students will have access to a weekly schedule of targeted support, including morning warm-up sessions, afternoon revision sessions, and after-school interventions. For the remainder of Module 5, all Year 11 and 13 pupils will continue to follow their normal timetable and scheduled after-school interventions, unless they are attending one of the bespoke sessions listed on the weekly examination timetable. Next week, three Year 11 examinations are scheduled. The full timetable of exams and additional support sessions can be found via the link below.
Mr Flower, Vice Principal, said: “Our Year 11 and 13 students have shown real commitment and focus in the lead-up to this exam period. We are incredibly proud of the way they’ve approached their studies and know they are well prepared to give their best. We’ll be with them every step of the way.”
Year 10 Drama Students Explore Theatre Production at the Criterion
Last Friday, Year 10 Drama students from Leigh Stationers’ Academy took part in a technical theatre workshop at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly, gaining first-hand experience of the professional world of theatre production.
The workshop focused on four key areas: stage lighting, sound design, directing, and props and costume. Using a scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, students worked alongside professional actors and industry specialists to develop and stage their own creative interpretations.
Mr Yeates, Director of Learning – Performing Arts, said: “It was a fantastic experience for our students to step inside a working West End theatre and learn directly from professionals. The sessions were hands-on and really brought the technical side of theatre to life. Our students got fully involved, asked great questions, and worked brilliantly as a team. It was a memorable day, and I’m grateful to Mrs Nielsen for making it happen.”
Hansard College Student Sets Personal Best at Mini Marathon
On Sunday, 27 April 2025, Neve W (Year 8, Hansard College) represented both Greenwich and Leigh Stationers’ Academy in the London Mini Marathon, completing the 2.6km course alongside thousands of young athletes from across the UK.
Held as part of the TCS London Marathon weekend, the event showcases youth sporting talent from across the country. Ms Blayney, Teacher of PE, said: “Neve’s performance was a brilliant reflection of the determination and ambition she brings to everything she does in sport. This was Neve’s second time competing in the race, and she achieved a personal best, reflecting her continued commitment to excellence in sport. We’re incredibly proud of her achievement and the way she represented both the academy and the borough.”
Weekly Sports Fixtures
Leigh Stationers’ Academy teams were in action this week in both football and cricket, with students demonstrating teamwork, resilience, and a strong competitive spirit. “It’s been a positive week of competitive sport,” said Mr Judd, Director of Learning – PE. “Our Year 9s should be proud of reaching the semi-finals, and it was great to see our Year 7s representing the academy in cricket for the first time. Both teams showed great attitude and commitment.” A summary of the results can be found below:
Year 9 Boys Football
Leigh Stationers’ Academy 1–4 Leigh Academy Blackheath
- Goal scorer: Oluwakorede A
- Player of the Match: Callum B
Year 7 Cricket
Leigh Stationers lost to Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School
- Leigh Stationers’ Academy: 85 for 1 (20 overs)
- Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School: 86 (12 overs)
- Wicket taker: D. Amo
Year 8 Parents’ Evening Success
On Wednesday, 30 April 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy welcomed families to its Year 8 Parents’ Evening. The event was very well attended, with over 95% of Year 8 parents and carers engaging in valuable conversations about their child’s academic progress and next steps. More than 1,500 appointments were booked and attended throughout the evening, reflecting the strong partnership between home and school.
Mr Sparks, Principal, said: “Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended and actively engaged with our staff. It was a pleasure to speak with so many of you, and I’m especially grateful to those who stopped me to share positive feedback—not just about your child’s appointments, but about the wider work of the academy. Your support plays a vital role in our continued success.”
MYP Parent Forum: Valuable Feedback to Inform Future Development
This week, Leigh Stationers’ Academy welcomed parents and carers to its latest MYP Parent Voice Forum, providing an opportunity to engage in discussions around the academy’s values, culture, systems, and practices. Over 30 parents and carers attended across two sessions, sharing their perspectives and offering constructive feedback.
Ms Jess, Assistant Principal, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the parents and carers who took the time to attend and contribute so thoughtfully. Their feedback plays a crucial role in our IB self-study, and we are already considering how to take their ideas forward in future planning.”
Year 11 Careers Support Continues Ahead of Summer Examinations
As Year 11 students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy focus on their upcoming summer examinations, the weekly careers sessions held during tutor time have now concluded. However, the academy remains committed to supporting students with their next steps. Career information, advice, and opportunities will continue to be shared regularly via the Year 11 Google Classroom.
Students are encouraged to explore a range of current resources and events:
- Careers Newsletter – Edition 28: This edition marks Earth Day (22 April) with a focus on careers related to the environment and sustainability. It also includes information on careers with Network Rail, advice from the University of Portsmouth for parents supporting students preparing for university, and details of online taster sessions led by the University of Exeter.
- Job of the Week – Agricultural Engineer: This week’s spotlight is on the skills and qualifications needed to pursue a career in agricultural engineering.
- Lloyds Banking Group Virtual Session: A free virtual session taking place on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, will explore how artificial intelligence and technology are shaping the finance sector. Full details are available via the Year 11 Google Classroom.
- Dental Work Experience: A free virtual work experience session for students interested in careers in dentistry will be held on Saturday, 17 May 2025. Participants will receive a certificate of completion, which can be used to support future university applications.
Students who would like personalised careers advice are encouraged to book a one-to-one appointment with Ms Saif, Careers Advisor, by emailing shaina.saif@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
Work Experience Reminders 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 key part of the academy’s personal development and careers provision helps students connect their learning to the wider world.
Well done to all of the students who have successfully sourced placements so far.
Key reminders for students and families include:
- Information Evening Recording: A recording of the recent Work Experience Information Evening is available for parents and students. It includes detailed guidance on how to source placements and prepare effectively.
- Unifrog Submission Deadline: Placement details must be submitted via Unifrog by Friday, 23 May 2025. A step-by-step video guide is available in Google Classrooms to support students through this process.
- Need Help? Students who would like assistance in finding a placement can book a one-to-one meeting with the academy’s careers advisor via the link in their Google Classroom.
Students who are unable to 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.
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-10
During Module 5, 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.
For Year 7 and Year 8 students, 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 9 students will explore how the UK government functions, including the role of political parties and the law, while Year 10 students will begin preparations for their forthcoming mock examinations.
This week’s PSHE topics include:
- Years 7 & 8: MYP Service as Action Project
- Year 9: What ideas do UK political parties represent?
- Year 10: How can I effectively revise?
Mr Hill, Assistant Principal, said: “PSHE plays a vital role in helping students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need beyond the classroom. Whether it’s developing a deeper understanding of politics or learning how to revise effectively, these topics are essential for personal growth and lifelong success.”
Free Circus Classes for Young People with SEND
An exciting opportunity is available for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who live in or attend schools in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Aircraft Circus Academy, based at Thames-Side Studios, is offering fully funded circus classes in partnership with Young Greenwich and Charlton Athletic.
The first term will run from Thursday, 1 May to Thursday, 17 July 2025, with weekly sessions taking place from 16:15 to 17:45. The programme is open to young people aged 8–16 who have a diagnosed or suspected SEND, disability, or long-term mental health condition, and who can attend independently.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with a range of ground and aerial circus equipment, including acrobatics, juggling, aerial hoop, silks, hula hoop, tight-wire, flying trapeze, and bungee harness. The sessions are designed to support physical development, coordination, creativity, and self-confidence in a fun and inclusive environment.
To book a place, parents and carers should email info@aircraftcircusacademy.com, referencing “Young Greenwich”, and include the name and age of the young person they wish to register. A flyer with further information is available here.
