A Message from the Principal
Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
It has been another positive and busy week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, with many opportunities for our students to learn, develop and look ahead to the future.
Our Year 11 students had the opportunity to attend the Woolwich Futures Fair this week, exploring a wide range of options for life after GCSEs, including Sixth Forms, colleges, universities and apprenticeships. It was fantastic to hear from students when they returned, reflecting on the event with maturity, enthusiasm and a genuine interest in considering their next steps.
We were also delighted to welcome our Year 7 families to our Meet the Tutor Evening. It was a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to meet with tutors, RSLs and members of the SEND team, as well as take part in workshops focused on supporting students’ wellbeing, learning and development. Thank you to all the families who attended and to the staff who supported the evening, helping to make it such a success.
This week, we also concluded our two Year 6 Open Mornings, following the success of our Open Evening last week. It has been wonderful to welcome so many prospective students and their families to the Academy over recent weeks and to give them an opportunity to experience our community, meet our staff and students, and learn more about the opportunities available at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. Due to the high level of interest, additional Principal Talks will also take place on Tuesday 13 October, at 16:30, 17:15 and 18:00. Booking for these additional sessions will go live on Tuesday 6th October.
I would also like to wish our students and staff who set off for Disneyland Paris in the early hours of Thursday morning a fantastic trip. Although it was an early start, the students were clearly very excited about the adventure ahead. We hope they have a wonderful time, enjoy every moment of the experience, and make some fantastic memories together that they will treasure for years to come.
Looking ahead, I am very much looking forward to welcoming families to our Meet the Principal Evening on Tuesday 29th September. This will provide an opportunity to share more about my priorities and vision for Leigh Stationers’ Academy, and I hope to see many of our families there.
We are also looking forward to welcoming prospective Sixth Form students and their families to the Woolf College Open Evening on Thursday 1 October. This will be an excellent opportunity to find out more about Sixth Form life, the subjects available and the opportunities offered at Woolf College.
Beyond the classroom, our students have continued to demonstrate their commitment and enthusiasm through sport and enrichment. Congratulations to our U14 Girls Netball Squad on an excellent start to their season, and to our Year 9 aspiring athletes who took on a range of physical and mental challenges, demonstrating fantastic teamwork, resilience and determination.
Thank you, as always, to our students, staff, parents and carers for your continued support. It is wonderful to see our Academy community continuing to come together so positively, and I look forward to the opportunities and successes still to come this term.
Best wishes,
Mr Kevin Watson | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Year 11 Woolwich Future Fair
Earlier this week, our Year 11 students visited the Woolwich Futures Fair at Woolwich Works, providing them with an opportunity to explore the range of pathways available to them after their GCSEs. The event brought together local sixth forms, further education colleges, universities and apprenticeship providers, giving students the chance to speak directly with admissions teams and industry representatives.
Students explored a wide range of options, including A Levels, T Levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships, while finding out more about entry requirements, course structures and future career opportunities.
Our students represented the Academy exceptionally well, demonstrating maturity, enthusiasm and a genuine interest in their future choices. The event provided valuable insight and helped students to develop a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them as they begin to consider their next steps after Year 11.
Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening: Supporting a Positive Start
The Academy was delighted to welcome 92% of Year 7 families to our annual Meet the Tutor Evening on Wednesday 23rd September 2026.
The evening provided a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to meet with Form Tutors, discuss how students have settled into secondary school and raise any initial questions. Members of the SEND team and College Raising Standards Leaders (RSLs) were also available to meet with families and discuss additional support.
Parent Guidance Workshops
Alongside the individual tutor meetings, a series of drop-in workshops took place in the Library, covering:
- Mental Wellbeing and Student Support
- Homework and the Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- SEND Provision and Resources
- Enrichment and Co-Curricular Opportunities
The workshops were well attended and provided families with practical guidance and strategies to support their child’s learning and development. Thank you to all the parents, carers and staff who contributed to such a successful and well-attended evening.
Woolf College Open Evening
Woolf College is delighted to invite students and families considering joining the Sixth Form to its Open Evening on Thursday 1st October 2026, from 16:30–19:00.
The evening will provide an opportunity to visit Woolf College and William Morris, meet staff and find out more about Sixth Form life, the subjects on offer and the opportunities available to students.
Please note: Students must be accompanied by an adult. There is no parking available on site. A booking is required to attend, and entry will not be permitted without a confirmed booking.
Book your place via Applicaa: https://stationers.applicaa.com/year12
Reminder: Meet the Principal Event
Parents and carers are invited to join us for our Meet the Principal Evening on Tuesday 29th September, from 18:00–19:00.
The evening will provide an opportunity to meet our Principal and hear more about his priorities and vision for the Academy. It will also give families the opportunity to learn more about the direction of Leigh Stationers’ Academy and the focus for the year ahead.
If you are interested in attending and haven’t already signed up, please use the link here to let us know you are coming. We look forward to welcoming our families and sharing more about the Academy’s priorities for the future.
U14 Girls Netball Make Strong Start to the Season
The U14 Girls Netball Squad made an excellent start to the season at the LAT Netball Tournament, held at Leigh Maskell on Tuesday 22nd September.
The girls played eight matches, securing six wins, one draw and just one defeat, finishing an impressive 5th out of 15 teams overall.
For many of the squad, this was their first competitive fixture of the season, and they demonstrated excellent teamwork, determination and enthusiasm throughout the tournament. The team worked hard for one another, showing some excellent passing and movement while maintaining a positive attitude across all eight matches.
It was a fantastic performance from the whole squad and a very encouraging start to the season. Well done, girls!
Squad:
Betty H (C), Grace K, Olivia B, Prwsha M, Martha L, Isabella M, Ava N, Muizza L
Year 9 Aspiring Athletes Take on New Challenges
A group of 31 Year 9 aspiring athletes took part in a day of challenging sporting activities on Thursday 17 September, putting their teamwork, determination and resilience to the test.
Throughout the day, students participated in a range of physical and mental challenges designed to encourage them to work together, communicate effectively and support one another.
The students approached each activity with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, continuing to push themselves when faced with more demanding challenges. They also showed great support for their classmates, encouraging one another and working together to overcome obstacles.
The day provided a valuable opportunity for students to develop skills beyond the classroom, including leadership, teamwork, perseverance and confidence.
A fantastic effort from all of our aspiring athletes, who demonstrated that determination, teamwork and a willingness to challenge themselves are just as important as sporting ability.
Parent Webinar: Supporting Young People’s Mental Health
The Greenwich Mental Health Support Team (GMHST), part of Oxleas CAMHS, will be offering a series of psychoeducation webinars for parents and carers throughout the academic year.
These sessions are designed to provide families with helpful information and practical guidance to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Details of the upcoming webinar, including information about the session and how to attend, can be found in the flyer here.
MYP Parent Coffee Morning Sign Up - Year 7
Year 7 parents and carers are invited to join us for our MYP Parent Coffee Morning on Wednesday 7th October, 08:30–09:15.
Building on the introduction to the MYP shared at our Meet the Tutor event, this session will explore in more detail how the MYP supports meaningful, holistic learning through the IB Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills and inquiry-based learning.
Parents and carers are invited to sign up via Eventbrite using the link here.
For those who are unable to attend, a short video of the presentation slides will be made available afterwards so that families can still access the information shared.
LSA Stationers’ Star
This week, we are delighted to recognise two colleagues through our Stationers’ Star initiative, which provides an opportunity for staff to celebrate colleagues who have gone above and beyond, offered support or made a positive difference to others.
Our Stationers’ Star winners this week are:
⭐ Ms Chambers
⭐ Mrs Yeates
Congratulations to Ms Chambers and Ms Yeates, and thank you for the positive contribution you make to our Academy community
Personal Development Updates
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 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.
Careers Education: Weekly Information, Advice & Guidance
This week’s Careers Newsletter highlights a range of opportunities for students to explore careers involving languages, photography, science, technology, law, accounting and business, alongside university and writing opportunities.
he newsletter highlights the European Day of Languages on 26th September 2026, with this year’s theme “Languages unite! How languages shape inclusion.” Students can explore careers using languages through University of Cambridge resources, including job roles requiring language skills, bilingual careers and opportunities to study languages at university. Students can also try the “Name It” vocabulary game to develop their language skills.
This week’s featured role is a Dialect Coach, who helps actors develop accents, regional speech patterns and vocal styles for film, television, theatre and voiceover projects. The newsletter also highlights the earning potential associated with bilingual careers, with Japanese, Portuguese and Italian among the languages linked to higher earning potential.
Students can explore the University of Cambridge’s careers resources for languages and a UCL subject spotlight on studying Romanian. The newsletter also features a Photo Tips session with award-winning British Pakistani photographer Shahfaq Shahbaz, exploring the practical realities of building a career in fashion and commercial photography. Students can also enter the Solstice Nature Prize, a national writing competition inviting young people to submit short stories, poems or blogs about the natural world.
This week’s Employer Spotlight features Amazon, highlighting early-career routes including apprenticeships, internships and graduate opportunities across technology, engineering, logistics, operations and business. Students can also explore career talks with Zahaan Bharmal, Senior Director at Google, about his journey from Physics at Oxford to senior leadership in technology, as well as sessions on careers in law with Isabelle Meyer and accounting with Jeannette Lichner. The University Spotlight focuses on Imperial College London, highlighting opportunities across science, engineering, medicine and business, alongside research, entrepreneurship and industry projects.
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
Are you in Year 12 or Year 13 and interested in a career in law?
Join Mishcon de Reya, a global law firm, for a free online insight evening where you can find out more about:
- What it is like to work in a global commercial law firm
- Different routes into a career in law
- Solicitor apprenticeships and how you can qualify while working and earning
- The application and assessment process
- The skills needed to work in law
- Interactive law workshops and a live panel with apprentices, trainees and lawyers
Date: Tuesday 29 September 2026
Time: 17:00–18:30
Where: Online
Cost: Free
This event is particularly useful if you are considering law, a solicitor apprenticeship or university, and want to learn more about your options.
Places are limited, so register as soon as possible.
Interested in banking, finance, or business? Join Lloyds Banking Group for an interactive insight session. You will learn about apprenticeships and work experience, hear from industry leaders and apprentices, and get top tips for your applications.
- Date & Time: Tuesday 6 October 2026, 17:00–18:00
- Where: Online via Zoom
- Who: Years 11, 12 & 13
Date: Wednesday 14 October 2026
- Time: 16:00–18:30
- Where: Online via Unifrog
- Target Audience: Year 10, Year 11, and Year 12 students, parents, and caregivers
Connect with over 30 top UK universities—including Loughborough, Glasgow, and Exeter—to kickstart your higher education research and application prep.
What to expect:
- Interactive Booths: Speak with university representatives and discover courses.
- Admissions Insights: Learn what admissions teams look for in personal statements.
- Student Life Guidance: Get advice on preparing for university emotionally and financially.
- Parent & Caregiver Live Session: A dedicated talk on how parents can best support their child’s higher education journey.
Year 13 students and school leavers can now apply for KPMG’s 2027 apprenticeships in:
Audit | Tax | Corporate Services
Salary: £25,500–£28,000
Earn while you study towards a professional qualification or degree
Apply early – roles close as they are filled
Important: Use the application code YP2027 when completing the application.
Search and apply now – opportunities are available for students considering an apprenticeship as an alternative to university.
Who: Students interested in French Studies or International Politics
Interested in studying in France? The University of London Institute in Paris is offering an online open day and taster sessions. Students can explore undergraduate programmes, meet academic staff, learn about student life in Paris and ask questions about studying abroad.
Open Day: 20 October 2026
Taster Sessions: November 2026
Location: Online
Unifrog Parent & Student Webinar Series
- Uni Admissions Webinars (Students): 28–30 September 2026 | Advice on personal statements, interviews, portfolios, and medical school entry. Explore here.
- Apprenticeships & Careers Masterclass (Parents & Caregivers): 5–7 October 2026 | Dedicated session on helping your child find and apply for apprenticeships. Explore here.
PwC’s entry-level opportunities are opening for applications. Full-time programmes are available for students looking to begin their career straight from school or college. PwC also offers Flying Start degree programmes, allowing students to gain a degree while beginning their career.
Applications open: 30 September 2026
Who: Ages 5–19
The Into Film Festival returns with free screenings and events for young people across the UK. The programme includes new releases, classic films, animations, filmmaker Q&As and careers events, with activities supporting the National Year of Reading.
Dates: 6–27 November 2026
Location: Across the UK
Are you thinking about applying to university? Team Up and Quintessentially Education are offering a free online UCAS seminar for Sixth Form students.
The session will cover:
- How to prepare a strong UCAS application
- Writing an effective personal statement
- Key deadlines and next steps
- Common application mistakes
- What universities are looking for
Thursday 8 October 2026 | 17:30–18:30 | Online
