Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
It’s been a significant week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, particularly for our examination groups in Years 11 and 13. While they’ve made a strong start to their public exams, the week has also offered rich opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection across the school – something that truly deserves celebration. Our cadets represented the academy with real maturity at The Stationers’ Company Charter Dinner, Equiano College brought the school community together for a fitting VE Day tribute, and our Year 7 Caxton students embraced the calm of the countryside on their alpaca walk—building confidence, supporting one another, and enjoying time outdoors. I’m also incredibly proud of our Year 13 Psychology and Sociology students who engaged so confidently in their subject conference, and our Year 12 T Level students who have now begun their Employer Set Projects.
Next week is a significant one for our examination groups, with a number of key public exams taking place, including GCSE English Literature on Monday, Combined Science on Tuesday, and Mathematics on Thursday. Our students are working hard, and we’re doing all we can to ensure they feel supported and ready. A link to the full warm-up and examination timetable for both Years 11 and 13 is included on this page. Thank you for your continued support during this important period.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Cadets on Duty at The Stationers’ Company Charter Dinner
On Wednesday, 7 May 2025, members of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Leigh Stationers’ Academy served as carpet guards during the Stationers’ Company’s annual Charter Dinner at The Stationers’ Hall in London. The event marks the anniversary of the company’s Royal Charter, granted by Queen Mary Tudor on 4 May 1557.
The cadets were accompanied by Deputy Principal Ms Dooley and Major Wilson.
Ms Dooley said: “The cadets looked exceptionally smart in their ceremonial uniform and carried out their duties with real maturity. It was a proud moment to see them representing the academy so well, and several guests took the time to comment on their professionalism and positive attitude.”
Academy Marks 80th Anniversary of VE Day
Leigh Stationers’ Academy marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a programme of activities reflecting both remembrance and celebration. The day began with a virtual assembly, offering students an opportunity to explore the historical significance of Victory in Europe Day, followed by a two-minute silence observed across the school at midday.
At lunchtime, the Quad was transformed for a 1940s-themed street party, featuring music, food, and decorations. Students from Equiano College contributed to the event by wearing red, white, and blue, creating handmade decorations, and hosting a successful cake sale.
Mr Sparks, Principal, said: “VE Day is a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made and to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today. It was important that we marked the 80th anniversary in a meaningful way, and I want to thank Ms Lapwood and Equiano College for creating such a fitting and memorable tribute. It was a wonderful example of our community coming together with respect and creativity.”
Alpacas and Pygmy Goats: Caxton Students Step Outside the Classroom
On Tuesday, 6 May 2025, a group of Year 7 students from Caxton College took part in their second alpaca walking trip. The visit began with students meeting and feeding pygmy goats before heading out on the alpaca walk. During the visit, pupils took turns leading the alpacas and showed a consistently positive and supportive attitude. The peaceful setting and interaction with the animals provided a valuable opportunity for students to build confidence and enjoy time outdoors.
Ms Blayney, Trip Leader, said: “It was brilliant to see the students encouraging one another and growing in confidence as the day went on. Whether they were leading an alpaca or helping a friend, they represented Caxton and the academy really well throughout the visit.”
Summer Examinations Underway for Years 11 & 13
The public examination period is now underway at Leigh Stationers’ Academy for students in Year 11 and Year 13. Pupils have entered this important phase with focus and determination, supported by a structured programme of targeted academic support.
Students continue to follow their normal lessons alongside a schedule of morning warm-up sessions, afternoon revision, and after-school interventions. This support will remain in place throughout Module 5. The full schedule of warm-up sessions and examinations for this week is available via the link below.
Timetables for Years 11 & 13 | w/c Monday, 12 May 2025
Mr Flower, Vice Principal, said: “Our Year 11 and 13 students have made an excellent start to their exams. Their preparation, attitude, and resilience have been impressive, and we’re committed to ensuring they continue to feel supported throughout the entire exam season.”
HPV Vaccinations for Year 8 Students
The HPV vaccination for Year 8 students will take place at Leigh Stationers’ Academy on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. Parents and carers are reminded to complete the online consent form if they have not already done so. This is required in advance to ensure that students can receive their vaccination on the day.
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 do key political parties stand for?
- Year 10: How can I effectively revise?
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 29: This edition includes a Pharmacy taster event with Sheffield University, a presentation on mental health and the law, creative subject opportunities at The University of Bournemouth, accountancy events, insights into roles at Amazon, and business support offered by The King’s Trust.
- Job of the Week – Chiropractor: A focus on the skills and qualifications needed to pursue a career in chiropractic care.
- University of Leicester Virtual Subject Sessions: A series of free online taster sessions running over the next three months, offering students the chance to explore university-level subjects.
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.
T Level Assessment Window Begins for Year 12 Students
Year 12 T Level students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy have now begun their Employer Set Projects, marking the start of the formal T Level assessment window, which will conclude with the Core Examinations. A full T Level assessment calendar has been shared with parents and carers of T Level students. It is essential that all students arrive on time and are fully prepared for each assessment.
To support families, a T Level Parent Guide is available online, providing a clear overview of how T Levels are structured and assessed at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. These video are particularly valuable for current T Level families and for Year 11 parents and carers considering a T Level pathway in sixth form. Any queries regarding the T Level programme can be directed to Mr Roche, Assistant Principal, at: david.roche@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
Year 12 Students Begin UCAS Preparation
Year 12 students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy have now begun the UCAS preparation process, as they start planning for life after Woolf College. Key sessions this module include:
- Friday, 9 May 2025 – Introduction to the changes to the UCAS personal statement for 2026
- Friday, 16 May 2025 – Guidance on the use and risks of AI in personal statement writing
- Friday, 23 May 2025 – The importance of supra- and extra-curricular activities in applications
From the first week of Module 6, all students will begin drafting their personal statements, with a first draft due before the end of the academic year. Students interested in applying to Oxford or Cambridge, or for courses in Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine, will also complete a form during the week of Monday, 12 May 2025 to access additional tailored support.
All students are expected to take part in this programme, regardless of their post-16 plans, as personal statement writing is a valuable skill relevant to university, apprenticeships, and employment.
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.
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. The deadline for placements to be logged on Unifrog is Friday, 24 May 2025.
Year 13 Psychology & Sociology Students Attend tutor2u Revision Conference
Year 13 Psychology and Sociology students recently attended the tutor2u student conference, an A-Level revision event designed to support final exam preparation through expert-led sessions, interactive activities, and live quizzes. The day provided students with an opportunity to consolidate their knowledge, strengthen their exam technique, and revisit key content in an engaging setting.
Ms Murphy, Lead Practitioner, said: “Our students threw themselves into the day and represented the academy brilliantly. It was great to see them answering questions with confidence and showing such a strong grasp of the content. They came away feeling more motivated and better prepared for the exams ahead – I’m really proud of the way they conducted themselves.”
Careers Insight Session for Years 10 & 12: Environmental Consultancy
Students in Years 10 and 12 are invited to attend the next session in the academy’s Career Exploration Series, taking place on Thursday, 15 May 2025, during school hours.
The session will be led by an Environmental Consultant with expertise in organic pollutants, applied chemistry, and sustainable farming. Students will gain an insight into how science is applied in real-world contexts—through work with laboratories, government agencies, and the agricultural sector—and explore how careers in environmental protection contribute to a more sustainable future. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in science, sustainability, and environmental careers.
Interested students should complete the registration form using the link provided. For further information, please contact Ms Saif, Careers Advisor, at shaina.saif@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
