LAB News

Summer 2022

(Issue 11)

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,


At the end of an academic year, my thoughts always turn to the many varied events and experiences we have had as a learning community over the past 11 months. This year is no different, and my goodness - what a year it has been!


It is incredibly hard to believe that covid restrictions were only removed at the end of February 2022, but since then, over the last 3 modules, staff and students have managed to squeeze in a wide range of activities and experiences for everyone to enjoy. These have included the following:


  • British Science Week

  • Life of Pi theatre trip

  • Gallery visits: Goldsmith University, NOW Gallery

  • Climbing at the Reach, Woolwich

  • Ski Trip, Austria

  • Duke of Edinburgh Bronze expedition

  • Old Colfeians School Rugby tournament (we won the RESPECT Cup!)

  • Pathways to your Future - Yr10 careers event

  • Anti Bullying workshops Yr7

  • Teens and Toddlers Programme - Cherry Orchard Primary School

  • LAB Lit Fest - the vast majority of our KS3 students went on a trip or visit

  • Matilda theatre performance

  • Art and DT Exhibition

  • LAT Sports day (LAB Girls won overall)

  • LAB Sports Day


Since February, we have also managed to hold face to face consultation evenings for our year 7 and 8 students, as well as our year 9 Options evening.


It feels amazing to have some normality back, and to be able to provide the wide range of co-curricular activities we always intended, as well as to further strengthen our positive relationships between home and school through regular onsite events.


This July, we are saying goodbye to a few members of staff, and I’m sure you will join us in thanking them for all their hard work, and wishing them all the best for the future in their new roles. Those leaving us are Ms West, Mr Rahman, Mr Laher, Ms Banton, Ms Imbert-Alverson, Ms Townsend, Ms Jean and Ms Harper.


We also say goodbye to our Chair of Governors - Tim Snowball, who completed his 4 year term of office this year and has now moved out of Greenwich to live in the beautiful Kent countryside. Tim has been an amazing Chair of Governors, and relentless in his determination and support for our success. Tim was presented with a Founder’s Tie at his last board meeting, and received a heartfelt thank you from a group of founding students.


There are so many wonderful reports and stories in this edition of LAB News; I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.


We hope that everyone has a safe and restful summer break, and we look forward to welcoming all 900 students back on September 1st. Don’t forget our new academy times of the day!


Best wishes,

E Smith

Final thoughts of our retiring Chair of Governors

'Just over five years ago, I heard news of a new school to be opened on Old Dover Road. As a local resident, passionate about education, I made some enquiries, and before I knew it, Leigh Academies Trust had asked me to join a planning group.


Back then, LAB was just a plan on a page. We had a vision to create grammar school opportunities and aspirations for a truly comprehensive intake. We had an ambition to be a pioneer of digital education and to position LAB at the heart of our community.


Since then, it has been an honour to serve as LAB’s first Chair of Governors and to play a small part in the development of a remarkable school. The growth rate, with +180 pupils a year and a rapidly expanding staff, is one that would test any organisation. On top of that, we've had three sites, five education secretaries and a global pandemic to contend with.


What's been remarkable is how resilient and adaptable LAB's staff and pupils have proven in the face of these challenges. The school has remained focused on ensuring it achieves it's objectives to deliver the most enriching educational experience possible. At no point has there been any sign of divergence from a collective focus on striving for the highest standards, best behaviour and most rewarding experiences. Although, what's always moved me most has been the obvious dedication LAB's staff show for the well-being of every pupil, especially when this has been most needed during and emerging from a pandemic.

LAB is a brilliant school, ably led by Ms Smith and her inspiring team. But don't just take that from me; I have joined many external assessments and reviews over the last four years, and all, from Government officials to the most seasoned of education consultants, seem to conclude that they wish their own children had a school like LAB to go to. There can be no higher praise than that. I therefore leave this role with as much confidence in LAB's future, as I have pride in what has already been achieved.


Thank you to all LAB’s governors, staff, parents and pupils for all you do to support the school. I wish you a well deserved summer break and all the best for the future.'


Tim Snowball

Chair of Governors, 2018-2022