It is lovely to end this module with lighter evenings, the sight of Spring blossom on the trees and new shoots of growth popping up around the academy campus. I am hopeful that we may even see some sunshine over the break, which would be most welcome!

The performing arts production of “OLIVER!” has brought a real sense of joy to this week, with so many of our young performers taking part; the talent on show has been amazing and everyone involved should feel incredibly proud, with a real sense of achievement.

Once again, the newsletter serves as a reminder of all the many varied and exciting activities and events our students participate in at LAB. This edition is a real joy to read, and highlights the successes our students have had in all aspects of their learning and development. Items that didn’t make the deadline for publication this week include the year 11 Prom Committee, who have completed their 9th fundraiser so far this year to support their end-of-year celebrations - an amazing achievement!

As a community, we were delighted to share the outcome of our recent OFSTED inspection in February. Achieving an outstanding judgement is true recognition of the hard work undertaken by all members of ‘teamLAB’ since we opened in 2018. When I look back over the last 5 years, it is hard to believe that we have called 4 different buildings on 3 sites ‘home’, and that the academy has grown from 180-900 students in such a short space of time. All of this and a global pandemic to navigate has not been easy, but we are all very proud of what we have achieved together, and are now looking forward to celebrating our first set of formal examination results this summer.  

In February, LAB formally became one of only two non selective, co-educational state secondary schools in the UK to achieve authorisation to deliver three IB programmes: the Middle Years, Diploma and Careers Related Programmes. Our 7 year curriculum is a powerful springboard for our students into their GCSE studies, which in turn prepares them for the IB Diploma and Career Related Programmes. Providing the opportunity for sixth form students in the Royal Borough of Greenwich to study the well respected IB courses at post 16 makes us incredibly proud, and having access to a Global Education on your doorstep provides all of our students with the very best foundation for future success. 

We hope that you all have a peaceful Spring break, and look forward to welcoming the students back on Monday, 17th April. Our gates open, as always, at 8.00am.

Best wishes,

E Smith