Welcome from the Principal
As we come to the end of another busy and inspiring term at Leigh Academy Tonbridge, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements of our students. From academic success in the classroom to the many trips, visits, and sporting fixtures that have taken place, it has been a term full of opportunity, growth and pride.
Our students continue to amaze us with their talent, determination, and sense of community. Whether representing the academy in the LAT sports competitions, their college on Sports day, engaging in enrichment activities, or simply supporting one another day to day, they embody the very best of what it means to be part of LATon.
We are delighted to share that we are once again oversubscribed for September, a reflection of the growing reputation and success of our academy. We look forward to welcoming 180 new Year 7 students, including 60 girls—our largest number yet—as our co-educational journey continues to go from strength to strength.
At the heart of everything we do are our core values: integrity, courage, and imagination. These guide our students not just in their learning, but in how they treat others and approach challenges. I have been especially moved this term by the many acts of courage shown by our young people—often quiet, everyday examples of resilience and kindness that make our academy such a special place.
As we head into the summer break, I hope you find time to rest, recharge and enjoy time together.
Thank you for your continued support.
Michael Crow
Principal
IBCP
We’re thrilled to announce that Leigh Academy Tonbridge has been officially verified to deliver the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) from September!
This is an incredibly exciting development for our post-16 curriculum, offering students a unique opportunity to combine academic study with career-focused learning — preparing them for university, apprenticeships, and beyond.
Exam Results:
A Level/Vocational Exam Results Day
GCSE Exam Results Day
Please complete this form in regard to collecting your exam certificates in November 2025.
Instrumental Lessons September 25
Music Station: Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums https://musicstation.pro/lesson-info/
Kent Music: Clarinet, Recorder, Saxophone, Voice https://www.kent-music.com/music-lessons/
Pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals receive 25% discount on lessons through the school - please contact the Music Department to confirm.
Kent Music Financial Assistance https://www.kent-music.com/financial-assistance/ Available to all eligible students for any music activity.
T level in Accounting work placements September 2025
As we come to the end of our first year delivering the T Level in Accounting course I would like to thank all the employers who have hosted our students in their work placements.
The year 12 students spend Wednesday, every week, at their placement and have really enjoyed it. I asked them to tell me what they thought had been the benefits of the placements;
“Working and meeting new people”
“Seeing the classroom theory being done for real”
“Learning work skills; such as what the expectations are in an office environment”
Students see the work placements as one of the most rewarding parts of the T level and next year we are expecting even more students to join the course.
In order to continue this momentum we need employers to host these students. If you work in a company that has a finance department would you be able to help? We can be very flexible on how the work placements are delivered; for example it doesn’t have to be every week and it can be tailored to suit the business. Please contact me marianne.brooks@latonbridge.org.uk for more information.
Consistent school attendance is vital for every student's success. Each day in the classroom builds a crucial foundation, as learning is cumulative, with each lesson building on the last. Here at Leigh Academy Tonbridge we pride ourselves on maintaining high levels of attendance that help students develop essential social and emotional skills through participation and collaboration.
Being present helps children establish positive routines and responsibility, valuable life skills beyond academics. They also maximise opportunities like enrichment and activities beyond the classroom and direct teacher support and feedback.
We understand that absences are sometimes unavoidable. However, parents can greatly support good attendance by prioritising school, establishing consistent routines, communicating absences promptly, and scheduling appointments wisely outside school hours.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every day truly counts for our students, setting them up for a future of achievement.
Key Dates
Monday 1st September 2025 - (Year 7 and Year 12 only)
Tuesday 2nd September 2025 - (Whole school)
Inset dates 2025/2026 - Thursday 28th August 2025
Friday 29th August 2025
Monday 5th January 2026
Friday 13th February 2026
Please use the following link for all of our key dates - https://leighacademytonbridge.org.uk/academy-life/term-dates/
We are so proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students who have earned GOLDEN TICKETS. Your hard work, determination, and positive spirit have truly shone through. You have all shown what it means to lead with excellence, and integrity.
This module has seen positive points awarded, and Golden Tickets
Positive points = 114130
Golden Tickets = 116
LATon Bake Off – Final 🍰🔥
Tension sizzled in the air like an overzealous crème brûlée as students chopped, stirred, iced, and hoped their bakes would rise to the occasion. The scent of vanilla, chocolate, and sheer determination filled every inch of the room. There were no soggy bottoms here—just top-tier talent and a whole lot of icing sugar.
But it wasn’t just the cakes that got whipped. In one unforgettable moment, Isabella, armed with an electric whisk and a fearless sense of adventure, sent a spray of buttercream flying across the kitchen... directly onto the unsuspecting Mr Roberts. Covered in a delicious coat of frosting and surprise, he took it like a true professional—although we suspect he may still be finding sprinkles in his hair.
After much tasting, deliberation, and a suspiciously high number of “just one more bite” moments from the judges, the winners were revealed:
1st Place – Isabella – not just a master of buttercream artillery, but also a baking superstar whose creation left everyone speechless (and full).
2nd Place – Jacob – with precision, creativity, and a bake that made mouths water and eyes widen.
3rd Place – Lois – whose flavors and finesse earned her a well-deserved spot on the podium.
A special mention must go to Mrs Bellord, whose unwavering support, impeccable organisation, and behind-the-scenes magic made the entire event possible. From sourcing ingredients to calming nerves (and possibly refereeing the odd whisk fight), she was the real icing on the cake. The event simply wouldn’t have risen to such heights without her.
The day was a sweet success, and every single finalist deserves a standing ovation for their passion, skill, and incredible energy. The only real losers? The teachers who now have to scrub frosting off the ceiling.
Duke Of Edinburgh - Bronze
Congratulations to all of our year-9, year-10 and year-11 students who have successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh practice and qualifying expeditions over the past few months. The beautiful weather has certainly helped!
Yes; boots rubbed, tent pegs got bent, maps were read upside down, pasta was overcooked, and the occasional 3 mile ‘detour’ was taken, but these things did not prevent every one of these students from passing the expedition section of their DofE Award.
Many of these students have also completed their Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections, so we are very pleased to be able to present them with their full Bronze or Silver DofE Award in the last week of this module.
School Trips - Hastings
On Monday 16th June, we took 155 Year 8 students to Hastings for a cultural experience and a lovely day out in the summer sunshine. We traveled down by train through the Sussex countryside chatting about the history of Hastings Castle and the Smugglers Caves and suffice to say, students and staff couldn't wait.
We toured the castle with its ancient crenellations and spooky dungeon, moving onto the Smugglers Caves cut into the side of a cliff overlooking the English channel where students learned about the chequered history of the coastal town. Following on from our tour of the dank, dark caverns, we set off for the aquarium after a relax on the grass looking out to sea.
The students had a wonderful time at the aquarium, enjoying the wildlife and a well-earned ice cream after all the walking in the summer sun. We finished the day on Rockanore Beach with one or two damp toes and thankfully not too much seagull attention! In the words of the ice cream vendor by the aquarium, "your students are a credit to your school"; and they were. As always, our wonderful Leigh Academy Tonbridge students did us proud and made it a peaceful, enjoyable day for all.
Canterbury
Our Year 7 students had an inspiring day at Canterbury Christchurch University's Sportslab!
They got hands-on with professional sports science equipment, explored how the body how the body responds to exercise, and discovered the amazing science behind fitness, performance, and health.
From testing reaction times to analysing movement, and even trying out some lab=based fitness tests, the students were completely engaged- and came away with real sense of how science and sport go hand in hand.
A huge thanks to the brilliant team at Canterbury Christchurch University for such a fun and educational experience - we may have sparked a few future scientists
Geography trip to Reculver
Pupils had a fantastic time at Reculver, exploring real-world examples of Coastal Management as part of their Geography studies.
It was a brilliant opportunity to see geography come to life outside the classroom, with pupils asking thoughtful questions, making field sketches, and collecting evidence for their studies.
A huge well done to everyone for their enthusiasm and curiosity - and to Reculver for providing the perfect outdoor classroom
Rugby Tournament
A huge congratulations to out amazing girls rugby team, who finished 3rd in tough and competitive tournament,
Their teamwork, resilience, and determination were on full display throughout the day - with some brilliant tackles, fearless runs, and plenty of school spirit!
We are incredibly proud of how they represented the school, showing that strength, skill, and sportsmanship are what are all about.
Try scorers below.
Mollie
Aurora x2
Maddie
Pearl x2
Anome x2
Maddie x2
Harriet x2
Handball Tournaments
What an action-packed day for Year 7, and Year 8 mixed handball teams, who competed brilliantly in their tournaments.
With fast passes, quick thinking, and great teamwork on display, our students showed fantastic sportsmanship and energy throughout every match.
It was great to see boys and girls work together, supporting one another, and playing with real passion and pride, We are so proud of their efforts, and the way they represented their school
Ypres Battlefields
Our students took part in a powerful and moving visit to Ypres, exploring the lasting impact of the First World War. At the Hooge Crater Museum, they gained a deeper understanding of the experiences of soldiers on the front line - through original artifacts, detailed exhibits, and personal stories from the trenches.
We also visited the Hooge Crater Cemetery, where students took time to reflect and pay their respects to those who gave their lives in the conflict, reminding us all of the importance of history, sacrifice, and peace.
A meaningful and unforgettable day of learning beyond the classroom
Sports Day
What an incredible two days of energy, excitement, and unforgettable moments at our annual School Sports Day. From lightning-fast sprints, inflatable assort courses, and always - epic tug-of-war, every event was filled with determination, teamwork, and school spirit.
Day 1 kicked off with electric enthusiasm as students gave it their all in individual and team track events, cheered on by their colleges and teachers. day 2 brought the grand finals, team games, and the closing ceremony, where every cheer, medal, and high five made the memories even more special.
A massive Thank you to our amazing students, staff, and volunteers who made it all possible. Well Done to Delphi college, who took the win
Behind every great Sports Day is a team of legends who make it all happen - and this year, our amazing staff didn't just organise it .... they hit the track too
From setting up races to sprinting in them, and cheering on our students our staff bought the energy, effort, and unbeatable team spirit all day long
LATon School Boat Race Results
The annual LATon School Boat Race was an exhilarating showdown between the three competing colleges: Delphi, Olympia, and Lyceum. The teams proudly wore their college colours—a vibrant sea of Yellow, Teal, and Grey—creating a stunning backdrop as they cheered and coached each other through the race.
The competition began with a burst of energy as Year 10 from Delphi took an early lead, rowing with determination and grit. However, by the midway point, Lyceum surged ahead, showcasing impressive stamina and skill on the rowing machines.
Meanwhile, Delphi and Olympia were locked in a fierce battle, exchanging places multiple times in a thrilling back-and-forth duel that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. As the race approached its final stretch, Lyceum unleashed a powerful sprint, storming to a decisive victory.
When the race concluded, Lyceum stood triumphant in first place, with Olympia securing a strong second, and Delphi finishing third. All the students who took part demonstrated incredible effort and sportsmanship, making the event a memorable testament to teamwork and perseverance.
A special mention goes to Graham and Gino, whose enthusiasm and leadership showed they would make brilliant cox’s in the future.
Congratulations to all the rowers for their hard work and dedication!
1st - Lyceum
2nd - Olympia
3rd - Delphi
LAT Trust Sports Day
13 Year 9 and 10 boys represented our school at the annual Leigh Academies Trust Sports Day, held at the Dartford Harriers athletics track.
Competing against students from 17 other secondary schools, the team demonstrated outstanding effort, determination and sportsmanship throughout the day.
Their support for one another was evident and several students delivered impressive medal winning performances.
Highlights included Matt (Year 9) taking 1st place in the 200m, Max (Year 9) winning the shot putt and Elijah (Year 10) securing 3rd in the same event. Ted (Year 9) claimed 3rd in the 400m, while Max also placed 3rd in the 800m. The Year 9 relay team; Matt, Ted, Max, and Ethan rounded off the day with a strong 3rd place finish.
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