The College Team

Head of College: Mr J Powell

Assistant Principal: Mr J Smith

Student Services Manager: Ms A Kerr, Ms Jamal-Wensah

Administrator: Mrs L Clay

Who was Ignatius Sancho?

Ignatius Sancho was born on a slave ship around 1729 and taken to London, where he worked as a slave in Greenwich until the 2nd Duke of Montagu, impressed by Sancho's intellect; not only encouraged him to read, but also lent him books from his personal library at Blackheath.

Once educated, Sancho refused to tolerate his lack of freedom and ran away, eventually becoming the first black person of African origin to vote in parliamentary elections in Britain. After his death in 1780, Sancho's letters were published in a book which was used widely as evidence to support the movement to end slavery. Sancho’s life and writings persist as a symbol of the humanity of Africans, the immorality of the slave trade, and the emancipating power of education.

Welcome from some of our Sancho students

Welcome to Leigh Academy Blackheath!

At this school there are many opportunities to be the best person you can be. By following our values, you will leave school being a better version of yourself. We learn through an MYP structured curriculum from Yr7-Yr9. Throughout the modules, you will find yourself showing at least one of the IB learner profiles. LAB values help our learning and ensure that there is a quiet environment for everyone to learn in.

This school is a friendly place! I hope you enjoy your time at LAB, make new friends and settle in quickly!

If you ever need any help, you can reach out to me or your college Student Principals. We are looking forward to meeting you.

Areebah, Year 11

'I couldn't be happier with my choice to go to Leigh Academy Blackheath. The school has been so supportive and wonderful every step of the way and has helped me become more confident in myself and my work. It is a big step from primary school to secondary school, you are getting older and getting one step closer to real life, and I remember being nervous about going to secondary school as I knew it was going to be a significant change but once I got there, and settled in, I enjoyed it so much more than primary school as you have so many more opportunities as well as being able to discover and develop your interests. I also wanted to talk about my college ( Sancho ) as it is a big part of my school life. Being in the Sancho college community is such a supportive place, even when you have friendship difficulties you know that there are always people that are there for you and support you, which is nice when you are feeling down or stressed.'

I hope this is ok and feel free to email me if you need me to add any more.

From Millie

Page updated

Report abuse