Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your continued support throughout this academic year. Your engagement and collaboration have been invaluable to our school's success.

This week marks a significant culmination of efforts as we have finally concluded our examinations for Year 11 and Year 13. With Year 11 pupils departing on Monday and Tuesday, and our final Year 13 exam taking place today, we take pride in the dedication shown by our students. It is a heartfelt moment for all of us. Our pupils have demonstrated exceptional commitment and resilience during this challenging period, and they deserve to be congratulated for their hard work.

We would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the unwavering support of our staff throughout these busy months. Their hard work and dedication are at the heart of our school's achievements. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone involved; it truly has been a remarkable team effort, and such collaboration significantly enhances the educational experience for our pupils.

On Monday, we organised a guard of honour for our Year 11 pupils following their final science examinations. This was a particularly special occasion, one that brought joy to both students and staff as the entire school community came together to applaud and celebrate the conclusion of the examination season. Following this, Year 11 pupils and staff participated in hours of shirt signing, creating lasting memories of their time at the academy and commemorating this incredible milestone.

On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our Strood Board into the academy for our summer board meeting. It is always a privilege to share the positive progress the academy continues to make with our board of governors. Their ongoing support and commitment to our mission are genuinely appreciated, and it was rewarding to discuss our achievements and future plans with them.

Wednesday was particularly noteworthy as we celebrated 'Thank a Teacher Day'. This day provided an opportunity to express our appreciation for the outstanding work of our staff throughout the year and particularly during the examination period. As a token of gratitude, staff departed the academy shortly after the pupils, allowing them to enjoy a well-deserved afternoon off to unwind and recharge. We sincerely value the dedication and tireless efforts of our team, which greatly enrich the learning experience for all our students.

On Thursday and Friday, our pupils partook in the LAT Netball events, even in blistering hot conditions. More than just a competition, these events foster camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship among our pupils. Congratulations to all participants; it was wonderful to hear about your successes and the joy you brought to the academy during these energetic matches.

Today, our Year 9 pupils are completing their Duke of Edinburgh expedition in the sunshine, which is a fantastic opportunity for them to develop important skills and experiences. We wish them all the best of luck as they take on this adventure, and we look forward to hearing about their achievements and memorable moments.

Furthermore, over the weekend, our local partners, Cuxton 91, are hosting their annual tournament at Strood Academy. We warmly invite you to join us for this event. It promises to be a lively occasion, providing a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy the competitive spirit, and support our young athletes.

This week has also seen the continuation of Year 10 mock examinations. Our pupils have adapted to the formal settings admirably and embraced the chance to showcase their abilities. These experiences are invaluable as they prepare for their future assessments. Well done to all of them for their hard work and determination!

Looking ahead, next week, we will be holding our Year 12 induction on Tuesday and Wednesday. We are excited to welcome our pupils as they embark on this next phase of their education. We aim to make their transition as smooth and enriching as possible, ensuring they feel supported and empowered in their academic journey.

Additionally, our Year 12 students will be out on their Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition, and we wish them all the best of luck as they embrace this opportunity for personal growth and adventure.

As a gentle reminder, next Friday 27th June is an INSET day for academy staff, during which we will be engaging in professional development activities to further enhance our educational practices.

Sending you my best wishes for a restful weekend. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment to our school community.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Jon Richardson
Principal
Strood Academy

STRUCTURE OF THE DAY 

ATTENDANCE

At Strood Academy, we take great pride in reflecting on the significant progress we have made over the past two years. As we approach the end of this academic year, we remain deeply committed to sustaining the positive changes we’ve embedded and look forward with excitement to the next chapter in our journey towards Vision 2028.

We are especially proud to have maintained and built upon the following key developments:

• Embedding Key Routines
  We have successfully established and maintained key routines—morning line-ups, clear assembly protocols, and smooth transitions between lessons—that help students move with purpose, feel secure, and stay focused on their learning. These routines are now firmly part of our daily culture.

• Challenging 'Culture Killers'
  From improving uniform standards to reducing litter and tackling inappropriate language or disengagement in lessons, we have tackled behaviours that previously undermined our academy culture. High expectations have created a community where students take pride in their conduct and appearance.

• Standardising Homework Expectations
  A consistent and clear approach to homework has supported academic progress and fostered habits of self-discipline. All students now understand what is expected of them and the importance of independent learning.

• Encouraging Extracurricular Engagement
  Our diverse range of lunchtime and after-school activities continues to thrive. These opportunities nurture students’ interests, develop their talents, and support their social growth beyond the classroom.

• Strengthening Parent & Community Relations
  We have prioritised strong, effective communication with parents and the wider community through Weekly Parent Bulletins, social media, and events like Parents’ Evenings, Year 7 Meet the Form Tutor, and Parent Voice Forums. Features such as our ‘Request Call Back’ button and college-specific email addresses have enhanced accessibility and responsiveness.

As we conclude this academic year, we celebrate not only the progress we’ve made but the consistency with which we have sustained it. Looking ahead to Year 3 of Vision 2028, we are more determined than ever to build on this momentum and continue striving for excellence in every aspect of academy life.