Dear Parents and Carers,,

What an absolutely incredible and action-packed week it has been here at Strood Academy! As we draw to a close, we're filled with immense pride reflecting on the diverse opportunities and remarkable achievements our students have embraced. It's been a truly vibrant period, and we're thrilled to share some of the standout moments with you.

Our unwavering commitment to fostering STEM education has truly shone this week, with two particularly inspiring and enriching trips. We were delighted to send a group of our students on a dedicated "Women in Engineering" STEM trip. This invaluable experience offered them a unique glimpse into the world of engineering, highlighting the incredible contributions women are making in the field and inspiring our aspiring female engineers to pursue their passions with confidence. It provided practical insights and a real sense of possibility for their future careers. Additionally, another group of students embarked on a fascinating STEM trip to the University of Greenwich. They had the chance to explore cutting-edge research, engage with university academics, and discover the vast array of scientific and technological fields available for further study, truly broadening their horizons.

It was also a genuine pleasure to open our doors and hearts to so many prospective families during our Open Mornings for Year 4, 5, and 6 parents. We embraced welcoming you into our academy, showcasing the vibrant learning environment, the dedication of our staff, and the wonderful opportunities that await future students at Strood. The positive feedback we received was truly heartwarming and a testament to the hard work of our entire school community.

Our newest cohort of Sixth Form students has hit the ground running with a highly successful and engaging two-day induction programme. This crucial period allowed them to smoothly transition into post-16 study, forge new friendships, and familiarise themselves with the academic rigour and supportive environment of our Sixth Form. We're confident they've laid a strong foundation for an exciting and fruitful academic journey ahead.

Beyond the classroom, we've seen our students take impressive strides into the professional world. A group participated in an insightful Business Mentoring trip through the Think Forward programme, gaining invaluable practical insights into various industries and making connections that will serve them well in the future. These real-world experiences are vital for shaping their career aspirations. Not to mention, our resilient Year 12 students successfully completed their challenging Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Their teamwork, determination, and spirit of adventure were truly commendable as they navigated the great outdoors, developing essential life skills along the way.

Finally, it has been an absolute joy and a privilege to host a wonderful group of pupils from Spain as part of our ongoing Exchange Programme. Their presence has added a fantastic international flavour to our academy, and they have truly thrived, immersing themselves in our culture, participating actively in lessons, and making wonderful, lasting friendships with our students. It’s been a fantastic cultural exchange for everyone involved.

The momentum continues into next week, promising even more exciting events and milestones:

• Year 6 Transition Day: We are very much looking forward to welcoming our new Year 6 students for their highly anticipated transition day next Thursday, July 3rd. This is a pivotal day designed to help them feel comfortable, excited, and ready for their journey with us in September. We know it will be a day filled with new discoveries and friendships.

• Year 11 Prom: Our Year 11 Prom is set for next Friday, July 4th, a truly special and memorable occasion for our students to celebrate all their hard work, achievements, and cherished memories from their time at Strood Academy. It's a chance for them to formally mark the end of one chapter and look forward to the next.

• Live Performance of Romeo and Juliet: Also on Friday, July 4th, pupils in Years 7 and 8 will have the extraordinary opportunity to experience a live performance of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, right here in our main hall. This will bring the classic play to life, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of literature in a truly engaging way.

• Year 13 IB Outcomes: We eagerly anticipate a significant moment on Saturday, July 5th, as we look forward to receiving our IB outcomes for our Year 13 students. We extend our very best wishes to all of them, knowing they have worked incredibly hard, and we can't wait to celebrate their successes.

As always, your unwavering support and partnership are invaluable to us. We are immensely proud of our students' dedication, resilience, and all their remarkable achievements.

Sending best wishes, 

Mr Jon Richardson

Principal 

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.