Dear Parents/Carers,

I hope this letter finds you well. Thank you for your continued support and engagement with Strood Academy; your involvement is invaluable to our community.

This week has been particularly busy within the academy, filled with a range of enriching experiences for our students. We have had the opportunity to participate in sporting fixtures for both our girls’ and boys’ football teams, showcasing their dedication and sporting spirit. 

Additionally, we welcomed visitors from the Leigh Academies Trust, who conducted reviews in both English and Geography. The feedback received has been exceptionally positive and will guide our ongoing development as we strive for excellence in teaching and learning.

Furthermore, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting educators from South Korea. On Tuesday afternoon, 28 teachers and leaders visited the academy to learn more about our digital strategy. We were extremely privileged to showcase our innovative practices and discuss the various programmes we have implemented to enhance our students' learning experiences. This visit not only fostered international collaboration but also highlighted the importance of sharing best practices across borders.

As a continuation of this exchange, on Thursday afternoon, we welcomed a group of South Korean students who will be joining our school community for the next week. They will immerse themselves in our academic environment as part of an exchange programme, and we are excited about the cultural exchange and friendships that will blossom during their stay. It is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain a global perspective and engage in meaningful interactions with their international peers.

This week, I have also issued further letters to you all to celebrate our recent achievement of receiving national recognition for the Leading Parent Partnership Award. This accolade is a testament to our commitment to engaging with you, our parents and carers, to foster an inclusive school community. We are delighted to receive such acknowledgment, which reflects the strong partnership we have developed with you over the years.

Today, I have also provided additional information regarding the procedures for dropping off and collecting pupils from the academy. Unfortunately, we have observed that traffic congestion during peak times has become excessive, which poses safety concerns for all our students. I kindly ask you to apply for a permit should you need to access the academy during these busy periods. By doing so, we can manage traffic flow more effectively and ensure a safe environment for everyone arriving and leaving the academy.

As we head into the weekend, I want to reiterate my appreciation for your unwavering support of Strood Academy. 

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Jon Richardson
Principal

STRUCTURE OF THE DAY 

ATTENDANCE

As we approach the midway point of the second year of Vision 2028, we take this opportunity to reflect on the significant strides we have made as a community. Together, we have worked tirelessly to create a nurturing and dynamic environment that supports our students in every aspect of their education and development.

One of our key achievements has been the successful introduction and embedding of essential routines that provide structure and consistency for our students. Morning line-ups, for instance, have helped instill a sense of discipline and readiness for the day ahead, while the implementation of an effective assembly protocol has fostered a collective sense of purpose and belonging. These routines are now integral to the fabric of our school culture, setting a strong foundation for learning and personal growth.

Equally, we have focused on enriching our students’ experiences beyond the classroom. By offering a wide array of lunchtime and after-school clubs and activities, we have encouraged students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and build confidence. From sports teams and creative arts workshops to academic enrichment sessions, these extracurricular opportunities have not only cultivated a love for learning but also strengthened our sense of community and teamwork.

In addition, we have taken significant steps to enhance communication and collaboration with parents and carers, recognizing their vital role in our students’ success. Events such as face-to-face Parents’ Evenings and Parent Voice Forums have created meaningful platforms for dialogue and partnership. These initiatives have allowed us to better understand the needs of our families, celebrate achievements together, and work collaboratively toward common goals.

We are incredibly proud of all we have accomplished so far, and while we acknowledge that we are still at the early stages of our Vision 2028 journey, the progress we have made fills us with optimism and determination. This vision represents our collective ambition to shape a brighter future for our school community, and we are committed to building on these foundations with unwavering focus and dedication.

We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the milestones we will achieve together. We look forward to celebrating every success, big or small, and to continuing to inspire and empower our students to reach their full potential. The journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.