Dear Parents/Carers,

I hope this message finds you well and that you have enjoyed a pleasant week. As we conclude another productive week at Strood Academy, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate some notable achievements and share important updates with you regarding our students and their experiences.

Firstly, I am delighted to commend our Year 11 pupils who have demonstrated remarkable resilience, unwavering commitment, and exceptional effort during their mock examinations this week. Their dedication to their studies is truly commendable, and it is heartening to witness their determination to perform to the best of their abilities. These examinations serve as an important milestone in their academic journey, and we are confident they will continue to excel as they prepare for their forthcoming GCSEs.

In addition, it is incredibly pleasing to see our extracurricular clubs thriving, with an impressive increase in participation from our pupils during both lunchtime and after-school sessions. It is inspiring to witness so many students engaging in these activities, as they not only develop new skills but also foster a strong sense of community and friendship amongst their peers. We encourage all pupils to explore these opportunities and make the most of what our school has to offer.

Our recent Year 10 parents' evening was a tremendous success, with an excellent turnout from our families. Thank you to all who attended; it was a wonderful opportunity for parents and teachers to engage in meaningful conversations about students’ progress, celebrate their achievements, and identify areas where further support may be beneficial. Open lines of communication between home and school are vital, and we are grateful for your involvement in your child's education.

Looking ahead to next week, we are excited to host Rugby festivals for both Year 9 and Year 10. These events promise to be an excellent showcase of sportsmanship and teamwork, allowing our pupils to not only engage in physical fitness but also build camaraderie with their peers. Furthermore, we will be holding an NHS Day for our Sixth Form on Thursday, which presents a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore a diverse range of career paths within the healthcare sector. We are keen to inspire them to think about their future aspirations and the pathways they may wish to pursue.

As we enter the final week of our Year 11 mock examinations, I encourage our students to remain focused, maintain their motivation, and continue giving their best efforts. This is a pivotal time in their academic journey, and I am confident that they will rise to the occasion.

I would like to take a moment to express how proud I am of all our pupils as they have returned to school in such excellent form this term. Their enthusiasm for learning and engagement in school activities is commendable, and we greatly appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement at home.

We look forward to welcoming pupils back from 8am on Monday morning. 

Have a restful week. 

Warm regards,

Mr Jon Richardson

Principal 

STRUCTURE OF THE DAY 

ATTENDANCE

At Strood Academy, we take pride in reflecting on our progress over the past two years. As we continue our journey towards Vision 2028, we celebrate key achievements that have strengthened our academy’s culture and learning environment.

• Embedding Key Routines: We have established and reinforced routines such as morning line-ups, assembly protocols, and structured transitions between lessons. These ensure students move with purpose, feel safe, and are ready to engage in learning.

• Addressing 'Culture Killers': We have tackled challenges such as poor uniform standards, litter, inappropriate language, and disengaged behavior in lessons. By setting high expectations, we foster a culture where students take pride in their presentation, remain focused in class, and contribute positively to our academy community.

• Standardising Homework Expectations: A consistent approach to homework has been introduced, ensuring all students understand expectations and the value of completing independent study. This supports their academic progress and develops self-discipline.

• Encouraging Extracurricular Engagement: We continue to promote student participation in clubs and activities, both during lunch and after school. By offering a wide range of opportunities, we nurture students' interests, talents, and social development beyond the classroom.

• Strengthening Parent & Community Relations: Effective communication with parents, carers, and the local community has been a priority. Through social media updates, Weekly Parent Bulletins, and events such as Parents’ Evenings, Year 7 Meet the Form Tutor, Parent Voice Forums, and Parental Drop-Ins, we ensure families are engaged in their child’s education. We have also introduced accessible tools like the 'Request Call Back' button and college-specific email addresses to improve communication.

We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to further enhancing our academy experience. While there is always more to achieve, we are excited to build on our successes and continue striving for excellence in the years ahead.