Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your continued support throughout the week. Your engagement and dedication greatly contribute to our pupils' success and wellbeing.

Our pupils have returned for the second week after the Easter holidays in a remarkably positive manner. It has been heartening to witness their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the role you have played in fostering this positive atmosphere at home, which undoubtedly influences their readiness to engage at the academy.

This week, we have held several significant events at the academy that I would like to highlight. Firstly, our Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) convened on Monday. This group plans to play a vital role in enhancing the educational and social activities within our school community. Should you be interested in joining this group, please do not hesitate to contact the academy; a further letter will be shared in due course with additional details regarding upcoming events and how you can contribute.

On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new Year 7 cohort, who will be joining us in September 2025. It was a delightful experience to see such genuine excitement among our parents, carers, and pupils regarding the promising future that lies ahead. We are committed to ensuring that all new pupils feel supported and integrated as they transition into secondary education, and we look forward to fostering strong relationships with families as we embark on this educational journey together.

On Wednesday, we conducted our sessions for Year 4, Year 5, and Year 6, this time focusing on English. I encourage you to share this opportunity with your community, as it is fantastic to invite children from our local primary schools into our academy. Engaging with younger pupils not only enriches their educational experience but also strengthens our connections within the local community.

Thursday saw our Year 11 information evening, which proved to be a valuable occasion for all involved. It was wonderful to see so many of you in attendance. Mr. Fatania provided comprehensive insights into the upcoming examination period, offering guidance on what to expect in the coming weeks. Furthermore, Miss Barlow shared valuable strategies on how to best support your child’s well-being during this challenging time, ensuring that the emotional and mental health aspects are prioritised alongside their academic commitments. Additionally, Mrs. Wrighton shared important information about our Sixth Form here at Strood Academy, highlighting the various opportunities that await our students post-GCSE.

As we approach the long weekend ahead, we remain positive and supportive of our pupils who are continuing their examinations in both Year 11 and Year 13. Our staff are here to assist them in any way possible, and we deeply appreciate your ongoing encouragement from home, which plays a crucial role in their success.

Next week, we are also looking forward to welcoming the Strood Board, who will join us to observe lessons and engage with learning at the academy. This visit forms part of our commitment to continuous improvement, and we believe that their feedback will be beneficial for our ongoing development. We are dedicated to providing the highest standard of education, ensuring that our pupils are well-prepared for the future.

Wishing you all an enjoyable and restful weekend. We look forward to welcoming pupils back to the academy on Tuesday at 8:00 AM, ready for another productive week of learning and growth.

Sending best wishes,

Mr Jon Richardson

Principal

Strood Academy

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.