Dear Parents and Carers,

What a fantastic week it has been at Strood Academy.

This week has proven to be excellent, particularly with our Year 11 and Year 13 students diligently completing further examinations. Their resilience and effort during this critical period have been commendable, and I am grateful for the remarkable range of intervention and support sessions that have been implemented to assist them. These sessions have provided invaluable assistance in their preparation, and I extend a heartfelt thank you to all staff members for their unwavering dedication in ensuring that our pupils are best equipped for these important assessments.

In addition to academic achievements, we have enjoyed a variety of exciting events throughout the week. Our Year 4, Year 5, and Year 6 students participated in Humanities lessons, which allowed them to explore their learning in an engaging and interactive manner. This creative approach not only enriched their understanding of the subject but also fostered teamwork and collaboration among the students. Furthermore, our Think Forward business mentoring trip was a resounding success, and it was wonderful to see our pupils engage so positively with successful professionals from various industries. The insights gained from this experience are sure to inspire them in their future academic and career choices. On Wednesday, our Sixth Form students had the opportunity to visit Canterbury Christ Church University, which provided them with an excellent perspective on higher education and the various pathways available to them. Many of our students expressed enthusiasm about the potential opportunities that await them in their academic journeys.

I am also pleased to announce that our Year 7 pupils achieved an impressive second place in the Leigh Academies Trust Rugby tournament. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and determination of all involved. Their commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship was evident, and it is heartening to witness such enthusiasm for representing our academy on the field.

Looking ahead, we are set to compete in further sporting events next week, offering yet another opportunity for our pupils to showcase their talents and skills. We encourage all students to participate and support their peers, fostering a strong sense of community within our academy.

As a reminder, our examinations will continue until the middle of June, and we wish all pupils the very best as they prepare for this important period. It is essential that we continue to support one another during these challenging times, ensuring that our young people feel motivated and confident as they approach their final assessments.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with our academy community. Together, we can provide an environment that nurtures and inspires our pupils to achieve their very best.

Wishing you a restful weekend and we look forward to welcoming pupils back to the academy from 8am on Monday morning. Please be mindful that the gates close at 8:30am.

Yours sincerely,

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.