Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your continued support this week. As we progress through the module, it is with great appreciation that I acknowledge the active involvement of our parent community, which undoubtedly contributes to our pupils’ success.

The week commenced with incredibly warm weather as temperatures soared. Despite the heat, our pupils demonstrated superb resilience and engagement in their studies. I am particularly proud of their dedication and enthusiasm for learning, which was evident in every classroom. Our amazing staff ensured that lessons remained educational and captivating, employing innovative teaching strategies that catered to the diverse needs of our learners.

This week, we warmly welcomed six visitors from the Leigh Academies Trust, including our CEO, Mr Simon Beamish, and our Academic Director, Ms Emma Elwin. Colleagues from the Trust undertook an intensive quality assurance learning walk throughout the academy. We hosted a variety of discussions and activities, showcasing the importance of continuous improvement within our educational environment. I am delighted to report that the visit was a considerable success, celebrating the remarkable work accomplished by our academy staff and acknowledging the positive impact this has had on our pupils.

In addition to the quality assurance visit, we organised enriching trips to the University of Greenwich for our STEM programme, as well as an exciting excursion to London for the Think Forward mentoring initiative. Such experiences are invaluable, as they not only enhance curriculum learning but also inspire our pupils to explore potential career pathways. It is truly rewarding to witness our pupils thrive through these opportunities, which significantly enrich their overall learning experiences and broaden their horizons.

I am pleased to announce that, from September, we will be introducing two brand new minibuses to our fleet. This enhancement will greatly improve our accessibility for trips and other wide-ranging opportunities, allowing us to further enrich our educational offerings. This initiative aligns with our commitment to providing a dynamic and inclusive personal development curriculum that meets the needs of all our pupils.

In conjunction with our learning walk, we also conducted a comprehensive curriculum review focused on business studies. The two-day review proved highly beneficial in evaluating the positive progress made by this faculty area. The insights gleaned from this exercise will inform our future planning and ensure that we continue to offer a robust learning experience for all students involved.

Yesterday marked an exciting milestone as we held our transition day, welcoming over 250 pupils to our academy. It was a joy to observe them flourishing within our environment and engaging with potential future classmates. The involvement of parents during this event added significant value, as they joined us from 2pm for further transition information. This collaboration between home and school enhanced the overall experience, making it a very successful day. We eagerly anticipate welcoming these young individuals back for our summer school and in September, where we will continue to support their development.

Today, we had the privilege of hosting a theatre company to perform Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet for our Year 7 and Year 8 pupils. The performance was exceptional and received with enthusiasm by all attendees. Exposure to the arts is essential in fostering creativity and critical thinking, and events like this enable our pupils to appreciate the richness of literature and drama.

This evening, we will celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Year 11 pupils at their Prom. This special event is a culmination of their hard work and dedication over the past few years, and we are thrilled to share in their joy and success.

Additionally, today marks the final day at the academy for our trainee teachers, many of whom have been appointed and will be returning to the academy in September. The training they have completed at Strood has equipped them with the skills necessary to excel in their roles, and I am confident they will continue to make a positive impact within our school community.

Tomorrow, we will receive our first outcomes of the summer term, specifically regarding our Year 13 International Baccalaureate results. We will ensure that these results are communicated promptly to our pupils and look forward to sharing the positive outcomes with you, reflecting the hard work and commitment demonstrated by our students and staff alike.

Next week, we look forward to a curriculum review of our middle years programmes, which will allow us to further refine our educational offerings. Alongside this, our LAT sports day will take place, which will prepare us for our own academy Sports Day the following week. These events will provide a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their talents and foster a sense of community spirit. There are numerous activities related to STEM set to take place, which continue to be a significant strength of our community and an area of focus for our educational initiatives.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host our annual Rewards Evening on Friday, 11th July, where we will gather to celebrate and recognise the numerous achievements of many of our pupils. This event highlights our commitment to acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our students, providing motivation and encouragement as they progress in their academic journeys.

Once again, thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure our pupils reach their full potential.

Yours sincerely,

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.