Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your continued support throughout this academic year. Your involvement and encouragement have made a significant difference in the lives of our pupils as they navigate their educational journeys.

As we edge closer to the end of the academic year, I would like to remind you that our final day of the module is fast approaching. It will take place on Tuesday, 22nd July, and we will dismiss pupils at 1:30pm. Following the conclusion of this module, we look forward to welcoming students back to the academy on Monday, 1st September, for Year 7, Year 11, Year 12, and Year 13, with Year 8, Year 9, and Year 10 returning on Tuesday, 2nd September. We are eager to commence a new academic year filled with opportunities and stimulating learning experiences.

This week has been particularly busy and exciting for our community. We were overjoyed to announce our record-breaking Year 13 International Baccalaureate (IB) results which were released on Saturday. Sharing this wonderful news with our pupils on Monday morning was a moment filled with pride and joy. We are immensely pleased that their hard work and dedication that have been reflected in their outstanding outcomes, marking the strongest results the academy has ever achieved. These results are a testament to the perseverance of our students and the unwavering support of our dedicated staff and parents.

On Monday, we also hosted our Year 10 mock results evening. The turnout was uplifting, with over 95% attendance from both pupils and parents. Our Main Hall was absolutely packed, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and engagement. It was truly heartwarming to witness the interactions between parents and pupils, as well as the insightful conversations held with our subject specialists. We sincerely hope you found this evening informative and beneficial, as it provided a fantastic opportunity for collaboration and shared insights on academic progress.

Furthermore, we have conducted a two-day curriculum review of our Middle Years Programmes. As an International Baccalaureate World School, this evaluation is crucial in ensuring that we deliver a holistic and enriching educational experience, equipping our pupils with the skills and outlook necessary for success in life beyond school.

In terms of extracurricular engagement, we have seen fantastic participation in various activities. Our Year 12 students enjoyed an informative and inspiring trip to London, which allowed them to explore new ideas and perspectives. Additionally, we have organised multiple STEM outings, reflecting our commitment to fostering an interest in science and technology among our students. This week also featured a Sports Afternoon on Wednesday, serving as a prelude to our highly anticipated Sports Day on Tuesday. Moreover, our LAT Sports Day was truly remarkable and showcased the talents and sportsmanship of our pupils on both Monday and Tuesday.

On Thursday evening, we proudly hosted the Leigh Academies Trust annual awards ceremony, where many of our outstanding staff members were nominated for excellence in their respective roles. This event highlighted the dedication and commitment of our educators, who are instrumental in helping our students achieve their full potential.

Looking ahead, we are excited for our own Sports Day next Tuesday, a day filled with friendly competition and celebration of our pupils' athletic achievements. The question is will Hercules College be victorious for the third year running! Additionally, our Parent Voice Forum will take place on the same day, commencing at 6pm. We encourage you to attend, as this forum provides an excellent platform for sharing your thoughts and ideas to further enhance our academy community. On Wednesday, we will also host the LAT Maths Feast, a challenging and engaging event where our pupils will showcase their mathematical prowess. Following our previous success, where we earned a gold medal, we are looking forward to maintaining our excellent standards in this subject area; our pupils have been undergoing additional training in preparation for this event.

As we approach the conclusion of the academic year, we embrace these final few weeks of the module with enthusiasm and dedication. We are excited to conclude this academic year on Tuesday, 22nd July, and celebrate the achievements of our students. Your continued support plays a vital role in their educational journey, and we are grateful for your partnership.

Wishing you all a restful weekend, and we look forward to welcoming pupils back on Monday morning from 8am. 

Sending best wishes,

Mr Jon Richardson

Principal

Strood Academy

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.