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Leigh Stationers' Academy

United Kingdom, London

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1700
Type Co-educational
Opened 2024
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification
Taught languages French, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Leigh Stationers' Academy is an 11–18 secondary school in South East London, part of Leigh Academies Trust and sponsored by The Stationers' Company. It offers the IB Middle Years Programme alongside the British Curriculum and BTEC qualifications, for about 1,700 pupils. The school uses a distinctive five-college model—Angelou, Caxton, Hansard, Woolf and Equiano—with Equiano College designated as the Designated Special Provision. In August 2024 the academy opened under its new name after a partnership with The Stationers' Company, preserving the Crown Building as a heritage symbol. The campus houses the 2012 Centre (sports facility), the Equiano Centre (inclusion hub), the William Morris Centre (creative arts and digital media, with a Digital Media Centre opened in 2017), and Crown Building (drama studios, main hall, library). It offers extensive science labs and ICT suites, Sixth Form facilities, and rich enrichment, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Combined Cadet Force and Ravensbourne-linked projects.

Leigh Stationers' Academy, 145 Bexley Road, Eltham, SE9 2PT

The Essentials

Leigh Stationers' Academy has 1,700 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

The school is located in South East London. Leigh Stationers' Academy serves a diverse and vibrant community and has over 1,700 students on roll. It is part of Leigh Academies Trust and is sponsored by The Stationers' Company.

Stages

11–18 secondary school. Years 7–11 are allocated to Angelou College, Caxton College, and Hansard College; each college admits 90 students per year and houses up to 450 students across Key Stages 3 and 4. Woolf College provides post-16 provision (Sixth Form).

Additional learning support

Equiano College is the Designated Special Provision (DSP) supporting around 30 students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for moderate learning difficulties.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniform is required. The Academy has two uniform suppliers. Leigh Stationers' Kilt is available from JK Clothing.

House System

Colleges: Angelou College, Caxton College, Hansard College for Years 7–11; Equiano College (DSP); Woolf College (Sixth Form).

Governance and Ownership

The school is part of Leigh Academies Trust and sponsored by The Stationers' Company.
Fees
Application fees

- There is no application fee to apply for a place at Leigh Stationers' Academy. Applications for Year 7 places are submitted through the applicant's home local authority under the coordinated admissions scheme.

Tuition fees (by year group and per term)

- Years 7–11: There are no tuition fees for statutory 11–16 education. Education provided during academy hours is not charged. This applies on a per‑term and per‑year basis: no termly or annual tuition charge is levied for core provision.

- Years 12–13 (Sixth Form / Woolf College): There are no tuition fees for students enrolled in the Academy's post‑16 study programmes. Students may, however, encounter charges for optional extras, specific examination entries, materials or activities where permitted under the academy's charging policy; financial support is available through the 16–19 Bursary Fund for eligible students.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Regular tuition is not invoiced because statutory education is free. Charges only arise for optional extras (for example, trips, residentials, optional musical tuition, board and lodging on residential visits, and some external examination entries). When a charge applies, the Academy will notify parents/carers of the cost and payment deadline for that specific activity; participation is conditional on parental agreement to pay. Non‑payment may result in removal from the activity if no other funding is available.

- Payments for trips and other optional items are administered centrally by the Academy's finance processes; ParentPay is the named payment route for parents/carers to make payments and for resolving payment queries. Parents/carers are expected to meet the published deadlines for each charge.

Boarding fees

- Leigh Stationers' Academy operates as a day academy and does not provide boarding; there are no boarding fees.

Other costs and fees (uniform, materials, trips, music, equipment, exams, device schemes, etc.)

- Uniform: A set of required uniform items is specified and a small number of branded items are required to be purchased from the Academy's approved suppliers. Required branded items include the Academy blazer (with crest), Academy tie, the Academy kilt (where chosen) and Academy PE top and PE shorts; other items may be bought from high‑street suppliers. Parents/carers should expect to pay for new uniform items through the listed suppliers. Second‑hand uniform is available in limited supply.

- Chromebooks / device scheme: Students are required to bring a Chromebook for daily learning. The Academy may invite contributions toward a Chromebook scheme or other IT provision as a chargeable item where applicable.

- Trips and residential visits: Where an activity is classed as an optional extra (including travel, board and lodging on residential trips and most visits outside academy hours) the full cost per student will be charged. The Academy may require deposits and staged payments for higher‑cost trips; those payment schedules and amounts are provided with each trip communication.

- Music tuition: Charges may be made for individual or small‑group instrumental or vocal lessons when these are optional and not required as part of the national curriculum. Parents/carers who request tuition for their child will be asked to meet the stated charges.

- Examinations and re‑sits: The Academy will not charge for entries for prescribed public examinations when the student has been prepared by the Academy. The Academy may charge for examination entries where the student has not been prepared by the Academy, where the Academy arranges entry for an examination not on the set list, if a student fails to complete coursework without good reason, or for re‑sit entries where the Academy has already paid an initial fee.

- Other potential charges: Costs for materials that parents wish the student to own (for example, technology components, specialist textiles, art materials), replacement items for damage caused wilfully or negligently, and any optional clubs or external activities will be charged as set out in the Academy's charging policy and individual communications.

Refund information

- Remissions and exemptions: Where a parent/carer is in receipt of qualifying benefits, the Academy will remit in full the cost of board and lodging for residential activities that take place during academy time, and may provide discretionary remissions in other hardship cases on application. Parents/carers may apply in confidence for remission of charges.

- Refunds for optional activities: The Academy handles refunds in line with the Charging and Remissions Policy and the arrangements stated for each activity. Where a trip or activity is cancelled, refunds will normally be processed subject to receipts and monies being returned from suppliers/organisers; the Academy may retain small surpluses where refund thresholds apply. Parents/carers should follow the payment/refund instructions issued for each activity.

Fee payment options

- The Academy uses ParentPay as the primary online payment platform for trips and optional charges; queries about payments are handled by the Academy finance team. ParentPay accepts common card payments and supports alternative payment channels for parents where available. The Academy also uses the My Child At School (MCAS) system for communications and account information. For any payment issues parents/carers are directed to the finance contact.

Brief note on available financial support

- For students aged 16–19, the Academy administers the 16–19 Bursary Fund to support students facing financial hardship; discretionary and vulnerable bursaries are available depending on eligibility and individual need.

Brief summary of findings and limitations

- Leigh Stationers' Academy is a state‑funded day academy: there are no published application or tuition charges for statutory school years or for sixth form tuition. Charges are applied only for optional extras and specific circumstances allowed under the Charging and Remissions Policy (trips, music tuition where optional, certain exam entries, materials for ownership, board and lodging on residential visits, etc.). Specific numeric prices (for example, per‑term or per‑year monetary amounts for uniform, trips, Chromebook contributions or exam fees) are not published as fixed, academy‑wide tuition charges; such amounts are set and communicated on an item‑by‑item basis (for example, per trip or per service) or are set by the academy's approved uniform suppliers. The Academy's finance contact handles ParentPay payments and queries.
Academics

Leigh Stationers' Academy teaches IB (MYP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum

Leigh Stationers' Academy is an IB World School authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). The Key Stage 3 curriculum is broad and balanced and studied in Years 7–9, following the MYP framework; core subjects include English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Combined Science, with Life Skills (non-examined) and Core Physical Education. Students are allocated a pathway to personalise progression: Pathway 1 – EBacc Pathway (English Language & Literature, Maths, Combined Science, Life Skills, Core PE, French or Spanish, Humanities, and an Open Subject Option); Pathway 2 – Extended Open Option Pathway (English Language & Literature, Maths, Combined Science, Life Skills, Core PE, Humanities or a language, plus two Open Subject Options). EBacc subjects include Computer Science, Geography, History, and Modern Foreign Languages (French or Spanish). The Sixth Form provides extensive support and guidance for university applications, including access to events, courses, guest speakers and career facilities.

Higher Education Progression

The Sixth Form provides extensive support and careful guidance including access to events, courses, guest speakers, career facilities and a well proven system for helping students with their university applications.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school provides strong pastoral care and an inclusive environment where every student is known, valued and supported, within a distinctive college model and a broad, ambitious curriculum.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Equiano College is the Designated Special Provision (DSP) and supports around 30 students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for moderate learning difficulties.

Mental Wellbeing

Pastoral care supports wellbeing and personal development.
Parent Experience

History

Leigh Stationers' Academy is an 11–18 secondary school in South East London with about 1,700 students. It is part of Leigh Academies Trust and is sponsored by The Stationers' Company. The academy uses a distinctive college model with five colleges: Angelou, Caxton, Hansard, Equiano and Woolf, each with its own leadership and pastoral team; Equiano College serves as the Designated Special Provision (DSP). The campus includes facilities such as the 2012 Centre, Equiano Centre and Crown Building to support a broad curriculum. In August 2024 Leigh Stationers' Academy opened under its new name following a partnership between Leigh Academies Trust and The Stationers' Company; the Crown Building was retained as a symbol of the school's heritage, and the five colleges were renamed Angelou, Caxton, Hansard, Woolf and Equiano.

Community

Leigh Stationers' Academy serves a diverse and vibrant community and is among the largest secondary schools in the region with over 1,700 pupils. It is part of Leigh Academies Trust and sponsored by The Stationers' Company, benefiting from a broad network and resources. The college model provides each college with its own team and tutor structure, reinforcing belonging and personalised support for students. The academy also offers enrichment opportunities such as a Royal Marines Combined Cadet Force (CCF), made possible through sponsorship by The Stationers' Company, and hosts community events including a Prize-Giving Ceremony at the Stationers' Hall in London.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school has a purpose-built campus designed to support high-quality learning across all disciplines. Key facilities include the 2012 Centre, a state-of-the-art sports facility; the Equiano Centre, the inclusion hub; the William Morris Centre, a specialist centre for creative arts, design technology and digital media, including the Digital Media Centre opened in 2017; the Crown Building, which houses two drama studios, the main hall, the library, and administrative offices. Each college is equipped with modern science laboratories, ICT rooms, lecture spaces, and general classrooms. Woolf College also benefits from Sixth Form ICT suites, science labs, an Independent Learning Centre, and specialist teaching spaces.

Sports Facilities

The 2012 Centre is a state-of-the-art sports facility.

Academic Facilities

Equiano Centre is the inclusion hub that supports SEND provision. William Morris Centre is a specialist centre for creative arts, design technology and digital media, including the Digital Media Centre. Crown Building houses two drama studios, the main hall, the library, and administrative offices. Each college is equipped with modern science laboratories, ICT rooms, and lecture spaces, plus general classrooms. Woolf College includes Sixth Form ICT suites, science labs, an Independent Learning Centre, and other specialist teaching spaces.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school runs a full programme of enrichment and extracurricular opportunities, including activities led by the Cadet Force, a Ministry of Defence-sponsored youth organisation. Students have opportunities for leadership and volunteering through the Student Leadership and volunteering pathways. The Digital Media Centre supports media-related enrichment and projects, including collaborations with Ravensbourne University, providing industry-standard facilities for student work.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school runs a broad enrichment programme alongside the regular curriculum. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered at Bronze (Year 9), Silver (Year 10) and Gold (Year 12–13 in Woolf College), with residential and expedition elements. The Combined Cadet Force provides a Royal Marines cadet unit, with training delivered by academy staff and the Royal Marines Youth Training Team, including fieldcraft and outdoor adventure. Enrichment Pathways cover Sports, Community, Leadership, Creative, STEM and Scholarship, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels recognised.

Arts & Creative

Drama and Theatre Studies emphasise enrichment beyond performances, with long-running opportunities to participate in school productions and extended drama projects. The Music Department operates from a purpose-built facility with two classrooms, eight practice rooms, an ensemble room and a recording studio. The Stationers' Digital Media Centre offers hands-on enrichment projects and employer-led sessions that extend classroom learning. A wide range of clubs supports creative expression, including Art Club, Debate Club, Music Club (Ukulele) and orchestral ensembles that meet after school.

Cultural & Language

Spanish Cinema Club offers language learning and cultural exploration through films and discussions. The enrichment programme includes opportunities to engage with language and culture through clubs and cross-curricular activities.

Social & Hobbies

Pupils can join clubs such as Art Club, History Mysteries & What Ifs, Keyboard and Ukulele Club, Year 10 Rock Band, Debate Club and Drama Club, with additional offerings like Orchestra, Book Club and Computing/Code activities. These clubs run across multiple days and modules, providing social and hobby outlets alongside academic study. The enrichment timetable also includes student-led projects and performance opportunities that foster teamwork and creativity.

Community & Service

Enrichment pathways include a Community Pathway focused on service projects, mentoring and charity events. Participation in STEM and Scholarship activities supports community impact and peer mentoring. The school collaborates with universities, employers and community organisations to provide mentoring, career guidance and real-world experiences; SOCS is used to monitor and celebrate participation in clubs and trips.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership is embedded in enrichment, with pathways that include student leadership roles and DofE and CCF participation. Apprentice and business-related clubs develop entrepreneurship and enterprise skills, while Careers Education offers 1:1 advice, mentoring and employer visits to broaden professional horizons.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Equiano College provides Life Skills and enrichment, including TITAN Travel Training to build independence, and Careers and Work Experience placements to prepare for adulthood. An Inclusion & Wellbeing Centre supports counselling and wellbeing services, with a Wellbeing Manager and dedicated staff to assist pupils; the academy emphasises social, emotional and mental health through its policies and enrichment offer. SEND Information and related policies describe access to enrichment for pupils with additional needs and the academy's commitment to wellbeing and inclusion.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction and is taught through English Literature and English Language. The academy offers Spanish and French in years 7–11. Students study at least one language in Key Stages 3–4 in addition to their mother tongue. The study of languages develops effective communication, assists personal growth, strengthens awareness of cultural identity, and promotes international understanding.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Apply through the home Local Authority under the Coordinated Planned Admissions scheme. The Local Authority coordinates the application process on Leigh Stationers' Academy's behalf according to the scheme published in the annual admissions booklet. Applicants should follow the Local Authority's published steps and deadlines to secure a Year 7 place. The Academy participates in the Local Authority admissions process to determine intake.

2. Year 7 intake and banding. There are 270 Year 7 places available for September 2026. All applicants are required to sit a fair banding test, including siblings of pupils already attending the academy. Applicants are divided into five bands based on test results, and admission criteria are applied within each band to ensure a comprehensive intake across the full ability range. It is not possible to pass or fail the test, but those not sitting the test at all will be prioritised after those who have sat.

3. Key dates. National Offer Day occurs in early March. National Offer Day is listed as Monday 2 March 2025, with emails sent after that date. A separate entry notes Monday 3 March 2025 as an additional offer date (emails sent after). Applicants should monitor correspondence via the Local Authority during the offer round.

4. Sixth Form admissions. There are up to 200 places available in Woolf Sixth Form for September. The admissions criteria for the Academy, including Sixth Form, are set out in the published Admissions Policy. In July 2026, a Taster Event is planned for prospective Year 12 students. Applications submitted after the February 20, 2026 deadline will still be processed, but students may be placed on a waiting list if courses are oversubscribed.

5. In-Year Admissions. In-year applications should be made directly to Leigh Stationers' Academy. The process for children admitted via the Fair Access Panel is in line with Greenwich Local Authority's published arrangements.

6. Appeals. If a place is not offered, applicants have the right to appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel.

Scholarships

16-19 Financial Support for Sixth Form. The 16-19 Bursary Fund includes Vulnerable and Discretionary Bursaries. A bursary can pay up to £1,200 per year for a student on a 30-week study programme to help with travel, books, equipment or specialist clothing. Discretionary bursaries are awarded to help students overcome individual barriers to participation, and the Academy decides which students receive bursaries and how much. Eligibility criteria for discretionary bursaries include household income below £25,000, travel distance over 10 miles, specialist requirements, or having an EHCP. Items that can be claimed include clothing, books and other equipment, transport and lunch on study days, UCAS fees and university visits/trips. An application form for bursaries is available as a Bursary Application Form (PDF).

Waitlist

Applications submitted after the published Year 7 admissions deadline will still be processed; however, if courses are oversubscribed, these applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
School Events
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