This week marked a significant milestone for our Year 11 students as we came together for their traditional Leavers’ Assembly. It is always a poignant time of year, but the overwhelming sentiment across the Academy is one of immense pride in the Class of 2026.
It was an immense privilege for the Academy to be recognised at a national level this week. To celebrate 70 years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, we were invited to a special garden party in Buckingham Palace Garden, with Ms Williamson attending to represent the Academy and our personal development provision.
Our Year 7 students have been busy making a real difference in the Academy this term by taking part in the Co-op Academies Trust Time4Change social action project. The scheme encourages students to identify an issue they care about and take practical steps to tackle it, and our Year 7s decided they wanted to focus entirely on promoting kindness.
On Thursday 14th May, a group of Year 7 & Year 10 students attended Manchester University for their Brilliant Club Graduation ceremony.
14.5.26
Dear Parents & Carers
UPDATE: NEW SCHOOL DAY STRUCTURE AND TERM DATES 2026/27
Thank you for your feedback regarding our recent Academy day consultation. Following positive feedback from the consultation and discussions with parents, staff, and Co-op Academies Trust, we have decided to move forward with the proposed changes for the 2026/27 academic year.
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Our Year 10 cookery students recently headed over to the New Farm Cookery School in Burton-upon-Trent for an immersive Street Food Experience. It was a brilliant opportunity for them to step out of the classroom and work under the expert guidance of professional chefs in a high-quality kitchen environment.
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A group of our Year 11 students had a great day out in Hanley last Friday. This wasn't just a typical school trip; it was a chance for them to practise the independent travel skills they will need when they head off to college this September.
This week, our Year 9 students took a big step toward completing their Bronze DofE Award by taking part in their one-day practice expedition at Greenway Bank Country Park. It was a brilliant day for it, with the sun out and the students showing exactly why they are such a credit to the Academy.
We are looking to consult with you on some proposed changes to the Academy day and holiday pattern for September 2026/27 onwards. Please discuss these changes as a family, at home, and let us know if you have any feedback by completing the form here. The consultation runs from 1.5.26 to 8.5.26 at 5pm.
A huge well done to our Year 10 ASDAN students, who visited Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre last Friday to deliver the results of their recent fundraising efforts. After months of planning and hard work, the group handed over a donation of £158.53.
Just before we broke up for Easter, we had the brilliant news that six of our students were successful in getting their 100-word stories included in The Places That Make Us anthology. This is a massive achievement, and we are so proud to say that they are now officially published writers!
The Mitchell Arts Centre played host to a truly spectacular night of music this week for the regional semi-finals of the Co-op Academies Trust Young Musician of the Year (YMOTY) competition. It was a wonderful showcase of talent, starting with a fantastic first half featuring the primary schools before moving on to the secondary academies.
