Dear Parents and Carers,
“Big decisions are coming. Your future starts here.”
We are delighted to invite you to the Year 9 Gateway Event, a pivotal milestone in your child’s journey at Leigh Academy Strood. As we approach the end of Key Stage 3, it is time to look forward to the exciting and significant choices that lie ahead.
- Date: Wednesday, 21st January 2026
- Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Location: Main Hall, Leigh Academy Strood
This event is designed to provide you and your child with a clear roadmap for the coming months. We will also take the opportunity to present three special awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements and resilience our Year 9 students have demonstrated so far this year.
What to Expect
The session will feature key insights from our academy leaders to ensure your child is prepared for the intensive journey ahead:
- The Path to Year 11: Mr. S. Fatania will discuss the transition into the upper years and the mindset required for success as this cohort prepares to move toward their GCSE years this September.
- Looking Ahead to Post-16: Mrs. Wrighton will speak about the long-term opportunities available at Leigh Academy Strood, helping students understand how their current choices connect to Post-16 success.
- The Options Process: Mr. C. Pleasant will provide an essential introduction to the upcoming Options Evening, offering guidance on how students should begin considering their subject choices.
- The MYP Community Project: Mrs. C. Fletcher will outline this core component of the MYP, explaining how students will develop independence and make an impact through their service-learning projects.
- Healthy Habits & Attendance: Mrs. G. West will speak on the critical link between attendance and academic success, and the importance of forming “success habits” now.
This is a vital opportunity to hear directly from the staff who will be supporting your child through these transitions. We want to ensure every student feels empowered and informed as they begin to make decisions about their future.
Please complete the online form here by Monday 19th January to register your place for the evening..
We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the progress of our Year 9 students together.
Yours faithfully,
Mr. J. Richardson
Principal
Leigh Academy Strood
