Latest News Update | 20 March

Meningitis Awareness & Hygiene Advice For Families with Teenagers and Young Adults

Current Situation: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a small number of meningococcal (bacterial) cases in Kent, mainly affecting young adults.

The overall risk to the wider public remains low, but it is important that families are aware of symptoms and simple preventative measures.

🛑 How Meningitis Spreads

Meningococcal bacteria are spread through close contact, including:

• coughing and sneezing
• kissing
• sharing items that carry saliva

🛡️ Simple Hygiene Measures to Reduce Risk

1. Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Young people should not share:

• drinks or water bottles
• cutlery or straws
• lip balm

2. Practice Good Respiratory Hygiene

• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (use a tissue or elbow)
• Dispose of tissues promptly
• Avoid close contact when feeling unwell

3. Wash Hands Regularly

• Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Especially important:
  • before eating
  • after coughing/sneezing
  • after being in public places

4. Be Sensible with Close Contact

• Avoid close face-to-face contact if unwell
• Be cautious in crowded indoor environments
• Stay at home if experiencing illness

⭐ Key Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:

• high temperature
• severe headache
• vomiting
• stiff neck
• sensitivity to light
• drowsiness or confusion
• cold hands and feet
• rash that does not fade when pressed

Not all symptoms appear at once.

➕ When to Seek Help

• Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if meningitis is suspected
• Call NHS 111 if unsure and need urgent advice
• Do not wait for all symptoms to appear

⚓Reassurance for Parents

Meningitis is rare, and most illnesses in young people will not be meningitis.

The key is:

• awareness of symptoms
• good hygiene habits
• acting quickly if concerned
  

If you have any concerns, please contact your GP or NHS 111

Art Excellence: Leigh Academies Visual Arts Prize 2026

Huge congratulations to Year 9 student Peighton, who has been named the KS3 Runner-Up in the prestigious Leigh Academies Visual Arts Prize 2026! Peighton’s achievement is truly impressive; she created an ambitious, 6ft painting of the Leigh Academy Bexley main hall, expertly executed in the bold, vibrant style of Michael Craig-Martin. This is a remarkable testament to her dedication and artistic talent—well done, Peighton!

Year 10 Photography Workshop: Ravensbourne University

On Monday, 9th March, a group of Year 10 Art students took part in an immersive photography workshop led by a visiting artist from Ravensbourne University. Throughout the day, students explored the world of documentary photography, capturing and editing images centered on the theme of a “sense of belonging.” We were incredibly impressed by their excellent engagement and the exciting outcomes they produced. Their final photographs provided a unique, creative perspective on school life and their own place within it, resulting in a powerful collection of work that truly reflects our vibrant community.

Upcoming Event Monday 23rd March

Parents and Carers are invited to attend our upcoming Parent Workshop on Behaviour for Learning at Leigh Academy Bexley. The session will explain our school’s behaviour expectations, routines and reward systems, and how we support students to remain focused, motivated and ready to learn. The workshop will also give parents the opportunity to ask questions about our Behaviour Policy at Leigh Academy Bexley and understand how we can work together to support your child. 

The workshop will be led by Mr Wilson (Head of Petworth College and Academy Behaviour And Attitudes Lead) along with our College Behaviour Leads: Mr Addison (Petworth College), Mrs Mochnacova (Holkham College) and Miss Mann (Knole College).

If you would like to attend, please complete the Google Form. 

We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.

Miss A Mann  | Deputy Head of Knole College  

Easter Free School Meal Vouchers

This information is for students entitled to free school meals. We have some important information regarding the supermarket vouchers for the upcoming Easter break. Please take a moment to read through the details below to ensure you don’t miss out on this support.

What You Need to Know

• The Funding is Changing: This will be the final set of universal vouchers issued under the current “Household Support Fund,” as the government is replacing it with a new “Crisis and Resilience Fund” starting in April.
• Urgent Deadline: It is vital that you access your vouchers (click the link in your email) by 12 April 2026. Due to the end of the financial year, any vouchers not accessed by this date will expire and cannot be reissued.

What You Need to Do

• Check Your Inbox: Vouchers are being distributed via the evouchers.com system. Please look out for an email once the ordering period has processed.
• Keep Details Updated: Please ensure the school has your most current email address and contact information so your voucher reaches you without delay.
• Claim it Quickly: As soon as you receive the email, please click to “claim” your voucher. Once you have clicked it, it becomes your property and is then subject to the specific supermarket’s terms and conditions.
• Unclaimed February Vouchers: If you have an outstanding voucher from February, please access it immediately, as the same 12 April deadline applies.

If you have any questions regarding free school meals or the holiday voucher scheme, please contact the academy via info@bexley.latrust.org.uk

Mrs Green  |  Office Manager

Exciting Easter Egg Hunt Reward!

Spring is in the air and as a special reward for our most dedicated students, Leigh Academy Bexley held an Easter Egg Hunt!

To celebrate outstanding effort and positive behaviour, this exclusive event was for the 15 students who have earned the highest achievement points and most improved in each college. 

Behind the scenes, each College designed their own unique clues and prizes. We are incredibly proud of the dedication our students have shown this module.

Cultural Capital Day – Friday 27th March

Students are eagerly anticipating their first Cultural Capital Day of this academic year.  On Friday we have over 20 trips and visits planned for our Year 7 to 10 students.  Choices include:

• Reach Climbing
• Danson Watersports
• Thorpe Park
• HMS Belfast
• Chatham Snowsports
• Panic Room
• London Zoo
• London Aquarium
• Madame Tussauds
• Twist Museum
• London Dungeons

• V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)
• Tate Modern
• RAF Museum
• Science Museum
• Imperial War Museum
• National History Museum
• Tower of London
• Horniman Museum
• Docklands Museum

Our Year 11 students will take part in various examination preparation sessions. Woburn College Sixth Form students will be participating in workshops led by external organisations. Year 13 students will also enjoy a group session involving cooking and dining together in our Food & Nutrition facilities.

Spotlight on Independent Learning: Humanities Beyond the Classroom

In Humanities, we love seeing that “lightbulb moment” when a student discovers something for themselves.  We are encouraging students to take the lead, follow their curiosity, and build the confidence they need to navigate the world around them.

Here are a few fantastic examples of how our students have been exploring subjects on their own:

One Year 8 student has created a brilliant research project on the women’s suffrage movement. They did a wonderful job of selecting the most impactful image from the range available and have found specific facts to really tell her story.

Year 9’s independent learning focussed on World War One. Above is a great example of the student following the brief and delivering a perfect snapshot into the life of Siegfried Sassoon.

🌎 GEOGRAPHY

Year 7 has been looking at climate zones, UK climate, and why climate varies around the world. This piece of independent learning is a good example of the student using MYP skills of research, communication and self management. They have identified the relevant information about the climate of the country. The student has put in the effort of converting what they have found out, into their own words showcasing their self management skill.

Year 8 were asked to analyse data from a source. This student has moved beyond stating data, to use her analytical skills to be able to interpret what that data means to her and to start to think like a Geographer!

Mrs L Turner  |  Director of Learning Humanities

Inclusion

A Community Where Everyone Belongs

At the Academy, we believe that true inclusion goes far beyond providing support—it is about fostering a deep sense of belonging. When our students feel safe, seen, and valued, they don’t just get by; they thrive.

Our commitment to an inclusive culture ensures that every child, regardless of their starting point, has the confidence to engage with a challenging curriculum and the ambition to succeed. This week, the voices of our community have beautifully captured what this looks like in practice:

What Our Pupils Are Saying

• Finding a Home: “This school is better than my last school, the teachers are nicer.” – Year 9 Student
• Confidence in Support: “If I need help, I know I will get it.” – Key Stage 3 Pupil
• Pride in Achievement: “I’m proud of myself; I got some positive praise points today!” – SRP Pupil
• Broadening Horizons: “I’m struggling to choose between football and dance club!” – Year 8 Student
• Curiosity & Engagement: “I am really looking forward to Art tomorrow. I wonder what we will do?” – Year 8 pupil

Perspectives from our Staff & Families

Our staff work tirelessly to ensure that statutory support, such as EHCP targets, are not just checkboxes but opportunities for connection and inspiration.

• From our Learning Support Assistants: “EHCP target time has been a great way to get to know the pupils. They cannot wait to show the projects they have been working on!”
• From our Parents: “I am not worried about my other son joining the school as I know he will be cared for here.” 
• From parents about outside agencies: “my child really enjoys the talking intervention on Thursday” referencing ASD outreach service. 

Why This Matters

These comments reflect the core of our mission: Personal Development. By building an environment where pupils are not worried and are proud to achieve, we are setting the stage for lifelong learning and character growth. We are incredibly proud of our students for the kindness and resilience they show every day.

Mrs V Baldock   |  Deputy Head of Petworth College   |   SENDCO

Click here to view the new Cucina Menu.