At our Academy, extra-curricular opportunities are deeply embedded in the very core of our character curriculum. We believe that enrichment goes beyond the classroom and plays a vital role in shaping our students’ growth, independence, and confidence. Each academic year, all students are given the opportunity to attend at least one trip, enriching their learning and broadening their horizons. In addition, students have access to a wide range of extracurricular clubs every day after school, allowing them to explore new interests and take ownership of their personal development. Our enrichment program empowers students to control their own paths, fostering a sense of responsibility and curiosity in their journey beyond academic success.


Timetable of Extracurricular and PE Activities:


PE and Enrichment Timetable PE Club Timetable - Term 1

Ongoing Extracurricular Trips


The Disneyland Paris trip for Year 7 and Year 8 offers students a unique opportunity to explore different cultural inheritances while fostering their independence. By engaging in new environments, students will gain insights into French culture and develop essential life skills, growing in both cultural understanding and self-reliance.

The Year 7 Pantomime Trip kicks off the festive season by offering students their first trip since joining the academy. It’s a fun and engaging way to introduce them to reward trips, while also fostering a sense of belonging within the school community. This seasonal experience helps students understand the value of participation and celebrates their place in the academy

The KS4 Ski Trip offers students a rare opportunity to experience something they may not have had the chance to do before, alongside their peers. This trip focuses on building teamwork, fostering peer-to-peer support, and encouraging independence through solo travel. Students develop resilience, collaboration, and self-confidence while enjoying a unique and memorable adventure.

The Poland Trip aims to spark students’ curiosity for travel while deepening their understanding of cultural history. Through exploring significant historical sites, students gain insight into the impact of major historical events, fostering empathy and respect for different perspectives. This shared experience also helps build stronger bonds and mutual respect among peers.

The Lille Christmas Market trip gives students the chance to experience the excitement of seasonal travel while immersing themselves in a vibrant shopping extravaganza. This trip enhances their understanding of cultural festivities and offers a unique opportunity to explore international markets, all while enjoying the festive atmosphere.


Student Voice and Leadership Opportunities

At The St Leonards Academy, we believe in empowering our students to take an active role in shaping their school experience. Through a range of student leadership opportunities and structured platforms, every student has a voice.


Each tutor group elects one representative, known as a Tutor Captain, who joins our Student Parliament. These elected students attend regular meetings to discuss issues important to their peers and help shape academy policies and initiatives. This democratic process ensures that all students have the opportunity to contribute their ideas and concerns.

Our Head Student Team is made up of three head students, each with a focus area:

  • Curriculum Head Student
  • Pastoral Head Student
  • Community Head Student

Supporting them are four Deputy Head Students. Together, they help lead the academy, representing their peers, assisting with events, and working on projects to improve academy life. They also contribute to the termly Student Voice e-newsletter, which is shared with parents and carers, offering updates on student-led initiatives.

We are committed to regular dialogue between students and staff. Members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) hold weekly meetings with selected student groups to seek their opinions on various aspects of school life. In addition, students who receive a ‘Golden Ticket’ for outstanding work or effort are invited to meet with the principal, providing a unique opportunity to discuss their experiences and views.

We offer numerous leadership roles through our Enrichment Programme, where students can make a positive impact both within the academy and the wider community. These opportunities include:

  • Green Team: Supporting environmental initiatives
  • Kindness Ambassadors: Promoting kindness and positive behaviour
  • Student Librarians: Helping manage the library and promote reading
  • Better Reading Partners – Year 10 students supporting year 7 students with their reading

At The St Leonards Academy, our student voice and leadership opportunities are closely aligned with our character education programme, which promotes the development of five key virtues: kindness, respect, resilience, self-discipline, and honesty. Through roles such as tutor captains, head students, and peer mentors, students actively practice these virtues by leading with kindness, showing respect for others’ views, and demonstrating resilience when tackling challenges.