Dear Parents and Carers,
I am delighted to share that LAB achieved our strongest set of GCSE results to date with the 2024–25 cohort. Some of the key headline figures include:
-
- Average grade across all subjects: 5.21
- Grades at 4 and above: 80.2%
- Grades at 5 and above: 67.0%
- Grades at 7 and above: 29.0%
- Students achieving the English Baccalaureate – Standard Pass: 52%
- Students achieving the English Baccalaureate – Strong Pass: 32%
These results are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of both our students and staff. With continued commitment, we are confident that this year’s outcomes will be even stronger.
This letter contains important details about intervention, revision, and how you can best support your child at home.
Revision
Revision plays a vital role in academic success, helping students to strengthen knowledge, practice exam techniques, and build confidence. However, effective revision is more than just reading through notes. The most successful approaches involve active strategies such as:
- Self-testing
- Using flashcards
- Completing past papers
- Teaching topics to someone else
Creating a structured revision timetable and breaking study into manageable chunks also helps to reduce stress and boost productivity. We encourage all students to begin revising early, maintain consistency, and seek support if they are unsure about how to revise effectively.
All Year 11 students will also take part in the Science of Learning Programme, where they will be taught evidence-based revision strategies and techniques to improve exam performance.
In addition, the Key Stage 4 Revision Website provides a wide range of subject-specific resources, along with the revision timetable, wellbeing advice, and guides on managing stress.
Extended day
All year 11 students now have a 6-period day on a Monday, with the end of school now being 4.15 pm. This is not an intervention, but part of their curriculum time.
Intervention
To support your child’s progress, all
- Tuesday Intervention (Coursework Subjects):
Students studying coursework-based subjects will have an additional compulsory session on Tuesdays. Relevant students will be notified. - Thursday Intervention (3:15 – 4:15)
Based on recent mock examination performance, many students will also be required to attend a second intervention session on Thursdays. Those identified will be informed, and attendance is expected.
We ask parents and carers to support this programme by ensuring that students attend all of their allocated sessions. To maximise the benefit of this support, please arrange other commitments around these times.
Holiday Support and Key Dates
The school will be open over the holidays to offer extra intervention and revision sessions. These sessions are designed to help students strengthen their understanding and feel fully prepared for their exams. Parents and students will be informed in advance if attendance is required. The holiday sessions will be held on the following dates:
- October Half Term: Monday 20th – Friday 24th October 2025
- February Half Term: Monday 16th – Friday 20th February 2026
- Easter Break: Monday 30th March – Friday 3rd April 2026
- May Half Term: Tuesday 26th – Friday 29th May 2026
We strongly encourage students to attend these sessions if invited. These sessions will run from 9:30 to 14:00.
Additional Key Dates
- Tuesday 16th September 2025: Futures Fair – Local 6th form and college information day
- Wednesday 1st October 2025: Parents and Carers Consultation Evening (3:00 – 6:00 pm)
- Monday 17th – Friday 28th November 2025: Year 11 Mock Examinations
- Monday 23rd – Friday 27th February 2026: Second round of Year 11 Mock Exams
- Wednesday 25th March 2026: Parents and Carers Consultation Evening (3:00 – 6:00 pm)
- Thursday 7th May – Wednesday 17th June 2026: GCSE Examinations
- Wednesday 24th June 2026: Year 11 Prom
- Thursday 20th August 2026: GCSE Results Day
Please note: Students are required to attend school as normal until the date of their final exam.
As we reach this stage, I want to remind all parents, carers and students that Year 11 is your time to step up. Every hour of revision is an investment in your future. Success in the GCSEs isn’t a matter of chance—it’s built on effort, persistence and self-belief. Even when the journey feels challenging, remember that steady progress leads to great achievements. You are capable of more than you realise, and the dedication you show now will create opportunities for the future.
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at jamie.smith@leighacademyblackheath.org.uk, or get in touch with your child’s college team.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mr J. Smith
Assistant Principal – Sancho College
Key Stage 4 – Raising Standards
Leigh Academy Blackheath