Annual Impact Report 2023
Contents 3
Welcome From Our Pupils
5
Facts About Our Trust
7
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
9
LEO Pupil Outcomes
14
Succeeding Together
15
PedTech at LEO Academy Trust
17
LEO in the Community
19
Apprenticeships
21
Sustainability
23 People Development 26 A Year of Visits at LEO 27 Financial Information 29 The Brilliant Club 30 LEO Sports 32 LEO Music 33 Awards 34 Contact Us
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WELCOME From Our Pupils
At LEO Academy Trust, our pupils are at the heart of everything that we do. We strive to provide all children with all the opportunities and resources they need to succeed in life, and we are so proud of all the hard work they have put in this year. Take a look at some of their highlights from 2023! “I loved our language lessons this year. My favourite was when we learnt Spanish greetings and memorised these greetings by learning a song. The song was a really effective way to learn the greetings and I can still recall the song!” Joel, Year 6 Brookfield Primary Academy
“"I really like writing because I get to be creative and my teacher makes my lessons really fun. One time in English I had to pretend to be the Queen and invite the Egg Box dragon to my party!" Jasmin, Year 1 Cheam Common Infants’
“One of the highlights of my year was when we used Lego Spike and our Chromebooks to build a carousel. We added lights and coded it to spin. It functioned properly which made me feel very happy. I’ve learned a lot this year using my Chromebook, and I’m excited to use these skills in secondary school next year.” Omer, Year 6 Cheam Common Junior Academy
“My favourite lesson this year was Science. We did an experiment to see how light affects how plants grow. We planted beans and found out that plants grow best in natural light. The one in the dark didn’t grow and the one placed under artificial light grew too much and the stem could not support it, which I found really interesting.” Lydia, Year 3 Cheam Fields Primary Academy
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"The highlight of my year was definitely when we went on a trip to High Ashurst. I liked when we had to go into the forest to do an obstacle course. At the end, if we did well, we got some sweets! It was a great opportunity to go on this visit, and I’m really excited to hopefully go on another one next year." Olivia, Year 5 Cheam Park Farm Primary Academy
“My favourite lesson was in History when we were learning about the Roman Gladiators because I learnt about conflict and used a range of sources. The best opportunity I’ve had is using the Chromebook because it helps me to learn more, and makes my lessons more engaging.” William, Year 4 Hurst Park Primary Academy
““I really enjoy the many musical opportunities available at Manor Park. Whether it be exploring different styles of music, studying famous musicians or learning how to use the variety of musical instruments on offer, including the trumpet and the xylophone, it is both fun and exciting. This year, through my love of music lessons, I have been inspired to learn how to play the piano: I have always seen others play and wished I could too!””
Andrenne, Year 6 Manor Park Primary Academy
“My favourite opportunity this year was in sports when my girls' football team visited and played at Fulham Foundation. It was a huge privilege to play at a Premier League training ground. Ella, Year 6 Shawley Community Primary Academy
“This year I had lots of fun in my maths lessons. I used my Chromebook to show me arrays and different ways of grouping, which was really useful. My Chromebook has really helped my learning this year, and made maths lessons much more fun.” Robbie, Year 4 West Ashtead Primary Academy
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Facts about our Trust Our Trust is made up of nine primary academies, located in the areas of the London Borough of Sutton and across Surrey County Council.
Runnymede
Guilford
Tandridge
6
2 Outstanding
5
Academies Ofsted Ratings
Good Academies Ofsted Ratings
9
Academies
600+ Staff
4500+ Pupils
Governance 12 Trustees 5
Members
45 Academy
Committee Members
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Mission LEO Academy Trust is committed to developing a family of great schools, where collaboration makes a real difference for our children, staff, and communities.
Vision Learning Excellence Opportunity
Great Learning communities; Excellence for all; endless Opportunity.
Values
P erseverance R espect I magination D edication E ncouragement Developing our LEO Values across our PRIDE
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Pupil Outcomes
Active Citizens in a Global Community LEO pupils are local, national & global citizens; they have a strong sense of identity, respect and value the importance of diversity & inclusion and make positive contributions to their community.
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Pupil Outcomes
Self-Directed, Collaborative & Confident Learners LEO pupils develop independence, confidence and character through sport, creativity, performance, volunteering & experiencing the world of work.
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Pupil Outcomes
Innovative Learners Who Pursue Excellence LEO pupils innovate, develop digital skills & maximise the use of technology; their performance in Maths, English, Science & Computing exceeds their peers nationally.
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Pupil Outcomes
Healthy Learners Who Make Small Changes With A Big Impact LEO pupils have the physical, emotional & social literacy to overcome challenges. They communicate effectively.
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Pupil Outcomes
Leaders Of Today; Life Long Learners LEO pupils develop critical thinking, leadership skills, life skills, cultural capital & financial literacy.
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Succeeding Together We are very proud of the achievements of our Year Six pupils and their end of Key Stage 2 results for 2023. (Data shown covers the statistics published by the Department for Education, for schools which have been in our MAT for at least 3 years.)
75% of LEO pupils met or exceeded the expected standard in Reading, Writing, and Maths compared to the National Average of 59%
84%
81%
of LEO pupils met or exceeded the expected standard in Reading compared to the National Average of 74%
of LEO pupils met or exceeded the expected standard in Writing compared to the National Average of 71%
84%
87%
of LEO pupils met or exceeded the expected standard in English GPS compared to the National Average of 72%
of LEO pupils met or exceeded the expected standard in Maths compared to the National Average of 73%
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PedTech at LEO Academy Trust Across LEO Academy Trust, we have spent a lot of time thinking about how we can really show the impact of digital technology on learning. This question has been debated by schools, suppliers, policymakers, and researchers for years, but despite extensive discussion, the sector still struggles to articulate its exact impact. Since 2019, we have rolled out our Chromebook programme, which revolutionises the way teachers teach and children learn. Our pioneering and pathfinding approach to embedding digital technology has earned LEO Academy Trust huge recognition within the sector. Last year, we commissioned Dr. Fiona Aubrey Smith to conduct a year-long, in-depth research project on the use of technology across all schools in LEO Academy Trust. Her report, ‘Changing Learning. Changing Lives. What happens when EdTech becomes PedTech?’, presents the findings on technology's role in raising standards and transforming practice. This report delves into the ingredients that LEO has put in place, drawing upon a combination of 4,500 survey responses, 606 documents, 154 observations, 65 interviews, 24 focus groups, and hundreds of hours of professional discussion and reflection.
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16 The resulting report presents a comprehensive analysis as a narrative, a series of findings (about successes as well as how challenges have been overcome), and a set of recommendations for the future - for the benefit of both the LEO community and the wider educational landscape. This is the first fully independent research to probe into every aspect of trust provision to surface the impact of digital technology globally. To read the findings of the report, please visit: www.leoacademytrust.co.uk/PedtechImpactReport
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LEO in the Community At LEO Academy Trust, we are always looking to play an active role in our local communities. Throughout 2023, we further developed our local charity partnerships with Age Concern, Maggie's at the Marsden, and St Raphael's Hospice with our pupils wholeheartedly engaged in supporting their charitable aims. Fundraising initiatives, community action projects, and some Christmas cheer all took place, trying to create an even better community for our children, staff, and local residents. In addition to supporting local charities and organisations, our children and staff have also shown commitment to supporting other schools, Multi Academy Trusts, and other educational organisations. We’ve continued to work alongside London Grid for Learning and Google, showcasing and supporting the educational community with the potential that technology has in education. Furthermore, many of our senior leaders have visited schools across the country as part of the Challenge Partners Quality Assurance Review programme. Beyond the classroom, students across our schools enjoy taking part in a range of citizenship programmes. Opportunities include our Topical Talk clubs, delivered in partnership with The Economist, featuring lively discussions led by our teachers, bringing current affairs to life with real-world connections, and balanced perspectives. Our students' outstanding work has been showcased on their student hub platform.
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Apprenticeships Harnessing the power of apprenticeships: a commitment to excellence At the heart of our Trust’s ethos lies a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Trust continues to prioritise apprenticeships as an important part of our talent development strategy. With a pipeline of homegrown talent, we hope to encourage individuals from our community to embark on new and fulfilling careers, whilst also bringing fresh perspectives and skill sets to our work. Nurturing a legacy of skilled talent Rather than just teaching skills, we aim to empower individuals to reach their full potential. Apprenticeships can break down barriers and help people overcome challenges - allowing them to thrive in their careers. As the Social Mobility Commission have said, apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to improve social mobility. A year of growth and transformation In 2023, we welcomed a record-breaking number of apprentices with a cohort of 14, and this year, we’ve expanded our programme even further. 18 individuals have either joined or continued their learning journey - this growth is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent from within our communities.
20 A variety of apprenticeship opportunities Our apprenticeship programmes offer a variety of options to suit a range of interests and career aspirations. From Teaching Assistant and Sports Coach, to Digital Marketer and HR, and Accountancy and Teaching, we have a range of apprenticeships to suit diverse goals. Bringing fresh perspectives to the table Our apprentices have injected a fresh perspective into our organisation, bringing a wealth of new ideas and a passion for learning. Their contributions have been instrumental in our success, and we're proud to see them grow and develop. A groundbreaking partnership for degree-level learning In 2023, we've partnered with the University of Buckingham and Anspear to offer a unique opportunity for current and new staff to earn a degree while working. This innovative programme combines study with on-the-job experience, saving learners money compared to traditional university routes. Upon completion of the three-year online course, learners can continue onto a 12-month apprenticeship leading to QTS, and a three-month End Point Assessment (EPA), both of which are fully funded by the Trust. We look forward to these staff complementing our teacher recruitment for September 2027. Investing in the future, empowering our community We're committed to expanding our apprenticeship programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and empowering individuals from our communities. Apprenticeships are not just stepping stones; they're investments in our future, and we're passionate about unlocking the potential of every individual.
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Sustainability Sustainability is important for the children of the future because not only will it determine the kind of world they live in, but also helps to create a better world for everyone. If we continue to live in an unsustainable way, our children will face a world with depleted resources, a polluted environment, and a climate that is changing rapidly and unpredictably. It is clear that the LEO Academy Trust must work together to create a brighter future. To help prepare children for the future world, we strongly believe that every child should receive a high quality education regarding sustainability. This is one aspect that enables our pupils to be active citizens in a global community, as part of the Trust’s LEO Pupil Outcomes. Education in areas of sustainability, are bespoke to the needs of individual schools and communities. Many LEO schools engaged with the Green School’s Project, Eco Schools and the TfL STARS initiative. Over the last 12 months, LEO Academy Trust is proud to be able to celebrate a wide range of exciting initiatives, to help build a greener future for our community. Below is a short summary of the hard work from our pupils, parents, and staff that has helped to build a more sustainable world. We’re looking forward to continuing our work in this area, focusing on reducing paper consumption, increased used of solar energy generation and further developing a curriculum with sustainability at the heart.
100% of schools have an active recycling programme
100% of children engaging with a structured sustainability curriculum
7 schools have EV vehicle charging points
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55% of electricity used Trust wide is sourced from renewable sources
2 schools from across LEO were finalists in a global sustainability competition at BETT
All schools have established eco pupil leadership opportunities
£78 per pupil per year is saved in reduced printing
2,000 trees planted since 2019
100% schools engaging with Football Rebooted initiative
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People Development The LEO Academy Trust People Strategy 2021-2024 has been the driver for the development of people since 2021. The strategy is based on the following pillars: Health and Wellbeing Diversity and Inclusion Investing in the Development of all Staff Seizing the Potential of Technology Serving and Being Accountable to Communities Modelling Environmental Sustainability This report will focus on the two pillars that have been the focus of people development over the past year: health and wellbeing, and investing in the development of all staff. Health and Wellbeing One aim of the Health and Wellbeing pillar was to develop a coaching culture. Over the course of the academic year 2022/2023, every member of staff was asked to: Reflect on the Standards to Which They Work Set a Growth Plan with the Support of a Coach Engage in up to Four Coaching Sessions Improve in the Area They Have Chosen to Work On Present the Impact the Plan Has Had on Their Work Overwhelmingly, the vast majority of staff have engaged in the process, with 400 members of staff making improvements to their practice. This includes staff from both Professional Services and Educational Services.
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Staff feedback has been encouraging, with comments such as: "The coaching culture at LEO has been a great support to me. It has helped me to reflect on my practice and to identify areas where I can improve. I am now more confident in my abilities and I am better able to support my pupils." Investing in the Development of All Staff The Professional Development offer within the People Development pillar has gone from strength to strength this year. Early Career Teachers (ECTs) Across LEO schools, we have worked with 31 ECTs in either their first or second year of a two-year induction. Training included
classroom observations, professional review and end-of-year assessment meetings, statutory and subject specific training sessions across the year. 100% of ECTs stated the programme had a positive impact on teaching and learning in their classrooms. Comments were positive, including: "The ECT training with LEO is well organised, insightful and thought provoking." OLEVI International LEO Academy Trust has an alliance with OLEVI International, which provides a number of programmes for leaders, teachers, and teaching assistants. In the past year, LEO leaders have facilitated the following programmes: Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme (26) Outstanding Teacher Programme (6) Outstanding Leadership in Education (10) Outstanding Senior Leadership in Education (5) Power of Coaching Programme (24) Positive comments were generated from all programmes, including: "Lots of tips and information to bring away and try in your own classroom."
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Curriculum Network Learning Community Meetings Subject leaders from across the Trust joined together each term for their Curriculum Network Learning Community Meetings. These meetings provided opportunities for staff to network, share ideas, and build positive working relationships across the Trust. We now host these meetings in 10 subject areas alongside one termly meeting for Curriculum Leaders. Feedback from these meetings has included: "It was helpful to meet with other colleagues and to discuss key areas that we as a team need to focus on this year."
Training and Professional Development Newsletters 18 training and professional development newsletters were shared with staff via email highlighting professional learning opportunities available both inside and outside of the Trust and signposting staff to interesting blogs, articles, and research papers. LEO Academy Trust is committed to investing in the development of all staff. People Development has been successful in developing a coaching culture and in providing highquality professional development opportunities for staff. Staff feedback suggests that there is a need for more courses to be available for a wider range of staff. LEO Academy Trust will continue to review its Professional Development offer to ensure that it meets the needs of all staff. The Trust will continue to build on the work already undertaken when our focus turns to launching a reviewed People Strategy for 2024-2027. The pillars will be reviewed to ensure these reflect our current and expected challenges and development needs for our staff community, which will have input from a range of staff groups, leaders and the Trust Board.
A Year of Visits at LEO At LEO Academy Trust, we are proud to welcome a wide range of visitors to our schools. In 2023 we have enjoyed working with... 1 February Sutton United FC Foundation - Book Donations
21 March Nearpod - PedTech
21 April Local CEO Network PedTech
19 September SEAX Academy Trust - PedTech
25 September Challenge Partners PedTech
19 October Hackbridge Primary PedTech
2 November Epping Forest Partnership School’s Trust - PedTech
23 February St George’s Ascot PedTech
7 March Department for Education - Exploring classrooms
14 June Innovation X Exploring classrooms
18 September Maritime Academy Trust - PedTech
26 September Civica PedTech
19 October Google for Education - PedTech
3 November Ark Academy Trust PedTech
14 December LEO PedTech Symposium with Google
22 February Tanzii TV - Fitness workshops
6 March Department for Education - PedTech
28 June TransforMATive PedTech
15 September St Dunstans Primary School - PedTech
28 September Transform Trust Nottingham - PedTech
11 October Taiwanese Government Officials - PedTech
4 December Tormead School PedTech
8 December Ark Academy Trust PedTech
27 February LGFL and EdTech Hubs Study Tour
1 March Department for Education - Open Day
11 July BATA - Documentary series filming
15 July Innovation X #LEO2030
29 September Officials from South Korean Government PedTech
10 October #Design4SDGsUK24 Live event
6 November London Grid for Learning - PedTech
30 November Foresters Primary School - PedTech
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Financial Information LEO Academy Trust is dedicated to providing our pupils with the best possible education. Our financial management plays a vital role in achieving this goal. Our schools receive funding directly from the Department for Education, supplemented by additional funding such as Pupil Premium and Early Years Funding. Our staff have worked hard to generate additional income through our traded services, such as lettings, wrap-around care and school improvement further supporting our wider opportunities. Our fully centralised Professional Services Model has enabled us to streamline our financial processes and generated significant savings through economies of scale. These savings have allowed us to invest more resources in our schools and classrooms, ensuring that our pupils have access to the latest technology, equipment, and learning materials. Our operational income in 2022-23 was £22.5 million. The Trust had £2.5 million in reserves as of the end of 2022-23, along with £463,000 in capital reserves. These reserves provide us with a strong financial foundation and allow us to plan for the future. In addition to our investments in teaching and learning, we have also been able to make significant investments in early years outdoor education and sustainability.
28 Governance and Financial Transparency LEO Academy Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee, governed by a number of key documents, including Articles of Association, Schemes of Delegation, and Funding Agreements. We are committed to financial transparency and make our accounts public annually. They are audited by an independent auditor. To learn more about our governance and financial transparency, please visit our website: Roles and responsibilities: http://www.leoacademytrust.co.uk/962/roles-andresponsibilities Key documents: http://www.leoacademytrust.co.uk/914/key-documents We are proud of our financial management and are committed to using our resources to provide the best possible education for our pupils.
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The Brilliant Club At LEO Academy Trust, we are committed to providing a wide range of opportunities, including sport, music, drama, technology and many others, for all of our 4500+ pupils. This is an integral part of our mission to deliver the LEO Pupil Outcomes for every pupil, which are an embedded part of our culture across LEO. This year, we have been delighted to continue to partner with The Brilliant Club to offer pupils the opportunity to take part in their Scholars Programme. The Scholars Programme, run by PhD researchers, delivers a programme of university-style tutorials, supplemented by two university trips. This gives our pupils an insight into university-style teaching, in which they will complete multiple homework assignments as well as a final project at the end of the programme, using their own research skills and knowledge gained from the in-school tutorials. As part of this programme, pupils also take part in a project that has been selected by staff. The highlight of the programme is the chance to visit a university for the day. This year our pupils have visited Oxford University and King's College London. We are very grateful for the opportunity to have our pupils take part in The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme. It has been a valuable experience for them and we are confident that it will help them to achieve their full potential.
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LEO Sports
At LEO Academy Trust, we believe in nurturing not only the academic excellence of our pupils but also their physical well-being and sportsmanship. Our commitment to providing a well-rounded education extends to our comprehensive sports curriculum, designed to instil a love for physical activity, teamwork, and a healthy competitive spirit. At the heart of our approach is the belief that sports play a pivotal role in a child's holistic development. Through our diverse range of athletic opportunities, we strive to cater to the varied interests and abilities of our pupils. Whether it's through individual pursuits or team-based sports, we aim to foster a culture that encourages participation, resilience, and personal growth. Across our schools in 2023, our teams have participated in a wide range of sporting activities in the local and wider community. See what we have been up to across the Trust: Williams Greaves Trophy - London Capital Kids Cup The cricket teams from Brookfield and Cheam Park Farm embarked on a fantastic trip to the home of cricket, Lords Cricket Ground, to compete in the regional round for this year's Williams Greaves Indoor Cricket Trophy against schools from Surrey and Kingston. The theme of the competition is around the ‘Bowl Out Racism’ campaign which Capital Kids Cricket are launching in partnership with the Mayor’s office.
Wimbledon Championships This year we were able to enter all LEO Academy Trust schools into the LTA Youth Schools ballot. We were very fortunate to receive tickets for 5 of our schools, where 8 pupils from each school were lucky enough to attend the reputable All England Lawn Tennis Club. Schools had seats varying from Court 1 to Court 3 watching some of the best tennis players in the world. Not only did they watch some incredible tennis, there were lots of interactive games and activities for the pupils to take part in!
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2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships In September, top athletes from around the world competed at Lee Valley White Water Centre in the Canoe Slalom World Championships. LEO Academy Trust were delighted to have been invited to watch this exciting event, and take part in some exciting water activities. They took part in a 30 minute water activity, spoke to athletes and coaches prior to the event, and took part in a water safety activity supported by Robbie Lea Water Safety Partnership.
Premier League Primary Stars Tournament A fantastic sporting opportunity came in the shape of the Premier League Stars Football Competition. This is a prestigious and highlevel annual competition where all entering schools play for the chance to represent Crystal Palace FC, Chelsea FC, or Fulham FC and the unforgettable opportunity to play football at a Premier League stadium! All schools that entered gave it their all and did themselves proud. We are very proud of Cheam Park Farm girls and Brookfield boys, who both qualified to represent Fulham FC at the finals of this year's competition at Premier League Stars Tournament.
Sutton Schools’ Swimming Gala In a remarkable display of talent and sportsmanship, pupils from Cheam Common Junior, Cheam Fields, Cheam Park Farm, and Manor Park took centre stage at the highly anticipated Sutton Schools’ Swimming Gala. After an action packed competition, we had some fantastic individual medalists and team relay medalists. We are proud of all pupils who enthusiastically participated, and would like to congratulate Cheam Park Farm who took home first place medals for both the Boys and Girls Open Freestyle Relay!
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LEO Music At LEO Academy Trust, we take pride in offering a holistic approach to music education, emphasising not only instrumental proficiency but also fostering teamwork, confidence, and self-expression. Whether it's mastering an instrument, honing vocal skills, or delving into music theory, our tailored curriculum caters to varying interests and skill levels. We encourage participation in ensembles, choirs, and concerts, allowing students to showcase their talents and celebrate the joy of music. Beyond the classroom, LEO Academy Trust is committed to creating opportunities for our pupils to engage with the wider community through music. Below is a glimpse into some of the amazing performances our pupils have put on in 2023: Orchestra Unwrapped Year 5 pupils from Cheam Common Junior attended the Royal Festival hall to hear the Philharmonia Orchestra play. ‘Orchestra Unwrapped’ is a fun, engaging and interactive concert specifically designed to teach KS2 pupils about the instruments and repertoire of the orchestra. Pupils listened to the orchestra play a wide variety of music and they also got the chance to sing a newly commissioned song ‘Something to Say’ along with the orchestra. Key Stage 1 Big Sing 2023 at St Andrew’s Church KS1 pupils from across the trust loved performing in this year’s KS1 Big Sing organised by Sutton Music Trust. During the concert titled ‘A Coronation Celebration’ each choir had the opportunity to showcase the solo songs they had been rehearsing in school as well as come together as part of a massed choir. Young Voices School choirs from across LEO Academy Trust took part in Young Voices. The concert took place at The O2 Arena in London. More than 9,000 children took part in the concert which makes it the largest school choir in the world! All of the music was specially selected and arranged to give the children the widest variety of songs to perform.The children who participated, and the parents that made it to the O2 Arena to watch their children perform, had the most enjoyable time!
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Awards At LEO Academy Trust, we strive for excellence in everything that we do. The collective efforts of all of our staff across the Trust led to national recognition in 2023.
EduFuturists Uprising Awards National Finalists, MAT of the Year, May 2023
MAT Excellence Awards National Finalists, Digital Innovation, June 2023
National Schools Awards National Finalists, MAT of the Year, December 2023
National Schools Awards National Finalists, School Resource Management of the Year, December 2023
WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN US? We are always very happy to hear from those schools who wish to join LEO Academy Trust, or simply learn a little more about us and what we do. If you would like to arrange a conversation with a member of our senior team to learn more about LEO Academy Trust or becoming part of a trust, please contact Shan Moylan, Chief Operating Officer, to find out more: smoylan@leoacademytrust.co.uk We are currently inviting applications from schools in SW London & Surrey, who wish to become an Associate Member. We are also interested to discuss the possibility of full membership with us, where schools feel they share our vision, mission, values & aims. Take a look at our Membership Services Offer to find out more. If you are interested in working for LEO Academy Trust, please visit the careers section of our website.
HOW DO YOU THINK WE ARE DOING? If there is anything you think we are doing well or could do better please get in touch. enquiries@leoacademytrust.co.uk @LEOacademies @LEOacademytrust