LI NHEARTNEWS
News and updates from Lionheart Educational Trust | Issue #10 | July 2025


With key updates to the UK’s Online Safety Act set to take effect on 25th July 2025, including new regulations requiring social media, search engines, and gaming platforms to implement stronger protections against harmful content, Beauchamp College, in Oadby Leicestershire, was honoured to welcome Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to the school.
The special visit, on 3rd July, saw Mr Kyle MP observe a dynamic session delivered
to a large group of Year 7 students by the charity Childnet, exploring the importance of digital wellbeing, and equipping them with tools to navigate the online world safely. The session sparked thoughtful discussion and highlighted the importance of early education in digital citizenship.
Following this, the Secretary of State engaged in a conversation with a group of Year 8 students, listening to their personal experiences and concerns around online safety. Their insights offered a valuable perspective
on the real challenges young people face in today’s digital landscape.
Before his departure, Mr Kyle MP concluded his visit by meeting a group of parents to discuss the Children’s Codes — guidelines designed to safeguard children’s privacy and wellbeing online.
We are proud that Beauchamp College was part of the national conversation on digital safety and could support the Government’s continued commitment to protecting young people online.
As we reach the end of the academic year, I’m pleased to share the latest edition of Lionheart News, which highlights the incredible opportunities our pupils have engaged in - and their many achievements - over the past ten-week summer term.
In May I was wowed by the maturity and passion with which our young people addressed topics close to their hearts, live on stage, at our annual Lionheart Speaks event. Borne out of our Global Issues Curriculum teaching, which encourages pupils to better understand the world beyond the classroom, each pupil’s spoken word performance and curation of the speech itself was nothing short of inspiring.
Another standout moment this term was our LET’s Dance competition, which brought together talented performers from across our secondary
schools to celebrate creativity, performance and teamwork. Meanwhile, National School Sports Week saw pupils and staff embrace the joy of an active lifestyle, by taking part in a wide range of sports to promote the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise.
We were also thrilled to see our exclusive partnership with Leicestershire County Cricket Club come to life, as the winning design from our exclusive T20 kit competition was proudly worn by the Foxes on the pitch. It was a brilliant example of how our partnerships open doors to unique and memorable experiences for all pupils across Lionheart Trust.
These collaborative – and often extracurricular – events are only possible, though, thanks to the dedication, creativity and care of our exceptional staff. I was delighted to see many of them recognised at our recent employee Heart Awards – a celebration
of colleagues going above and beyond in their roles and always placing pupils at the centre of their work.
Finally, I want to say how proud I am of all our pupils – from primary through to sixth form – who have completed formal assessments this term. Whether undertaking SATs, GCSEs, A-levels or equivalent qualifications, pupils approached their exams with real focus, determination, and resilience. I wish them every success on results days and beyond, as they take their next steps.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and I wish you and your family an enjoyable summer break.
With very best wishes,
Kath Kelly CEO of Lionheart Educational Trust
Passionate young pupils from across our Trust took to the stage at The Y Theatre in Leicester for our annual Lionheart Speaks event, where they eloquently gave heartfelt speeches on a range of topical subjects.
A follow-on from Lionheart’s Global Issues Curriculum which broadens pupils’ understanding of timely, real-world topics, Lionheart Speaks encourages positive social
action as well as the development of oracy skills and confidence.
In advance of the event, oracy charity Talk the Talk delivered workshops in schools to pupils from Year 5 to Year 12, helping develop the tools to craft powerful speeches and the confidence to deliver them.
Pupils selected to represent their schools on stage at Leicester’s oldest theatre, spoke with passion on issues
such as plastic pollution, climate change, sexism, war and ADHD.
The evening also featured two ensemble poetry performances; one from primary pupils and the other from a collection of secondary-aged students.
It was a powerful celebration of pupil voice, confidence and the courage to speak up for change.
Awave of energy swept across schools in June as pupils and staff laced up their trainers for National School Sports Week.
The initiative from Youth Sport Trust encourages children to enjoy at least 60 minutes of exercise each day and comes at a time in the school calendar when exciting whole school sports days can kickstart pupils’ interest.
While children from all key stages took part in sports days, Lionheart primary and junior schools really enthused children through a blend of tradition and creativity. Classic egg-and-spoon and sack races brought plenty of laughter, while
space hopper sprints, dress-up dashes and target throws gave pupils the chance to try something new! Excitement echoed across the school fields, with staff, parents and carers, and even the odd mascot, cheering on from the sidelines.
Throughout the week, pupils were also given the opportunity to explore a wide range of alternative sports and active experiences. From yoga and badminton to T-ball and rounders, there was something for everyone to try. Some children even took the lead by designing their own games, adapting familiar sports to create brand-new challenges, showcasing their imagination and teamwork.
Following an Ofsted inspection in April, we were delighted that Humphrey Perkins School in Barrow-upon-Soar, which offers secondary education to around 850 pupils, was recognised as ‘Good’ across all four judgement categories: Quality of Education, Leadership and Management, Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.
Inspectors praised the school’s curriculum and teaching, noting that the school “has high expectations of what all pupils will achieve,” and celebrated the “challenging curriculum,” commenting that it is “designed well to meet pupils’ aspirations.”
Looking beyond the classroom, Inspectors also recognised the school’s varied extra-curricular offer, commenting on the “numerous opportunities for pupils to enjoy new experiences,” including residential trips and a wide range of after-school activities.
Read the full report at www.humphreyperkins.org.uk
Inspiring visitors added an extra spark to the celebrations at Newhall Junior School, where GB Athletes shared their stories of resilience and determination, before leading highenergy sessions that gave pupils a chance to learn from the best.
Beyond the physical benefits, though, regular exercise is proven to boost academic performance and nurture key life skills like teamwork, resilience and leadership – qualities that shone throughout the week.
It was a week that, once again, reminded us that sport has the power to inspire children and bring them together.
Associate Principal of Humphrey Perkins School, Della Bartram, said:
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and the wider school community.
“We remain committed to providing an excellent education and creating an environment where every student can fulfil their potential. We will continue to build on this success, ensuring greater achievements in the future.”
On International Dance Day in April, over fifty talented students from across Lionheart's secondary schools took the stage at The Cedars Academy theatre for our third annual LET’s Dance competition.
In front of a full audience, performers took to the stage and rocked the dancefloor, showcasing
Belle, Ava and Evie (The Cedars Academy)
their talents through individual and group performances. Many routines were self-choreographed, reflecting the passion, creativity and flair of our young performers; from contemporary to classical and tap to jazz, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
LET’s Dance is another brilliant Trust-wide collaborative event,
Millie (The Castle Rock School) and Skyla (Martin High School)
giving your child/ren the opportunity to connect with peers from other schools through a shared love of dance and music. As well as building new friendships, it encourages them to explore interests beyond the classroom, boosting their confidence and supporting their personal development.
Phoebe (The Newbridge School)
Thalia (The Newbridge School) and Ishbel (Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College)
Sydney-Mae and Tia (The Cedars Academy)
Hattie, Evie, Eliza and Lucy (Humphrey Perkins School)
Gouthami, Gouri and Andria (Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College)
Overall Winner: Jack (The Cedars Academy)
Maycee (The Castle Rock School)
Charlie, Evelyne and Nevaeh (The Cedars Academy) Liv and Daisy (Beauchamp College)
One of the most exciting developments in education and beyond is the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Far from being a distant concept, AI is now a practical tool that’s transforming how we work and learn. Just recently, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to train millions of UK workers in essential
We understand how important timely IT support is for parents/ carers, pupils and staff. That’s why we’re introducing AIpowered assistants as the first line of response for IT queries, which for parents, often gives advice on using Beehive.
These intelligent systems can quickly resolve common issues, provide instant answers, and escalate more complex problems to our IT team—ensuring faster, more efficient support across our schools.
This will be introduced over the summer break, ready for use from the start of the new academic year.
skills to use AI, as well as teach AI skills to secondary school aged children to put the technological power, “into the hands of the next generation”; further indication that AI is very much a big part of everyone’s future.
Throughout our work at Lionheart, we are always looking ahead —
To help our staff work more efficiently and creatively, we’re investing in training in a range of AI technologies.
From Canva, which uses AI to simplify design tasks such as for school displays, to Copilot, which assists with writing, planning, and data analysis, our team is learning how to harness these tools to save time and improve outcomes.
This means more time focused on what matters most: teaching and supporting our pupils.
seeking innovative ways to enhance learning, streamline operations, and support our dedicated staff and pupils. While we’re always mindful and proactive in ensuring AI is not misused, we are proud to share how we’re embedding AI into our daily practices in three key ways:
We’re especially excited to introduce Big Teach, our very own AI-powered assessment tool.
Developed conjointly by an inhouse Lionheart team and external software developers, Big Teach works alongside teachers to analyse pupil work, provide insights, and reduce the time spent marking.
It doesn’t replace the teacher’s judgment—it enhances it—allowing for more targeted feedback and better support for every learner.
AI is not just a trend—it’s a powerful ally in education, and we’re committed to using it thoughtfully and responsibly to benefit our entire school community.
Did You Know...
Students can easily use Copilot to boost their existing revision strategies? For example... If there are areas of a topic that a student is finding difficult to remember, AI can help by producing a memorable acronym or even a catchy rhyme!
Last year, pupils from across our schools took part in an exciting competition to design the Foxes’ 2025 T20 shirt, culminating in the winning shirt being worn by teams as the cricket season recently got underway.
As part of our fantastic partnership with Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC), this exclusive competition for Lionheart pupils saw over a thousand imaginative designs entered, with a public vote deciding the overall winner. At a special presentation held at the club in May, the results were revealed.
Taking first place was Vaneesha, a Year 5 pupil from Broom Leys Primary School in Coalville. Her bold design – featuring a striking central fox emblem, in tribute to the club’s nickname – impressed both players and fans alike.
At the event, Vaneesha was presented with a framed version of her shirt by Women’s team players, Aimee Colquhoun and Holly Whitfield.
Four talented runners-up were also recognised: Owen (The Castle Rock School), Amber
(The Cedars Academy), Maya (The Castle Rock School) and Shameer (Beauchamp College) , each receiving a framed print of their designs.
All five finalists were also gifted tickets to a T20 match of their choice, as a thank you for their efforts and creativity.
We’re incredibly proud of this exclusive partnership with LCCC which helps us provide exciting opportunities that support the wider development of pupils.
The wonderful achievements of Lionheart pupils and staff have once again caught the attention of the media this term.
Both Brocks Hill and Hallam Fields Primary Schools hit the airwaves on Ady’s Breakfast Club on BBC Radio Leicester this term.
Pupils went head-to-head with teachers in the energetic ‘Kids
vs Teacher’ quiz, they honoured unsung heroes in ‘Pupil’s Pet’ and gave their own unique take on the week’s news headlines.
All the pupils had a blast and loved hearing their voices back on the radio!
The Coalville, Ashby and Swadlincote Times celebrated the outstanding success of The Castle Rock School sixth form, highlighting how, last year, over half the school’s Year 13 cohort were offered places at university – a remarkable milestone in a region where, historically, university progression rates have been low.
LISTEN TO THE BROCKS HILL SHOW HERE
LISTEN TO THE HALLAM FIELDS SHOW HERE
Last term, Broom Leys Primary School proudly unveiled a series of interpretation panels on their school site, as part of the Charnwood Forest Geopark
initiative, with the innovative project capturing the attention of both the Leicester Mercury and The Coalville, Ashby and Swadlincote Times.
After over 20 years of dedicated service, Highcliffe Primary School’s beloved Premises Officer, Mr Singh, received a heartfelt send-off in April – an event proudly featured in the Birstall Post.
These panels offer a fascinating insight into the rich history of both the school and the surrounding area, helping to bring local heritage to life.
The Derby Telegraph showcased two outstanding achievements from Mercia Academy in June.
24 students from the school were highlighted as part of Volunteers’
Week, completing an incredible 416 hours of voluntary work as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The school itself was separately recognised in the paper for earning
F
ollowing the government’s release of new guidance on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools, Tim Dolan – our Associate Director of Curriculum – spoke to BBC local radio about Lionheart’s
fast-moving AI project.
He shared ways in which our schools are developing and utilising AI resources to support teaching and learning.
the prestigious Inclusion Quality Mark with flagship status. One of just 100 schools to do so, nationally, the award is a powerful testament to Mercia’s inclusive ethos and welcoming environment.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
Riverside Primary School in Birstall made a splash on ITV Central News during Drowning Prevention Week, with pupils
engaging in an eye-opening water safety assembly, learning essential skills to stay safe if they fall into open water.
WATCH THE FEATURE HERE
The towering mantis sculpture by renowned artist David Shrigley that visited Beauchamp College last October stepped back into the spotlight recently – appearing on the popular CBBC show ‘Go Get Arty’,
Hfilmed while in situ at the College.
The segment celebrated some of the imaginative artwork created by pupils, all inspired by the striking sculpture.
ighcliffe Primary School welcomed Zack George, better known as ‘Steel’ from the BBC programme Gladiators, in May. He hosted an inspiring assembly about the importance of positive
mental and physical health, with the story subsequently featured in The Birstall Post.
WATCH THE FEATURE HERE
Lionheart’s Performing Arts Curriculum Leader, Vanessa Glynn, works closely with the team of dance, drama and music teachers across our secondary schools, to design a curriculum that inspires, challenges and motivates all pupils. Our lessons foster a love of the subject, giving every learner an opportunity to experience the world of performing arts and everything that encompasses it.
As a subject studied at school, the performing arts reach out and branch into the many facets of our day-to-day lives. They inspire conversations and create friendships through the discussions pupils have about what they watch on TV, listen to on the radio or see in theatres. Performing arts in schools is crucial for pupil development; encouraging creativity, enhancing emotional intelligence, and improving academic performance.
They provide a platform for selfexpression, boost confidence, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork and communication. Research consistently shows that young people who experience an arts-rich education are likely to do better at school, be more employable and become more active, engaged citizens.
Lionheart’s broad and balanced curriculum has been designed around the three core areas
of; performing, creating and appreciation. At Key Stages 1 and 2, music lessons follow the Leicestershire Music Primary Scheme developing knowledge and skills that provide our learners with a secure foundation to prepare them for when they enter secondary school.
As Key Stage 3 progresses, pupils explore a variety of scripts and practitioners in
drama. For example, in Year 8 pupils study the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime by Mark Haddon and the theatre company Frantic Assembly. This unit has been designed in collaboration with the English curriculum, to support the pupils’ understanding of the text.
In music our learners experience a wide and diverse range of styles including Western Classical in Year 7, The Blues in Year 8 and Pop in
Year 9. These styles are explored alongside learning new instruments such as ukulele, keyboard and guitars.
At Key Stages 4 and 5 pupils are encouraged to push boundaries and move beyond the safety of the familiar and conventional. They draw on all their prior skills and knowledge to create their own pieces and perform with confidence.
Performing Arts in schools are not just extracurricular activities,
but an integral part of providing a well-rounded education that benefits pupils academically, emotionally and socially. By fostering creativity, enhancing skills, and promoting emotional intelligence, the performing arts support pupils’ engagement in their learning environment across other subject areas too, while also preparing them for success in life beyond their school days.
For the third year running, the exceptional contributions of colleagues across the Trust were recognised at the recent Heart Awards event, celebrating employee
positivity, professionalism and pupil-centred work.
Across the academic year, over 300 colleagues received
nominations – reflecting the dedication and passion of employees within our schools. In July, we celebrated our winners for 2025. They were:
For building a strong, creative community to provide opportunities in the arts, through tireless curriculum support, sharing of subject expertise and encouraging collaboration across school design departments.
For stepping up at short notice to lead the Science Department with resilience and enthusiasm, maintaining high standards, supporting staff and driving Year 11 progress.
For tirelessly and expertly supporting performing arts initiatives across Martin High, Cedars, Humphrey Perkins and Castle Rock, empowering students by giving them countless opportunities to thrive and pursue passions beyond the classroom.
For taking on additional Head of Year duties and leading with empathy, energy and resilience — transforming student engagement and ensuring all pupils feel supported, inspired and ready for their GCSEs.
For delivering an exceptional set of Key Stage 2 SATs results with the school’s first ever Year 6 cohort, creating resources for lessons and promoting Trust-wide literacy improvement through passion, dedication and an incredible eye for detail.
For leading the brilliant Mantis Muse project alongside renowned artist and alumni David Shrigley with creativity and precision, delivering a Trust-wide celebration of the arts that inspired students, staff and families and earned national recognition.
For removing barriers to learning by designing and delivering a pioneering and inspirational wellness provision that supports vulnerable learners at Riverside and inspires inclusive practice across the Trust.
For creating a safe, high-expectation environment where vulnerable, and at times challenging, pupils thrive academically and enjoy life-changing experiences through care, structure and opportunity.
For putting children and families at the heart of everything they do, creating a nurturing, joyful and high-achieving early years environment where pupils thrive and staff feel empowered.
Students have enthusiastically embraced a vibrant extracurricular calendar this term, immersing themselves in collaborative activities that offered meaningful balance alongside their focused academic studies.
Creative clubs such as embroidery, calligraphy and crochet have proved especially popular, while the LEGO Masters club has captured the imagination of budding engineers, who have built working models of
The new football group has brought students together for friendly competition, and several have completed a British Sign Language course, earning certificates that celebrate their commitment to
The college’s Mandarin teaching staff and students proudly unveiled a brand-new classroom this term; a bespoke space for students learning the Mandarin language, made possible thanks to the generous support of the Confucius Institute.
inclusion and independent learning.
Further supporting students’ academic excellence outside of the classroom, 72 chemistry and 84 biology students took part in Olympiad competitions, while aspiring medics and dentists benefited from a University of Leicester session offering valuable insight into the upcoming Clinical Aptitude Test.
Beauchamp City continues to be proud of their students’ enthusiasm for academic and personal development.
The Director of the Confucius Institute at De Montfort University (DMU), along with distinguished guests and members of the talented teaching team, visited Beauchamp College for a special celebration, with guests enjoying a series of speeches before being treated
to a captivating Taiji fan dance performance by teachers from DMU.
The event was a fantastic tribute to Beauchamp’s ongoing commitment to Mandarin education and a shining example of the power of partnership in global learning.
This term, Year 6 pupils and members of the School Parliament travelled to London to visit the Houses of Parliament.
The children enjoyed a fascinating tour of the historic buildings, including both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, gaining a brilliant insight into how democracy works in the UK.
They took part in a hands-on workshop, exploring how Bills become Acts of Parliament and how laws are proposed, debated, amended and passed. The session brought the legal process to life in an exciting and memorable way.
A real highlight was meeting Neil O’Brien – the Member of
Parliament for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, of which Brocks Hill is a part – who kindly took time to speak with the children and answer their questions. He even returned to the school in June to host a formal Q&A session for Year 6 pupils.
It was a truly inspiring day and all pupils represented the school with pride and maturity.
This summer, the school was alive with music as Broom Leys pupils embarked on a joyful journey of rhythm and melody.
It began with Playground Proms, where the whole school learnt a specially written anthem and joined a singing workshop led by a visiting vocal coach. Year 4 followed up with a lively session to explore their musicality.
Graffiti Classics then brought classical music to life with a string quartet performance full of humour and energy, before the musical momentum continued with a recorder concert featuring Year 3 pupils, older players and members of the Leicester Society of Recorder Players.
A Summer Concert followed, with pupils performing on flute, guitar,
drums, piano and keyboard. The choir wowed the audience with songs from Oliver!, ending in a rousing singalong of ‘Oom-PahPah.’ Year 5 pupils then concluded the musical term by taking to the stage at De Montfort Hall for the Singtastic concert.
It was a term that certainly struck a chord – in more ways than one!
As part of the Rising Stars initiative, over 200 Year 5 pupils from Coalville primary schools got a taste of secondary school life at Castle Rock this term.
The visiting pupils threw themselves into a packed timetable of lessons, including Art and Design, Computing, English, Maths and Science. They
broadened their horizons with mindblowing experiments, showcased flair through the creation of several artistic masterpieces, and also put their creative writing and numeracy skills to the test.
Teachers were thoroughly impressed by the enthusiasm on display, with several pupils earning coveted
Over the May bank holiday weekend, a group of Year 10 pupils set sail for Normandy, engaging in a jampacked cultural learning experience.
Staying at the stunning Château Beaumont in the Mayenne region, pupils took part in a range of adrenaline-fuelled activities, including zip-lining, archery and nightline.
Throughout their stay, the young linguists had plenty of real-life opportunities to practice their French, from exploring a local market to visiting the iconic Mont St Michel – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The group also visited an American war cemetery and made a powerful stop at Arromanches, one of the
D-Day landing beaches, where the famous Mulberry Harbour was built. They also made a small diversion to a local church, where six soldiers from Morocco are buried – men who fought for the French during the liberation
‘Thinking Hard’ cards in recognition of their effort and engagement.
With many of these pupils soon deciding where to begin their secondary journey, the experience offered a brilliant glimpse into the exciting opportunities that await at Castle Rock!
of Normandy from Nazi occupation. The trip was a fantastic experience and the staff at the château were very complimentary of pupils – especially their French speaking skills!
The school burst into a blur of colour at the end of May, as Hallam Fields pupils took part in the annual Colour Dash in association with charity, Lifting Children’s Hopes (LCH).
In the summer sunshine, children –many of whom were accompanied by their parents and carers – darted around a course assembled on the
school field, while staff gleefully threw colourful paint and water to create rainbow showers for participants to run through!
As fun as it was, the event had a serious purpose. Ahead of the dash, LCH visited the school to deliver an assembly about their work supporting local children
Pupils have loved taking part in the LOROS ‘Stomp Around Leicester’ Community Learning Programme, which acknowledged the charity’s 40th anniversary with a city-wide elephant trail in July.
Alongside the impressive herd of large sculptures that were scattered throughout the city, a smaller group of baby elephants – decorated by
schools across Leicester and Leicestershire – also featured. Among them was Daisy, Highcliffe’s very own elephant, whose name paid homage to the flower in the school’s logo.
Having been designed by pupils, Daisy was proudly displayed at the entrance to Leicester Cathedral, where children loved spotting her
facing disadvantage, with pupils challenged to raise as much money as possible through sponsorship.
After the event, Head of School Mrs Sultana proudly announced that a sensational £2,831 had been raised – a brilliant reminder of what can be achieved when a school community comes together.
as part of the trail.
‘Stomp Around Leicester’ also encouraged schools to raise funds for LOROS, helping support the charity’s vital work. Highcliffe embraced the challenge with a sponsored fun run, raising an incredible £3,957, which far exceeded their original target of £1,000 and showcased the power of community spirit!
Staff and students brought out the teacups, saucers, sandwiches and scones in May, welcoming new Year 7 students to Humphrey Perkins with an endearing, and very British, Afternoon Tea welcome event.
Guests – those due to start secondary school in August - were entertained by current students, who sang, played a range of musical instruments and
showcased their dazzling dance routines. The performances not only emphasised the incredible talent already at the school, but also gave the new cohort a taste of the creative opportunities that await them.
Associate Principal Mrs Bartram also delivered a heartfelt welcome, sharing tips on how to settle into secondary school life and highlighting
the importance of taking pride in appearance – something which is reflected in the smart blazers, ties and confident smiles of current students.
The event also gave families the chance to speak with staff, ask questions and ease any nerves ahead of the new academic year, thus ensuring a smooth transition for the newest members of Team HP!
In a heartwarming celebration of achievement and dedication, students, parents, carers and staff enjoyed the Judgemeadow Awards Evening in late June.
With the academic year drawing to a close, the event gave students a chance to reflect on everything
they’d accomplished over the past ten months – whether through academic success or meaningful contributions to school life.
As students first entered the awards auditorium - many with proud family and friends by their side - they were met with a rapturous round
of applause. That sense of pride continued through the evening as, one-by-one, winners took to the stage to collect their awards and enjoy their well-earned moment in the spotlight.
It was a fitting end to a year of hard work, growth and achievement at Judgemeadow.
Ajam-packed Careers Week, organised by Martin High, gave learners a hands-on taste of working life through a programme of activities.
Over 400 students across Years 7 to 9 took part in ‘Take Your Child to Work Day,’ shadowing parents in roles from healthcare to construction. Meanwhile, the
Year 10 cohort sourced their own three-day work experience placements, with learners praising the value of the experience and how it helped them think about and prepare for their next steps.
Closer to home, those in Year 7 and 8 enjoyed the opportunity to ‘takeover’ a member of staff’s job for the day – including roles in
Premises and Senior Leadership –while others explored logistics with Asda, engineering with DRUCK and construction careers with Kori. Year 7 also heard from local entrepreneur Nikhil Mistry, who shared his journey from apprentice to business owner.
The week built confidence, sparked ambition and showed pupils the many paths open to them on leaving school.
Students swapped the classroom for the football pitch this term, jetting off to Holland for a football development tour with one of the country’s most iconic teams – PSV Eindhoven.
Over three action-packed days, they trained like professionals, with PSV coaches putting them
through their paces physically, mentally and tactically.
Putting their new skills to the test, the team faced off against several local sides, impressing with their resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Off the pitch, students walked in the footsteps of legends as they explored the legendary Philips Stadion – PSV’s
awe-inspiring home ground – and picked up shirts and souvenirs from the club shop. They also enjoyed some downtime, soaking up the sights of the beautiful city of Eindhoven.
Throughout the trip, their attitude, respect and enthusiasm shone through. They were outstanding ambassadors for the school – and it’s safe to say PSV have gained a few new fans!
Across a sizzling hot week in June, pupils embraced the excitement of physical activity by celebrating National School Sports Week.
The week saw the children head to Shobnall Leisure Complex in Burton-upon-Trent, for the school’s annual sports day, making use of the facility’s impressive 8-lane athletics track. Pupils showcased
their athletic abilities and demonstrated the 6Rs admirably.
It wasn’t just the pupils that had fun soaring down the track, though, with many families also joining in the fun and participating in their own races, much to the delight of the children!
The excitement was cranked up the next day, with a visit from
Celebrating the richness of the school community, The Newbridge School hosted two standout diversity events this term.
Their second annual Culture Day in June saw students and staff honour different cultures, including those that represent the mix of backgrounds and nationalities that shape the school community. There was Mexican-inspired
two special guests – Paralympic swimmer Oliver Hynd MBE and triple/long jumper Georgina Forde-Wells. They led an inspiring assembly before putting pupils through their paces in a series of relay races that tested speed, strength, endurance, and agility.
The visit was a truly memorable experience that brought the world of professional sport to life.
food to enjoy, a lively staff vs students challenge and a culture-themed quiz; all filled with learning and laughter. In the lead up to Culture Day, tutor time gave students the opportunity to explore cultural identity through a range of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development activities.
Just a week later, the school was awash with colour as the Unity Group led a
heartfelt Pride Celebration. Students wore rainbow-themed clothes, enjoyed a lunchtime concert and explored a special library display featuring inspirational LGBTQIA+ stories.
Both events reflected the school’s ongoing commitment to equality, respect and unity; values that continue to inspire the Newbridge community every day.
Riverside’s annual Sports Day brought sunshine and smiles as pupils from EYFS through to Year 6 took to the field for a day packed with energy and excitement.
Pupils tackled 13 sporting events designed by Riverside’s PE Champions – a group of pupils who lead and promote sport in school
– with each activity reinforcing key skills such as throwing, running, jumping, agility and spatial awareness. The school also welcomed Young Leaders from The Cedars Academy, who helped run and score the events with enthusiasm.
With proud parents and carers cheering from the sidelines, pupils
showed determination and teamwork throughout their sporting events, while also demonstrating the 6Rs. The day ended with sprint races and a fun-filled parents’ race, before winners were later crowned at a special celebration assembly. Every pupil gave it their all and made their class proud!
Supporting the school’s commitment to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment, 57 Year 9 students have recently stepped up into leadership roles, having been trained through the Mentors in Violence Prevention programme (MVP) to tackle harmful behaviours.
Through interactive workshops and real-life scenarios, the training
enabled students to recognise the signs of bullying and abuse, equipping them with the tools to safely intervene, lead by example and inspire their peers – all while promoting kindness, empathy and respect.
The programme has strengthened the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy and
helped establish a culture where every student feels seen, heard and supported. It has nurtured the next generation of compassionate, courageous leaders.
Well done to the Year 9 MVP mentors whose actions will continue to shape a positive college community for all!
W
ith admiration and pride, The Pioneers’ Centre bid farewell to its very first Year 11 cohort this term.
Having joined when the centre first opened in 2023, these students have worked exceptionally hard, embracing every opportunity to grow both academically and holistically, with teachers especially proud of the resilience and dedication they have demonstrated along the way.
Twenty seven excited young pupils got their first taste of school life at Greenstone Primary recently, attending a stay-and-play transition session at Lionheart’s brand-new forest school, which will open to its first early years cohort in August.
To mark the occasion, staff hosted a brilliant leavers’ assembly, where students were presented with special awards that highlighted their contributions and successes. The celebrations continued with a thrilling group trip to Alton Towers, giving the cohort a well-earned chance to relax and make lasting memories together.
Students will return to collect their results in August, after which they can look ahead to exciting new adventures in post-16 study.
The children eagerly got involved in a range of handson activities, from water play and construction to testing out new sports equipment on the playground. Working together, they also created a vibrant piece
of collaborative artwork, which will take pride of place in the school’s reception area – a powerful symbol of creativity and community.
It was a joyful first step on their journey into school life!
Our brilliant IT and Estates teams are always working hard to ensure schools continue to be safe and welcoming environments for children's learning.
Here’s a snapshot of just some of the work undertaken across the term – in addition to daily maintenance - as well as an outline of what’s planned for the holidays.
Indoor and outdoor upgrades were carried out at our Birstall primary schools, including refurbishment of both the First Aid Room and Wellbeing Centre at Highcliffe, improved playground fencing and new outdoor sunshades at Hallam Fields and installation of smart new blinds for windows at Riverside.
Internal demolition of the old school building at Mercia Academy began, marking the start of an exciting journey which will culminate in a new school building.
A new wheelchair accessible evacuation route was completed at Humphrey Perkins School, while a new fire alarm system was installed at The Cedars Academy and Sir Jonathan North benefitted from an upgraded heating system ready for the colder months.
IT server infrastructure was upgraded at both Newhall Junior and Brocks Hill Primary Schools, improving reliability and performance when using computers.
Scheduled for over the summer break
Six maths classrooms at Beauchamp College will be fully refurbished, featuring new flooring, redecoration and modern furniture to enhance the learning environment.
Outdoor facilities will be enhanced at several schools, including re-seeding of grass areas and tarmacking of walkways.
Pupils will benefit from the renovation and redecoration of multiple classrooms across our schools, helping to create brighter spaces for teaching and learning.
Preparation work will continue at Greenstone Primary, ready for the school to welcome its first cohort of EYFS pupils in August.
Refurbishments will be undertaken to PE changing rooms and the widely-used hall stage at Humphrey Perkins School.
All PCs and student laptops across the Trust will be upgraded to Windows 11, while Macs and iPads will also receive the latest software updates.
A firewall upgrade will further strengthen our network security and safeguard digital learning environments.
Toilet refurbishments will ensure essential facilities remain clean and accessible for students.
Fire safety and compliance work will ensure schools conform with new safety standard updates.
Beauchamp City Sixth Form will undergo a full site IT refresh, including the installation of new PCs and laptops, as well as a complete server infrastructure upgrade.
Improvements to audio-visual equipment will be rolled out across several schools, to enhance teaching and learning through modern, interactive technology.
I
f your child will start secondary school in August 2026, you must apply for their place by 31st October 2025.
This September, our schools are hosting opening evenings where prospective students, along with their parents and carers, can get a feel for the school before making a decision.
To book visit: www.lionhearttrust.org.uk/opendays
LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE
Beauchamp College, Oadby
Wednesday 10th September 2025
The Cedars Academy, Birstall
Thursday 18th September, 2025
Judgemeadow Community College, Evington
Thursday 18th September, 2025
The Castle Rock School, Coalville
Thursday 18th September, 2025
Humphrey Perkins School, Barrow-upon-Soar
Thursday 11th September, 2025
Martin High School, Anstey
Monday 15th September, 2025
The Newbridge School, Coalville
Monday 22nd September, 2025
DERBYSHIRE
Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College, Knighton
Thursday 11th September, 2025
Mercia Academy, Swadlincote
Thursday 25th September, 2025
If you’d like to contact us, offer any feedback about this newsletter, or tell us what you’d like to see in future issues, please email info@lionhearttrust.org.uk