LPA Newsletter Friday 14th November 2025

Mr Kirby, Principal and Mrs Jones, Executive Principal
Another busy week at Lodge Park Academy – Week 2

As we move through another busy and inspiring week at Lodge Park Academy, our hardworking Year 11 students continue to shine as they hurtle towards their final GCSE examinations. Their determination and focus remain exemplary, with this week’s Mock KPI examinations approached with real vigour and verve. This commitment is further reflected in the impressive 92% attendance at Session 6s on Tuesday and Wednesday — a true testament to their dedication. Our students are also demonstrating growing independence in their studies through their consistent engagement with Seneca, Sparx Maths, and Everlearner. This week has also marked Anti-Bullying Week, with our morning assemblies — brilliantly led by the Head of House team — focusing on the importance of kindness, respect, and standing up for others. On Tuesday 11th November, the academy came together for our annual Remembrance Day event. The entire school paid tribute to the fallen since the First World War, and the ceremony was impeccably observed — a moment of collective reflection and respect. We also proudly launched our exciting Corby to Cambodia Trip, offering students the opportunity to take part in a life-changing experience. Information has been shared about how students can apply and what qualities will make them stand out for selection. Finally, this week concluded with our Children in Need activities, which brought a wonderful sense of community and fun to the academy. More details and highlights will be shared in next week’s edition!

Warm regards,
A Changing of the Guard at LPA

Monday marked a day of mixed emotions for our academy, as we officially transitioned from our 2024/2025 Student Leadership Team to the newly appointed 2025/2026 team. We would like to extend a massive thankyou on behalf of the entire LPA Community to our outgoing leaders — Crina, Iustina, Ashley, Cassie and Nadia. Throughout their time in office, they have been outstanding role models, driving meaningful change, uniting the Student Team, and facilitating thoughtful conversations about how we can continue to make our academy the best it can be. Their dedication and high standards have set a strong foundation for the next generation of student leaders. We are delighted to introduce our 2025/2026 Student Leadership Team: House Captains: Duru (Redkite), Esona (Osprey), Molly (Kestrel), and Lorraine (Goshawk) Head Boy: Eoghan Head Girl: Aimee Each of them has already shown great passion, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to championing the student voice and we are keen to see all they will accomplish this academic year.

Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
LPA Children in Need Day

This week the LPA community came together to support and raise money for Children in Need through a variety of fundraising events. One of those events involved a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at Lodge Park take on the Ice Bucket Challenge. The member of SLT who had the most donations had to face the Ice Bucket in the main hall in front of students and staff from across the academy. The event raised £168.60 in total, with Mr Kirby raising £80.80 of that which meant it was the principal who had to endure the ice! Money raised from the other Children in Need activities are being counted and a full amount raised will be shared shortly. Thank you to everyone who supported this years fundraiser.

Children in Need - Ice Bucket Challenge
LPA House Championship 2025/2026
I’m a Teacher Get Me Out of Here

The eagerly anticipated return of I’m a Teacher Get Me Out of Here is just around the corner! On Thursday 27th November staff will take to the stage to face a series of our very own Bush Tucker trials. Trials will include eating critters, dunking for stars in the slime and facing fears in the animal encounters. We are once again extremely excited to be extending the opportunity to students to participate in this years competition. Students will have the opportunity to take part in the animal encounters and one of the eating trials. This is a sign-up process with students selected through a randomised draw. Students who wish to be considered to take part in the competition must provide parental consent through the following link, no later than Friday 21st November - https://forms.gle/7eRkc9Qhr9LdiV5e9 Attendance Reward – Students who improve their attendance percentage from Monday 17th November to Wednesday 26th November will receive an entry into an animal encounters prize draw, with a winner form each House being selected to hold a mystery animal.

Admission Policy

Lodge Park Academy is consulting on the Academy’s admission arrangements. These arrangements are for students who will be starting in September 2027 and will go out with the Local Authority consultation. The following link will take you to our website where further information can be found. https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Admissions/

Attendance
Every Lesson, Every Day

In 2024, the Government published new guidance on unauthorised absences. Please see the infographic to see how your child's absences could affect your family. 

Guidelines

During weeks 3 to 4 of a term, but particularly in term 2, approaching Christmas, we sometimes see a dip in attendance. To support your child's attendance during this colder and darker term we suggest the following practical tips: Dress for the weather Ensure your child wears warm clothing, including layers, and has a hat, gloves, and a good pair of boots or wellington boots for the cold and wet. Establish routines Maintain consistent bedtime and morning routines to ensure children get enough sleep and have a healthy breakfast, which helps with energy and concentration. Manage appointments Schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. If not, ensure your child attends school before and after the appointment if they are well enough. Understand when to stay home Children can usually attend school with minor illnesses like a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, but should stay home if they have a fever. When in doubt, check guidance from your local health authority. Communicate with the school Keep the school informed about any absences. If your child is unwell at school, the school will contact you. Make sure they have your up-to-date phone number. Promote good hygiene Encourage regular hand washing and send your child to school with hand sanitizer. Encourage exercise Daily exercise helps children stay physically and mentally healthy during the colder months. Take a look at NNC Healthy Schools Let's Get Active newsletter for more suggestions. Monitor for distress Be alert to any signs of distress or anxiety about school and reach out to the school for support if you have concerns. Address emotional well-being If you think emotional well-being is affecting attendance, speak to the Attendance Welfare Officers. Advocate for your child If you are struggling to get your child to school, talk to your child's Tutor. Head of House, Pastoral Manager or the school's Attendance Welfare Officers for help and support. Work with the school If attendance is an issue, the school can work with you to create a plan to improve it. Don't take term-time holidays Avoid taking your child on holiday during school term time.

Mrs Cooper - Vice Principal Pastoral & Attendance
SENECA- Autumn Term 2,Week 2
Our Students Continue to Lead the Way in North Northamptonshire

Once again, Lodge Park Academy students have shown why we are proud to call them the hardest working learners in North Northamptonshire. Our students continue to outperform the so-called “big guns” of KBA and Brooke Weston – a fantastic achievement that speaks volumes about their dedication and determination. However, we’re not resting on our laurels. Within our own Trust, Charnwood Academy continues to set the bar extremely high, and we know that with continued focus and consistency, we can match, and even surpass – their levels of excellence.

2nd in the Trust ........
......... Number 1 locally - Thank you!
Seneca Engagement – Room for Improvement

Last week, 326 students in Years 9-11 were actively engaging with Seneca – a brilliant effort that demonstrates a strong start to the term. Year 10 are showing real drive and commitment and are even outworking some of our Year 11 students across several key metrics. A huge well done to them – this attitude will really support excellent outcomes over the next two years.

Yr 10 are our hardest working students!
Subject Spotlight – Science and History Lead the Way
Looking Ahead

Lodge Park students are proving, once again, that hard work and consistency bring success. Let’s continue to push forward together, raising expectations and supporting one another to ensure every student achieves their full potential. Keep up the great work, Team LPA!

Mr McGeown - Vice Principal, Quality of Education
Lodge Park Academy Bright Sparx

Each week, our students at LPA, complete maths questions for their homework on Sparx. Some students aswers additional questions, further increasing their mathematical knowledge. The maths team would like to celebrate these students and recognise their dedicated work.

Top Students, Top House, Top Forms
Sparx - House Leader Boards

This week, we have also included a parent/carer link to 'A Parent's guide to Sparx maths', which may answer some questions that you might have about how to help your child if they need it.

Help is just a click away - https://sparxmaths.com/parents/

Mrs Irons - Director of Maths
Wellbeing, Antibullying, and Diversity Champions

At Lodge Park Academy, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student feels valued and respected. As part of this commitment, we are proud to introduce our Wellbeing, Antibullying, and Diversity Champions.

These Student Leaders play a vital role in promoting kindness, celebrating diversity, and standing up against all forms of bullying and discrimination. Trained to support their peers, they work closely with staff to raise awareness, lead campaigns, and ensure that every voice is heard.

We believe that empowering students to take an active role in shaping a positive school culture not only strengthens our community but also helps develop confident, compassionate young people. If you could please encourage your child to apply for one of these roles via this email. To view full job description please follow this link below which takes you to the SEN&D page of our Website. The job descriptions are at the bottom of the SEN&D page:

https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/SEN-D/

YDi-Iorio@LodgeParkAcademy.co.uk

Thank you for your continued support in helping us make Lodge Park Academy a place where everyone can thrive.

Warm regards,
Dr. Steenkamp - Lodge Park Academy Inclusion Team
LPA - Carol Services

Families are warmly invited to support LPA Choir singing carols in the DRET Carol Service at St Peter & Paul in Kettering (5th December 2pm) and at the Columba Church Carol Service (11th Dec 6pm). It's also a great time for students to join our growing choir – just turn up! We meet on Wednesdays after school in the hall until 4.15pm with Mrs Olner, Lucy Murphy (our Musician in Residence) and Rhonda Browne (our fabulous singing teacher). 

Mrs Olner - LPA Teacher of Music
LPA Santa Run 2025

LPA are excited to be taking part in the 2025 Santa Fun Run Thursday 18th December. This will take place during Period 2. Please note this is also the same day as the House Christmas Party (separate information to follow soon). Students and staff wishing to take part in this years event have 2 weeks to raise money which will go towards the DRET Inspiration Fund. The Santa Fun is a 20-minute run or walk on the school grounds. Students have all received a paper sponsorship form with a deadline to hand forms and any money raised back to reception on Wednesday 26th November. Any forms and money handed in after this date will still be able to participate but will not receive any of the items. Raise £9 or more and receive a Santa T-shirt and hat or Reindeer T-shirt and Antlers to wear every year! Raise £20 or more and receive all of the above plus a free ticket to the Christmas Party! Please note that a Christmas Party ticket will only be issued if students meet behaviour and attendance criteria. Thank you in advance for your support.

LPA Race Across the Atlantic (Rowvember)

Rowvember is well underway at LPA with students and staff hitting the rowing machines to contribute to their respective House totals. This year at LPA we have challenged ourselves by taking inspiration from what is said to be one of the World’s Toughest Rows, in a ‘Race Across the Atlantic’. In just 30 days we have challenged the LPA community to row the equivalent distance from Lands End (UK) to New York City (USA), approximately 550,000m. What is the ‘World’s Toughest Row’ - https://www.worldstoughestrow.com/the-atlantic/ It has been an incredible effort so far with as we approach the halfway point in the month. 16 days to go to row a further 444,462m as of Thursday morning. There are lots more metres to add from this week which have not yet been added to the totals. Kestrel house have raced out into an early lead but Osprey or not to far behind in 2nd place. Red Kite are sitting in 3rd place followed by Goshawk in 4th. The house with the highest contribution and participation in this challenge will be awarded House points. This is open to all students and staff, who will have the opportunity to play your part in this challenge every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday lunchtime throughout November in the gym.

Journey so far

House Indoor Rowing

As part of Rowvember and in preparation for the DRET Rowing Cup coming up soon, there will be a House Indoor Rowing event held in the main hall on Friday 21st November. The competition will see students and staff represent their House teams in a number of head to head sprint races and team relay races on the big screen. Each House will be allocated a virtual boat on the big screen, linked to their respective rowing machines so spectators can see how the action unfolds. Each House team needs a minimum of two boys and girls in each year group, plus a member of staff!

House Sudoku Competition

House Sudoku took place at LPA this week as students and staff attempted to complete the puzzle during lunchtime on Thursday and Friday. The competition consisted of three separate Sudoku puzzles, varying in difficulty (easy, medium and hard), each worth a set number of points. 15 competition points were available from each quiz sheet; easy = 3 points, medium = 5 points and hard = 7 points. The house with the highest accumulated total across the two days will be crowned champions. As ever the house with the highest participation will be awarded bonus points.

Sports Club Timetable
Term 2 PE Timetable

Just a reminder that all after-school clubs finish at 4:10pm. If students would like to take part, please ensure they have their full PE kit.

If students would like to play on the Astroturf during lunchtime, they must bring trainers or football boots. Unfortunately, students will not be allowed on the Astroturf if they do not have the correct footwear.

It's great to see so many students taking part in our Sports Clubs.

Lodge Park Academy - Cadet Force Adult Volunteers

For further information on Lodge Park Academy Combined Cadet Force, please follow the link below: ttps://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Combined-Cadet-Force/

Community News
LPA – Helpful contacts
MASH

Safeguarding concerns 0300 303 1965 Report a concern or request support | Northampton Children's Trust

Childline

Telephone Number: 0800 1111 Childline | Childline

Police (non emergency)

Telephone number: 101

Police (emergency)

Telephone Number: 999

NHS

Telephone number: 111

Young Minds

Mental Health Crisis Support Text: YM to 8528

Online Mental Wellbeing Community

Website: www.kooth.com

Youthworks Mental Health Support

www.youthworksnorthamptonshire.org.uk

Online Health Advice

www.healthforteens.co.uk

NGAGE

A free and confidential service providing advice, information, education and structured support to young people in relation to drug and alcohol use https://aquarius.org.uk/our-services/young-peoples-services/northampton-yp/

NDAS

NDAS offer refuge, outreach and groupwork programmes to men and women impacted by domestic abuse. We also support children to recover from the trauma of witnessing the abuse. NDAS offer a 24 hour helpline as well as several drop in services throughout the county. https://www.ndas.co/

Housing Support

Free information and advice to anyone who is homeless or worried about becoming homeless https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/housing-options/housing-advice

SWI UNIFORM SUPPLIER

https://www.swischoolwear.co.uk/parent-guide?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=CAM&utm_campaign=BTS_Email2_Parenthu

https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/docs/term_dates/2025_2026_Academic_Calendar_v1.pdf

Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 19th December 2025
Lodge Park Academy Re-Opens -Tuesday 6th January 2026
Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 13th February 2026

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Contact Us

Telephone: 01536 203817

Email:

lpa-enquiries@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk Please be aware this mailbox is monitored by a number of individuals, please do not disclose any confidential information.

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https://www.instagram.com/lodgeparkpe?igsh=aDJxcDJzc3ozd3No

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https://x.com/lodgeparkacad?s=20

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