Lodge Park Academy's Newsletter – Summer Term
Dear Families, Woodrow Wilson – an American academic and 28th president of the United States – believed
“One cool judgment is worth a thousand hasty counsels. The thing to do is to supply light and not heat.”
In the soaring temperatures of this week and the prospect of hotter days to follow, any reference to heat might seem somewhat intemperate but it does reflect the true fire – of learning, discovery and enlightenment – that we wish to ignite in every member of the Lodge Park family. This coming week we will be nurturing the sparks of industry, as our Year 12 students begin a period of work experience; we will stoke the furnace of statistics, encouraging our scholars to experience university masterclasses in Maths; we will be fanning the flames of entrepreneurship, as our learners compete in the final of the County Schools Challenge. There is never a moment in the Lodge Park calendar where we are not trying to offer illumination and help light the way for our community. In his 1871 book, The Descent of Man, Charles Darwin concluded:
"The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognise that we ought to control our thoughts.”
He argued that a moral being is one who can look back at past actions, reflect on motives, and approve or disapprove of them. He believed that as one's intellectual powers grow, our sympathies expand to include more people— developing from our immediate group to encompass all. Thank you for allowing us to develop our students and their moral strength in fully embracing our week of culture, celebrating the diverse range of people and beliefs that make up our Lodge Park family. The event culminates in our Culture Day on Friday 3rd July, with students and staff wearing national dress, sharing traditional dishes and revelling in our diverse community Best Wishes,
Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
Lodge Park Academy's Ofsted Report 2026
Inspiration Awards 2026
Last week was the DRET inspiration awards and we were absolutely thrilled and very proud to win DRET ACADEMY OF THE YEAR! Out of the trust's 36 schools - this is a monumental achievement and is again another huge testament to the monumental efforts of our staff team in shifting Lodge Park from where it was, to where it is now. The award coincided with the release of our Ofsted report - the second best report in all Northamptonshire for non-selective Secondary schools in terms of the number of 'Strong' grades.
Lodge Park is going places, and it's been built by the most incredibly dedicated and talented staff team. Well done everyone!
Inspiration Awards 2026
Massive congratulations to Miss Wilson for her Pearson Award! Miss Wilson has leapt into her new role as Head of Kestrel with incredible zeal and passion, and overseen a dramatic upturn in expected outcomes for her Performing Arts cohort. Given the strength and quality she possesses, we're really excited that she'll be taking our first KS4 cohort of Health & Social Care from next academic year.
Congratulations also to our Attendance Team who won DRET Team of the Year! Two thirds of our attendance team were new this academic year - but you wouldn't know it given the impact they've had as a three-piece! We are the most improved school in the county for attendance, and Ofsted praised the 'significant improvement' in our attendance. This has been built on great relationships, excellent systems and a 'never-can-do' attitude!
Congratulations to Mr Cronin on his Pearson Award! Mr C is an incredible leader because of his calm authority, his attention to detail, care for his staff and dedication to his students. He's our right-hand man when it comes to our Year 11 strategy, and is a huge reason for our expected upturn in outcomes in Summer 2026.
Dr Steenkamp was nominated for DRET Leader of the Year - an incredible testament to her qualities! Dr Steenkamp is simply the oracle of Corby on all matters SEN - her wealth of experience and wisdom has been the foundation of our nationally recognised inclusion provision. Ofsted praised the 'distinctive' and 'strong' leadership of inclusion. Congrats Dr S!
And congratulations Mrs Booth on your Pearson Award. Mrs Booth has all the skills and qualities that you would ever hope to find in a teaching assistant - she's incredibly kind, calm, patient and resilient and has the knowledge and relationship to get the best out of every student in her care. Ever reliable, ever smiling, and ever-present in the lives of the students that need her most.
Sports Day 2026
Please see below a little video of highlights of our Sports Day!
Ofsted 2026
We were delighted to have the release of our Ofsted report celebrated in the Northamptonshire Telegraph! Please do have a read...
DRET Summer Cup - 5 Days to go
Congratulation to all the students selected to represent Lodge Park Academy at the DRET Summer Cup next Wednesday 1st July. There will training for teams on Monday 29th June, after school. Being selected to represent the Academy is a big achievement and LPA are proud of the Students selected.
If you would like to go and watch your child, please click on the link below to register a space.
Seneca Learning
After a slow couple of weeks, the Academy has once again risen to the challenge to take top spot in the Trust. In the area table, although close, we were just 'pipped at the post' by Brooke Weston Academy.
Some tremendous work by our Year 10's this week. Well done to Albert, Harry and James for being our top three Seneca learners this week and some great work being done by those students that make up the top ten. Thank you for supporting your child using Seneca Independent learning.
Mr M McGeown - Vice Principal
DRET Colour Run 2026
It's that time of year again - the DRET Colour Run is due to take place in July. Students can have the opportunity to run/walk around the LPA field with different colour stations en route where staff can throw paint on them as they go past. Students also get the opportunity to throw paint in the air at the end. It is a great way to celebrate the end of the academic year in style with Students having the opportunity to team up with their friends. To take part it costs £13 - Students will be provided with a white T-shirt, paint, sunglasses and medal for taking part. If you child would like to take part, please pay the £13 on MCAS by Thursday 2nd July. If you have any questions, please see Miss Baker
Music - Make Music with Friends
Make music with friends – NEW group lessons from September 2026! From September 2026, we’re excited to offer new group music lessons in school, delivered by the specialist teachers from Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT). Why learn music? Learning an instrument can help children:
- Build confidence and wellbeing through self-expression and a sense of achievement
- Boost concentration and attainment by developing listening, memory, coordination and perseverance
- Develop teamwork and friendships by making music alongside others
What the lessons involve 30-minute weekly lessons in school time Small, friendly groups (4–8 pupils)
- Best for beginners or follow on from WCIT (whole class instrumental teaching), with groups matched by stage.
- A supportive, encouraging way to learn alongside friends
Instruments available: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass), Woodwind (clarinet, flute, oboe, bassoon, saxophone), Brass (trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba), Voice Cost: £75.68 per term (that’s £6.88 per 30-minute lesson) for high-quality specialist tuition including a FREE instrument loan! If your child would like to take part, please contact the school office to request the relevant forms and return them by 9.00am on Monday 13th July 2026. Late requests may be added to a waiting list. Families accepting a place will be committing to the full academic year of lessons.
LPA Reader’s recommend
Book Title: The Book Thief Author: Markus Zusak Genre: Historical fiction I recommend this book because... It is emotional, powerful and beautifully written, with unforgettable characters and an unusual narrator. It gives a moving insight into life during World War Two whilst showing the importance of friendship, courage and the power of words. What have you learnt from this book? I have learnt how war impacts ordinary people and how kindness and friendship can help people through difficult times. What is a brief summary of this book? ‘The Book Thief’ is about a young girl called Lisel living in Germany during World War Two who discovers a love of books and reading. It is narrated by death. The story follows how books, friendship and kindness help her to cope with the hardships of war. Who do you think would enjoy this book? Anyone who enjoys emotional and thought-provoking historical fiction would enjoy this text. It would appeal to those interested in historical fiction. Favourite quotes: ‘’Even death has a heart’’ ‘’The only think worse than a boy who hates you: a boy who loves you.’’ ‘’Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are.’’
Thank you to Mrs Hill (one of our Librarians) for letting us use your book review.
Literacy Spotlight (Culture of reading)
Over the past week, the library have arranged activities and displays around ‘Empathy day’ and ‘Refugee Week.’ For empathy day, we have focused on the well researched links between reading and a student’s cultivation of empathy. In the library, Mrs Hill and Mrs Storey have created activities to mark each of the days and displayed recommended books to students.
House Bottle Rockets – Thursday 2nd July
The penultimate House Competition of the year takes place next week, on Thursday 2nd July. With only a handful of House points remaining this year, teams will be more determined than ever to try and secure as many as possible in this competition. The competition will see house teams come together to showcase their scientific skills, to work out the most effective water to air pressure ratio, to effectively launch their House Rockets the furthest. The competition is open to participants across years 7 to 10 with the support of staff.
LPA Lip Sync Battle – Thursday 9th July
The final House competition of the year is just 2 weeks away, as we wait patiently with excitement to see House teams showcase their Lip Sync performances on stage. Led by Heads of Houses, House teams have been working hard and rehearsing behind the scenes to perfect their acts in the hope of being crowned champions. With 500 house points on offer for this competition, this could be pivotal in who is crowned 2026 LPA House Champions. This will be a ticketed event, taking place in the main hall during lunchtime.
ACADEMY CLUBS FOR TERM 6
The Academy would like to increase the attendance at the non-Sports Enrichment clubs and we have been listening to Student voice on the clubs they wish to attend. We have introduced an Enrichment Attendance card. When students attend 6 sessions of any Enrichment club and get their card signed by the Enrichment teachers they will hand this card into Student Reception and it will go into a prize draw taking place at the end of each term. We will also count up cards at the end of the term and House points will be rewards (House in 1st place 25 points, in 2nd place 15 points, in 3rd place 10 points, in 4th place 5 points)
LPA Sports Club - https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Sport/ Music Club - https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Music/ Enrichment Timetable - https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Enrichment/ House Competitions - https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Houses/
SWI UNIFORM SUPPLIER
Students are required to wear impeccable school uniform every single day. Our school uniform supplier is SWI. Please follow this link to order your uniform www.swischoolwear.co.uk School blazers and ties can be order via this link. Please ensure you have ordered your uniform by the end of July 2026 so that your child has everything they need for their first day in September.
Academy Term Dates for 2026 / 2027
https://lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Term-Dates/
Lodge Park Academy Closes - Wednesday 22nd July 2026
September 2026 Reopening Information
- STAFF TRAINING DAY - Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd September 2026
- YEAR GROUPS 7, 11 & 12 ONLY Students return - Thursday 3rd September 2026
- ALL OTHER YEAR GROUPS - Students return - Friday 4th September 2026 - Academy open to all other Year groups
Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 16th October 2026
Lodge Park Academy Opens - Monday 2nd November 2026
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 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
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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