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LI NHEART NEWS

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Welcome

Dear parents and carers,

As I look back on the Spring Term, there are countless achievements and memorable moments that took place across our Trust during the first quarter of 2026.

Although your child will feel a belonging to the school they attend, they are also fortunate to be part of a wider family of Lionheart schools, which offers opportunties for collaboration and competition. This term, saw wonderful examples of exactly that, including an impressive Battle of the Bands competition, a high‑energy dodgeball tournament and a joyful concert. These events among others gave pupils the chance to connect with like‑minded peers through shared interests, while also showacasing their wonderful talents!

In January, many of our secondary students received their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards — a well‑deserved reward for the resilience, commitment and hard work they demonstrated while participating in the programme. My warmest congratulations go to all those students.

This term also marked an important milestone for The Castle Rock School, who were among the first in Leicestershire to be inspected under the new Ofsted framework. Inspectors praised the quality of leadership and the strength of

Term Dates

the curriculum, recognising the significant period of continuous improvement the school has seen since joining Lionheart in 2022. This hugely positive outcome is an achievement for the whole school community, following several years of dedication that has seen transformational change.

As we approach the summer exam season, many learners will spend the coming weeks preparing for SATs, GCSEs, A‑levels and vocational qualifications. We encourage families to make use of the revision resources available through our website, which offers helpful guidance for planning and structuring study time; more information is available on page 14. At the same time, it is equally important that pupils take the opportunity to rest and relax over the Easter break, ensuring they return to school recharged and ready for the final term.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to what the Summer Term brings!

With very best wishes,

CEO of Lionheart Educational Trust

Ofsted success for The Castle Rock School

After three and a half years of hard work and collaboration between Lionheart and The Castle Rock School’s leadership and staff, the school is now celebrating a positive Ofsted outcome following its January inspection.

As one of the first schools in Leicestershire to be inspected under the new framework, which no longer provides an overall grading, His Majesty’s Inspectors:

• Noted “The progress pupils make, from when they start at school to when they finish, has improved year on year.”

• Commended the “ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum.”

• Recognised that, ”The school's focus on writing is evident in the high-quality written work pupils produce.”

• Said “Teachers use their secure subject knowledge to provide engaging lessons for pupils.”

• Celebrated the school’s “calm, orderly and positive environment.”

• Praised leaders who “act in the best interests of all pupils as they work towards the school’s ambitious vision for pupils to flourish.”

• Found that pupils benefit from “comprehensive pastoral support” that helps them feel “understood, valued and included.”

Reflecting on the fantastic outcome – a remarkable transformation from its ‘Inadequate’ rating in 2021 prior to joining Lionheart - Associate Principal Roma Dhameja said:

“This outcome recognises the relentless hard work of our staff, the Lionheart Trust’s unwavering support and the determination of our pupils. We are incredibly proud of how far we have come and excited for the next stage of our journey.”

Read the full report at: www.castlerock.org.uk/ofsted

Strong Standard: Leadership & Governance Expected Standard: Achievement, Attendance & behaviour, Curriculum & teaching, Inclusion, Personal development and wellbeing, Post 16 provision

Local and national awareness campaigns support learning beyond, yet connected to, the national curriculum. With Children’s Mental Health Week and World Book Day this term, Lionheart school pupils took part in a range of activities that promoted wellbeing, creativity and connection.

A week of wellbeing activity

Schools celebrated Children’s Mental Health Week in February, embracing this year’s theme, ‘This is My Place’ where learners explored what it means to feel safe, valued and part of a community.

Taking part in activities that boosted confidence and strengthened wellbeing, children shared positive affirmations and created artwork that explored identity and belonging.

Movement and creativity also played a big part in the week’s activities, with dance workshops, mindful yoga sessions and expressive arts offering pupils the chance to unwind and discover how they can lift moods and support mental health. In some schools, pupils designed logos or personalised maps to show where they feel they belong, while others enjoyed assemblies focused on kindness and the role we all play in supporting one another.

It was a week of happiness where pupils and staff enjoyed embracing their unique identities.

Celebrating a love of literature

World Book Day fever gripped our schools as pupils of all ages immersed themselves in activities that celebrated the joy of reading. They took part in creative activities designed to spark curiosity and discover new books.

Sixth formers enjoyed the intrigue of Blind Date with a Book, choosing wrapped up mystery reads, while younger pupils threw themselves into book-themed art, live author sessions and a host of storytelling adventures. Libraries were hives of activity as students browsed buzzing book fairs, hunted down hidden clues, or swapped much-loved stories with friends.

One of the standout moments this year came from Brocks Hill Primary School, where the wider school community gathered for ‘Breakfast with a Book’, where parents, carers and pupils shared stories over pastries and hot chocolate, signed up for the local library and celebrated the joy of reading together.

Elsewhere, children loved wearing imaginative costumes that represented popular book characters, while book-themed escape rooms, poetry slams and literary catwalk parades added to the excitement.

Staff joined in with equal enthusiasm, decorating doors as giant book covers, hiding wrapped mystery books around school sites and leading lively drop-everything-and-read sessions.

This year’s celebrations once again demonstrated Lionheart schools’ commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading; a gift that supports wider learning and inspires pupils long after World Book Day ends.

Proud moments as students receive Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

There was a real sense of accomplishment in January, as 240 students from across our secondary schools collected their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) at a ceremony to mark the end of their memorable experiences.

With awards presented by Jackie Bull – DofE Award Director of UK Operations – the event was enjoyed by families and school staff alike, who filled the auditorium with applause as each student stepped into the spotlight. The ceremony was an opportunity to recognise the dedication shown by the students who had embraced challenges that allowed them to grow beyond the classroom.

Open to students from Year 9 and above, the scheme required participants to complete four key elements: voluntary work, physical activity, learning a new skill and taking part in an expedition.

Over the year, students took part in a wide variety of activities, including building fitness through regular training, developing creative or practical skills such as music, cooking or sport, and volunteering their time to support others in the community. They also embraced the challenge of an outdoor expedition, working together to navigate routes, camp overnight and build confidence in new environments.

Find out more about Lionheart’s DofE scheme: https://dukeofedinburgh.lionhearttrust.org.uk

Reflecting on the achievements of this year’s cohort, Ian Coward, Lionheart’s DofE Programme Manager, said:

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is all about helping young people discover what they’re truly capable of, often surprising even themselves along the way. We are incredibly proud of everything they’ve accomplished.”

Students receiving their awards were from the following schools:

Beauchamp College, The Castle Rock School, The Cedars Academy, Humphrey Perkins School, Judgemeadow Community College, Martin High School, The Newbridge School and Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College.

From energetic sports fixtures to inspiring musical performances, this term saw our schools unite for a range of collaborative events that showcased the power and pride of our Trust community.

Dodge, Duck, Dive!

Excitement and energy filled Knighton Tennis Centre this term, as 350 students ducked, dipped and dived their way through Lionheart's schoolwide Dodgeball Tournament.

A firm favourite amongst our learners, the competition saw year group teams battle it out in a lively round robin tournament. The standard of play had certainly cranked up a notch since last year, and it was clear that many students had been working hard to sharpen their throwing and catching skills while also building sharper agility and footwork. This really showed in many of the matches, with some wins only secured in the final moments!

Teams rotated players to keep energy high and ensure everyone had time on court and the whole afternoon was played in great spirits with plenty of friendly rivalry among Lionheart’s schools.

The Results

Year 7/8 Girls – Mercia Academy

Year 7/8 Boys – Humphrey Perkins School

Year 9/10 Girls – Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College

Year 9/10 Boys – Humphrey Perkins School

Congratulations to all who took part! We’re already looking forward to seeing how our players develop and discovering who will take home the dodgeball crown next year!

Voices unite in celebration of song

Over 160 pupils from Birstall’s Hallam Fields, Highcliffe and Riverside Primary Schools, alongside The Cedars Academy, filled the Cedars’ Theatre for a special ‘Night at the Movies’ performance.

After taking part in workshops led by singing leaders from Leicestershire Music – which helped pupils build confidence and develop their vocal skills – the enthusiastic singers united on stage to perform a fantastic selection of film‑inspired songs alongside a live three-piece band. Together, they performed ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me,’ ‘Pure Imagination’ and ‘What a Wonderful World,’ before ending on a high with the aptly titled ‘Happy’ from Despicable Me, which had the audience singing along.

Each school also enjoyed their own moment in the spotlight, performing a song of their choosing. Hallam Fields sang ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman, Highcliffe chose ‘Try Everything’ from Zootopia, Riverside impressed with ‘How Far I’ll Go’ from Moana and Cedars students energised the audience with a vibrant performance of ‘Revolting Children’ from Matilda.

This toe-tappingly good performing arts event was a wonderful example of primary and secondary school collaboration, which also emphasised the strong links between Lionheart’s Birstall schools.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

TALENTED MUSICIANS ROCK THE STAGE

Secondary school students lit up the stage at our fifth annual Battle of the Bands competition in late January, performing to a packed audience of more than 200 people.

The event has become a real highlight of the Trust calendar, giving young musicians the chance to enjoy enrichment beyond the classroom and showcase their talents, from guitar playing through to pitch perfect vocals. Prior to the event, students had spent considerable time fine tuning their craft and perfecting their sets.

Their hard work paid off as, under the spotlight, each band wowed the audience with an impressive mix of songs, from Oasis to Muse and Jackson Five to Elton John. The standard was so high that attendees remarked how the performances wouldn’t have looked out of place at local festivals!

An independent judging panel, made up of music experts, had the unenviable task of selecting this year’s winners, which were:

Juniors

1st – None Of The Above (Humphrey Perkins School)

2nd – Voltage (Humphrey Perkins School)

3rd – Jess and Eden (The Newbridge School)

Seniors

1st – Black Star (Beauchamp College)

2nd – The Bee z (Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College)

3rd – Innuendo (Humphrey Perkins School)

Outstanding Individual Performance

La Rae (Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College)

A brilliant showcase of music, teamwork and talent!

Investing in our Trust schools

Across the Spring Term, our IT and Estates teams have carried out significant improvements that enhance the learning environments across our schools.

Here are some of the key projects:

Hallam Fields Primary School extension

Building work began this term at Hallam Fields Primary School in Birstall, marking the start of an exciting project to enhance and grow the school’s facilities.

Delivered in partnership with Leicestershire County Council and construction partners, Willmott Dixon, the extension will include new classrooms and an additional hall. External works are also underway, including car parking and upgraded play areas.

Once complete, these improvements will create flexible spaces for the high‑quality teaching that Hallam Fields Primary offers.

Other improvements

In addition to major projects, a wide range of practical site and building improvements were also completed across our schools, including:

• Roofing works at Beauchamp College and The Castle Rock School

• New outdoor area for pupils at Highcliffe Primary School

• Ongoing redecoration at Brocks Hill Primary School

• Refurbishments at Riverside Primary School, including new windows, flooring and furniture

• Air-conditioning at The Newbridge School and The Castle Rock School

• Ground preparation for new buildings at Mercia Academy and Newhall Junior School

Investment in information technology included:

• New Chromebooks supplied to all Year 7s at Mercia Academy

• Audio Visual refresh with 75" interactive touch screens installed at The Cedars Academy

• Wi-Fi network upgrades at Beauchamp City Sixth Form, Humphrey Perkins School and The Cedars Academy.

• Audio-visual refresh at Beauchamp College, with new equipment scheduled for installation during the Easter holidays

£37m investment to transform The Castle Rock School

A raft of fantastic new facilities awaits current and future students at The Castle Rock School in Coalville, thanks to a £37 million investment from the Department for Education. With two schools having merged in 2020 prior to joining the Lionheart Educational Trust, it was identified that a number of the old King Edward VII College buildings were in need of replacement or remodelling.

With Lionheart's Estates Team having worked with building project stakeholders throughout the planning stages to ensure that student, school and community need was met, work began on the school's major redevelopment in February.

This transformative project is being delivered by GRAHAM - industry leaders in construction - with the project bringing significant improvements across the site, including classrooms, science labs, food tech facilities, a large hall for performances and an outdoor multi-use games area.

Once completed in 2028, the rebuilt campus will provide further high-quality facilities for students and stand as a long-lasting investment in the school’s future, the community and generations of learners to come.

REVISION SuppORt

With the summer exam season approaching, the Easter holidays offer a helpful window for students to revisit key topics and build on knowledge. Revision at home can make a real difference to how prepared students feel when they step into the exam hall.

To support students and their families during the revision period, a bank of resources – from Lionheart subject experts – are available on our website.

These tools are designed to promote effective study habits, spark useful conversations at home and help students feel more secure in their knowledge.

On our Revision Support page, you will find:

• A family reflection activity to start conversations about learning

• Practical tips on proven revision techniques

• A parent revision guide to support your child’s study routine

• A comprehensive revision directory

• Helpful how-to revise videos

Whilst this period does represent an ideal opportunity to revise, it is also important that students take time to relax and enjoy other activities that support their wellbeing. A balanced break will ensure they return to school feeling refreshed, positive and ready for the exams ahead.

Every person, every opportunity and every ambition matters at Lionheart. Each colleague contributes to the education we provide for our young people and, as such, we're committed to creating an environment where every employee can thrive.

We offer a comprehensive employee package designed to support wellbeing, professional growth and a healthy work–life balance. From extensive CPD and clear leadership pathways, to flexible working opportunities and generous staff benefits, our offer is built to help colleagues develop, feel valued and enjoy a rewarding career.

If you’re looking for a fresh challenge in a role where you can make a meaningful difference, why not explore our vacancies and discover more about working at Lionheart?

Lionheart shortlisted for national award

We’ve been shortlisted for the Digital Innovation Award at the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) Excellence Awards, in recognition of the BigTeach app we’ve developed for use in Lionheart Schools.

This innovative tool – which marks and analyses online assessments – helps our teachers gain a clearer understanding of each child’s understanding and progress, allowing them to identify strengths, spot gaps more quickly and tailor support for improved attainment.

Used by most of our secondary schools already, with work underway to embed in primary schools, it not only supports pupils’ learning, but also reduces manual marking for teachers.

We are proud that our commitment to improving the learning experience for every young person has been recognised at a national level. The MAT Excellence Award winners will be announced in June, so watch this space!

School Roundup

Economics excellence and real‑world learning

A standout term of academic and careers-focused success was kicked-off by a group of Economics students at Beauchamp City Sixth Form, who qualified for the regional round of the Economics Olympiad at the University of Leicester. They completed challenging tests in multiple-choice, mathematical and analytical problem-solving, with five students’ achievements progressing to the national finals in London and are aiming for the international stage in Greece.

Meanwhile, over 400 Year 12 learners took part in Work Experience Week, gaining valuable insight through placements across a wide range of industries. Employers also visited the Sixth Form to deliver workshops on employability skills and potential career pathways, giving students a deeper understanding of their future options.

Together, these achievements showcased the Sixth Form’s commitment to offering both academic challenge and real-world experience to support every learner’s ambitions.

Visiting author brings Macbeth to life

BROCKS HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL

The drama and debate of 11th-century Scotland descended on Brocks Hill this term, as local author Steve Skidmore hosted a compelling Macbeth workshop for Year 6 pupils.

Working with each class, Steve brought Shakespeare’s world to life through role-play, close analysis of key images and a lively discussion about some of the key themes and events in the play.

Pupils also rehearsed and performed the “weird sisters” spells, experimenting with pace, movement and inference as they created their own atmospheric scenes.

Steve returned to the school later in the month to sign copies of his Macbeth graphic novel – alongside other notable Shakespeare titles – giving the Year 6 pupils a special memento of an experience they won’t forget.

BEAUCHAMP CITY SIXTH FORM

Footballers showcase their skills on Girona tour

Students from Mercia Academy swapped the classroom for the Spanish sunshine this term, jetting off to Lloret de Mar for an action-packed football development tour. Across the week, students trained with professional academy coaches, developing their technical skills, tactical awareness and confidence on the pitch.

They also put their training to the test in competitive fixtures against local opposition, demonstrating impressive teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship throughout

Away from the pitch, students enjoyed a vibrant programme of activities, from tackling thrilling high ropes courses to exploring the Girona Stadium and visiting Barcelona’s immersive football museum. These sessions offered the perfect blend of adventure, and culture, giving them a taste of Spanish life beyond football.

Throughout the trip, students were excellent representatives for Mercia Academy, displaying maturity, enthusiasm and embracing every challenge.

Outstanding sixth form success

The Castle Rock School sixth form students showcased academic curiosity and independent thinking this term, as they achieved an exceptional set of Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) results, with every Year 13 securing a grade between A* and C.

The EPQ – equivalent to an AS level – encourages students to explore a self-chosen topic in depth through a dissertation-style report or practical artefact. This year’s projects covered a wide range of fascinating

subjects, including Film Noir, the Nano Tyrannus debate, Women in F1 and advances in neuroscience.

These impressive outcomes reflect a Sixth Form culture that nurtures curiosity and a passion for independent research; skills that enable students to flourish when they embark on exciting university degrees and higher-level apprenticeship schemes.

An outstanding achievement for an excellent sixth form provision in Coalville.

MERCIA ACADEMY

THE CASTLE ROCK SCHOOL

A special sapling with a historic story

Pupils helped plant a very special young oak tree this term; a sapling grown from the seed of the iconic Great Bradgate Oak, one of Leicestershire’s oldest and most recognisable trees.

The sapling now sits proudly on one of the highest points of the school grounds, with views stretching towards Old John Tower at Bradgate Park, creating a unique link between the school and the historic landscape it overlooks.

Enthusiastic young gardeners from Key Stage 1 and 2 rolled up their sleeves to prepare the soil,

add compost and carefully position the young tree, before finishing with mulch and a generous watering.

Inspired by Enid Blyton’s much-loved stories, the tree has been named ‘The Magic Faraway Oak’ and has already sparked learning about heritage, ecology and environmental care.

Head of School Ifat Sultana said: “We are proud to have this young tree on our grounds and look forward to watching it grow for many years to come.”

A term of connection and confidence building

Pupils at Riverside Primary School enjoyed an enriching term of activities that brought the school community together.

A popular highlight was World Book Day with children parading an array of creative costumes on the school catwalk before taking part in ‘dynamic reading’ sessions, where pupils across year groups read together. The activity was so popular it has since become a regular initiative at Riverside.

Beyond the literary excitement, Year 6 welcomed visitors from the Police to explore what community means and the important part everyone plays in it. Pupils asked thoughtful questions and represented the school brilliantly throughout the session.

Riverside Primary were also proud to host Talk the Talk workshops, welcoming pupils from across other Lionheart Schools for a day focused on oracy and confident communication, where pupils tackled challenging tasks with enthusiasm.

HALLAM FIELDS PRIMARY SCHOOL

RIVERSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL

A slam dunkin' success

BROOM LEYS PRIMARY SCHOOL

Broom Leys were crowned kings of the court at the recent North West Leicestershire basketball event, as their Year 5 and 6 team went unbeaten on their route to winning the entire competition.

Competing against other local schools, the side achieved five victories and one draw, securing their progression to the county finals, where they will proudly represent the district.

Held at Ibstock Leisure Centre, the tournament saw the team play with real determination and impressive

teamwork. Every member of the squad playing a starring role, showing focus, skill and a commitment to supporting one another on court.

Their performances reflected hours of practice in school and a growing confidence in both their abilities and their understanding of the game.

This achievement has brought huge pride to the team and the wider school community. A big well done to all involved and good luck in the county finals later this month!

Year 5 blast off with space learning

HIGHCLIFFE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Pupils in Year 5 launched their new space topic in spectacular style with an exciting visit to the National Space Centre.

The day was packed with hands-on learning, beginning with the high-energy Rocket Science show, where pupils watched explosive demonstrations of combustion and propulsion and saw learning brought to life.

The adventure continued inside the planetarium, where children embarked on a virtual journey

through the solar system and put their knowledge to the test in an interactive quiz. There were plenty of laughs during a lively Grossology session exploring the less glamorous side of space travel, from flaking skin to floating poo!

Pupils also explored the interactive galleries and climbed the impressive Rocket Tower.

A memorable trip that sparked curiosity, deepened understanding and left Year 5 eager to continue their learning back in the classroom.

Students impress in courtroom challenge

JUDGEMEADOW COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Judgemeadow Community College’s budding legal minds took centre stage at the Young Citizen Mock Trial Day at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court in March.

Following months of after-school rehearsals, Key Stage 3 students stepped confidently into various legal roles including magistrates, defence and prosecution lawyers, witnesses, legal adviser, usher and the defendant. Together, they demonstrated sharp communication, teamwork and a clear grasp of court procedure.

A highlight of the experience was meeting real magistrates, who offered expert guidance and insights into genuine courtroom practice. The Sheriff of Nottingham also attended and gave the Judgemeadow defence team a special mention for attacking the role with professionalism.

Participating students showcased brilliant courtroom etiquette and constructed convincing legal arguments; a superb showcase of their hard work and growing confidence.

A supercalifragilistic showstopper!

A spectacular week of performances saw more than 60 students from Humphrey Perkins School take to the stage for this year’s whole-school production of Mary Poppins. After 18 weeks of rehearsals, the cast and crew delivered three evenings of singing, dancing and acting, showcasing the incredible talent and commitment of everyone involved.

A staggering 500 tickets were sold across the run, with parents, carers and staff creating a brilliant atmosphere in the hall. Audiences clapped along to familiar songs, laughed in all the right places and were engaged from start to finish, marvelling at the talent of the young performers.

That extended beyond the stage too, with students supporting lighting, sound, props and scene changes. Their professionalism played a huge part in bringing the show to life.

A wonderful celebration of creativity and school spirit from Team HP!

HUMPHREY PERKINS SCHOOL

Choir hits the high notes at Young Voices

The Newhall Junior School choir enjoyed an unforgettable evening at the Young Voices concert in Birmingham, where they joined more than 5,000 children for one of the largest school choir performances in the world!

After months of rehearsing songs and perfecting choreography, pupils rose to the occasion spectacularly, singing and dancing with confidence and enthusiasm. Their set included ‘Wicked’, pop and sea shanty medleys that had the arena buzzing.

The atmosphere was electric as the children performed alongside a live band and enjoyed show-stopping sets from guest artists, including Ruti, Connie Talbot, Harriet Rose and West End star Emma Kingston. Children were also able to meet Urban Strides choreographer Andy Instone, whose energy and encouragement made the night even more special.

The choir undoubtedly created memories they will treasure for years to come!

Lights, sirens, learning!

Children at Greenstone Primary School enjoyed a continuation of their ‘People Who Help Us in the Community’ topic when they welcomed a Police Community Support Officer and Police Officer into school.

Captivated pupils listened intently as the visitors explained how they keep people safe, talked through the different parts of their uniform and answered a flurry of curious questions.

One of the standout moments came when pupils explored the police vehicle up close, even hopping inside to see what it looks like from the officers’ point of view. The hands on experience brought their classroom learning to life, helping them understand the real-world importance of the police in their community.

It was a memorable visit, and one that has helped inspire the next generation of community helpers.

NEWHALL JUNIOR SCHOOL

GREENSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Big brand teaches lesson in sustainability

Students enjoyed an inspiring — and fragrant — hands-on sustainability workshop with Lush, one of the country’s most popular cosmetics companies.

During the session, girls designed their own colourful bath bars and fresh face masks using organic ingredients, all while discovering more about planet-friendly choices.

They were also fascinated to learn about Lush’s environmental credentials, including its commitment to 100% recycled bottles and how they have not used any new plastic since 2017.

As part of the Good Life Schools programme, the session encouraged students to think about sustainability, community and low-consumption living. Students left full of ideas, and with a newfound appreciation for eco-friendly self-care.

SIR JONATHAN NORTH GIRLS' COLLEGE

Science and Technology Challenge Finalists

Talented students proudly represented The Newbridge School at the North East Science and Technology Challenge Final at the University of Huddersfield in January.

They earned a place in the final after an impressive performance at Leicestershire Challenge Day, where Newbridge finished among the top eight of 190 participating schools.

In the final, two students tackled the demanding task of programming Lego Mindstorms robots to navigate a complex three-dimensional maze. They approached the challenge with determination and creativity, showcasing fantastic technical skill and understanding.

Although the final trophy eluded them, both students performed to an exceptionally high standard, with the event organiser saying: “They tackled a very demanding challenge with great determination.”

The students were a great representation, on a regional stage, of Newbridge’s school community.

THE NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL

Trip of a lifetime to Iceland for young Geographers

From thundering waterfalls and black-sand beaches to vast volcanic landscapes, 50 learners from Year 10 enjoyed the trip of a lifetime over February halfterm, spending five unforgettable days exploring the natural wonders of Iceland.

They stepped across tectonic plates, walked on the Sólheimajökull glacier in crampons and peered into ancient lava tunnels.

Learners also visited geysers, frozen craters and the famous Golden Circle landmarks, before spending

time in Reykjavík, where they took in the stunning panoramic views, enjoyed a relaxing dip in the geothermal pods and explored the local shops.

The adventure broadened learners’ horizons and allowed them to forge a deeper appreciation for Iceland’s unique environment. A truly memorable experience that brought their learning to life in spectacular style.

MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL

Young Leaders impress with outstanding leadership

THE CEDARS ACADEMY

Year 9 Young Leaders at The Cedars Academy displayed exceptional commitment and pride while representing the school across two major events just before the Easter break.

At the Rugby Megafest hosted by Birstall RFC, they supported the delivery of activities for Year 2 and 3 pupils, demonstrating strong leadership, enthusiasm, and encouragement throughout, while ensuring the younger learners remained engaged.

The Year 9 Young Leaders also played a key role at Cedars’ Inclusive Festival, leading a range of activities with impressive patience, adaptability, and creativity. Their efforts ensured that every participant felt welcomed and fully included.

The maturity and positive attitudes of the Young Leaders showcased them as excellent role models and a real credit to the school community.

Celebrating Lunar New Year

To mark Lunar New Year, students enjoyed a colourful and culture-rich celebration as the Confucius Institute at De Montfort University visited for a special ‘Welcoming Spring in the Year of the Horse’ event. The celebration linked with the college’s Mandarin teaching, giving pupils the chance to deepen their understanding of both the language and the culture that surrounds it.

More than 60 students took part in a variety of workshops, gaining insight into the symbolism behind the Year of the Horse, including stories about Spring Festival customs and zodiac legends that have

been passed down for generations. They enjoyed a captivating Sichuan Opera face-changing performance, tried on traditional Hanfu clothing and created their own pieces of Chinese calligraphy. These hands-on activities brought the celebrations to life and sparked plenty of enthusiasm across the day.

The visit strengthened the college’s growing partnership with the Confucius Institute and offered pupils a memorable opportunity to explore Chinese culture through creativity and exploration.

BEAUCHAMP COLLEGE

Mathematics is rarely out of the headlines: "How mathematics will underpin and lead the next generation of AI" and we continue to hear daily about mortgage rates, energy bills, and the rising cost of living. Whether it is the sophisticated algorithms driving artificial intelligence or understanding how household finances are changing, Mathematics underpins much of our modern world.

The vital importance of Maths to all of us is why the overarching vision for Maths across Lionheart schools is that:

"All pupils are confident in Maths; equipped with strong procedural and conceptual understanding for future education and for life."

Maths is an interconnected subject. Our learners need to be able to move fluently between mathematical ideas as well as connecting them to other subjects. The nature of how an understanding of maths is constructed, a bit like a building, with each new piece of knowledge resting like a brick on and connected to other knowledge, means that the order in which it is learned is important.

Lionheart's expert Directors of Primary and Secondary Maths have carefully sequenced the curriculum to ensure that each pupil's journey through learning Maths is supported on solid foundations and builds logically from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4 and beyond.

All the way through their time learning Maths with us, we balance procedural understanding, the how, with conceptual understanding, the why. Combining these helps build the deep understanding that pupils need.

There are key ideas that run throughout Maths, which pupils explore in increasingly advanced ways. Algebra is one of the most powerful of these. Pupils first encounter algebraic thinking when they work with unknowns and missing numbers in primary school. Solving something as simple as □ + 3 = 7 is the seed of algebraic reasoning. Over time, this grows into expressing relationships as equations, manipulating formulae, and eventually using algebra to model real-world situations.

Algebra is sometimes seen as abstract, but it is fundamentally a language; one that allows us to express patterns and relationships concisely and precisely. It underpins almost every area of mathematics that follows. Algebra is essential for understanding graphs and functions, for working with geometry, and for tackling statistics and probability. Beyond school, algebra sits at the heart of engineering, economics, computing, and science. Every time an engineer calculates the forces on a bridge or a scientist models the spread of a disease, algebra is doing the work beneath the surface.

The history of algebra is rich and global. The word itself comes from the Arabic al-jabr, from the ninth-century mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, whose work laid the foundations of systematic equation-solving. His ideas travelled through the Islamic world into medieval Europe, and the methods he

pioneered are still recognisable in what our pupils learn today. Mathematics is truly a subject with roots across all of human civilisation.

Once Lionheart learners reach Year 7, they have developed early algebraic thinking which we build upon with care and ambition. For those who are ready to go further, we extend into more formal algebraic structures; exploring how equations can describe motion, financial growth, and even how algorithms work. This last connection is particularly timely: the AI systems making headlines today are, at their core, built on algebraic and mathematical foundations that our pupils are beginning to explore.

This is just one example of why and how our curriculum enables pupils to develop a deep understanding of Maths. As the American Mathematician Stan Gudder said, "The essence of maths is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple."

INTHEMEDIA

Catching the attention of local and regional media this term, pupils, staff and schools featured in stories across a range of publications.

TES Magazine

Deputy CEO featured in TES Magazine

Lionheart's Deputy CEO, Jenny Piper-Gale, featured in TES Magazine, following her appointment as one of the Department for Education’s new Regional Attendance and Behaviour Advisers. The national programme lends experienced school and Trust leaders’ support to schools who wish to strengthen attendance and behaviour.

Radio Leicester

Student features in Comic Relief campaign

Ava – a Year 8 student at The Cedars Academy – shared her excitement with BBC Radio Leicester about being a face of the 2026 Comic Relief campaign. She proudly spoke about the importance of contributing to a cause that supports people facing hardship.

Construction Enquirer |

Mercia Academy and Newhall Junior School rebuilding makes industry news

Construction firm Kier’s appointment to deliver the rebuilding of Mercia Academy and Newhall Junior School in South Derbyshire, featured across multiple industry outlets this term, including Construction Enquirer and BuildNews.co.uk.

Financial literacy lessons for Beauchamp students

Having participated in the Harborough District Youth Council’s Finance Champions programme, to learn about money management, payslips and the costs of different career pathways, Students from Beauchamp College were featured in local publications.

Radio Leicester

Students discuss the influence of social media content on BBC Radio Leicester

Castle Rock students made a confident appearance on BBC Radio Leicester the pressures young people face today through social media content.

The Year 10 learners spoke openly on how content can shape body image, lifestyle expectations and the temptation to compare themselves with others.

Radio Leicester

Teaching money management to young people

The Castle Rock School’s Associate Principal, Roma Dhameja, shared her thoughts with BBC Radio Leicester on the importance of financial literacy for young people.

She discussed Lionheart’s Personal Development Curriculum and how it equips pupils with essential money‑management skills – from budgeting to understanding credit, loans and mortgages – helping them build confidence in navigating real‑world finances.

Harborough Mail | Harborough FM

Facility Hire Spotlight: Wedding Venues

Did you know that Lionheart Venues offer a range of flexible spaces across Leicester and Leicestershire that can accommodate wedding celebrations? We have many years’ experience in hosting celebratory events– in particular Asian Weddings – from more intimate Mehndi parties through to large receptions. Our affordable venues can help you create your day to remember.