Sevenoaks School and Leigh Academies Trust join forces to launch transformative Ambition Programme
Sevenoaks School and Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) have launched a groundbreaking partnership, Ambition. A unique five-year programme, Ambition is designed to significantly enhance the life chances and career aspirations of ambitious students from five LAT academies.
The programme welcomed its inaugural cohort of 15 high-achieving Year 9 students to a launch event at Sevenoaks School in July. This cohort includes students from Leigh Academy Minster, Leigh Academy Strood, Leigh Academy Hundred of Hoo, Leigh Academy Mascalls and Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy, all sharing a strong aspiration for Russell Group university entry.
The Ambition Programme, which is fully funded by LAT academies, focuses on providing essential targeted support, including two annual residential experiences, 1:1 mentorship from Sevenoaks School alumni and university students and access to cultural and academic opportunities.
Simon Beamish, CEO of Leigh Academies Trust, said: ‘Leigh Academies Trust is absolutely delighted to be working with Sevenoaks School on the Ambition Programme. Both organisations share a powerful commitment to International Baccalaureate programmes and inclusion. This collaboration will help us to ensure excellent post-18 destinations for students from more disadvantaged communities.’
Kathy O’Donnell, Director of Service and Partnership at Sevenoaks School, said: ‘The energy and enthusiasm from our first cohort of students is wonderful to see, and that energy is matched by our team of passionate undergraduate mentors. I am excited to work with our partner teachers at Leigh Academy Trust to develop and refine the programme.’
Both Sevenoaks School and Leigh Academies Trust are committed to the future of the initiative and plan to develop further collaborative opportunities, particularly around the shared ethos of the International Baccalaureate, reinforcing their dedication to high-quality education.
See what some of the students had to say about Ambition in this video.
Find out more here.
