Secondary partnerships

Ambition
Programme

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Sevenoaks School and Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) have launched a ground-breaking partnership. ‘Ambition’ is a unique four-year programme designed to significantly enhance the life chances and career aspirations of ambitious students across five LAT academies.

The programme, which is fully funded by LAT academies, focuses on providing essential targeted support, including an annual residential experience, 1:1 mentorship from Sevenoaks School alumni and university students and access to unique cultural and academic opportunities.

 

The first Ambition cohort was recruited in Summer 2025 with fifteen students on the programme, representing Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy, Mascalls Academy, Strood Academy, Leigh Academy Minster and Hundred of Hoo Academy.

We welcomed Leigh Academy Hugh Christie to the Ambition Programme in June 2026. Their proximity to us and shared commitment to the International Baccalaureate ethos make them a natural addition to the programme. We are confident their students will quickly integrate and contribute with the positivity and enthusiasm that characterise the Ambition community.

Through Ambition we will foster access to cultural capital, support students to develop a wide range of skills, and create a community of like-minded students.

 

 

2026/27 events

 Tuesday 3 November Meet-up day, Sevenoaks School
 Friday 29 January Meet-up day, Leigh Academy Hundred of Hoo
  Thursday 8 April-Saturday 10 April Residential weekend, Sevenoaks School
 Friday 9 July Meet-up day, Sevenoaks School

 

 

Leigh Academy Strood hosted the latest meet-up day, bringing together students from across the Trust to strengthen academic skills and explore higher‑education pathways.

Students took part in Elevate Education’s Study Skills Sensei session, focusing on active practice, effective revision strategies, and techniques to overcome procrastination.

The day concluded with Canterbury Christ Church University outlining the transition to higher education and the range of routes available to future applicants.

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Sevenoaks School played host to a transformative experience for aspirational, disadvantaged students from across the Leigh Academies Trust. The Ambition Programme Spring Residential, the first residential of the programme, was a resounding success, designed to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity by fostering confidence, expanding horizons, and building a community of like‑minded peers.

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Ambition in Action

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The Ambition Programme

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“Leigh Academies Trust is absolutely delighted to be working with Sevenoaks School on the Ambition Programme, which is benefiting students across several of our secondary academies. Both organisations share a powerful commitment to the International Baccalaureate programmes and inclusion. This latest collaboration will help us to ensure excellent post-18 destinations for students from more disadvantaged communities. ”

Simon Beamish - CEO of Leigh Academies Trust

“This unique partnership with Sevenoaks School provides Leigh Academies Trust students with an exceptional platform to fulfil their ambitions and build highly successful careers. The collaboration is built on the shared commitment of Sevenoaks School and Leigh Academies Trust, including its academies, to significantly enhance the life chances of the communities they serve, Furthermore, the programme’s core aligns with the ethos and missions of the International Baccalaureate, reinforcing our dedication to delivering this internationally recognised standard of high-quality education to every student. ”

Mathieu Stevens - Principal, Leigh Academy Minster

“Sevenoaks School is delighted to have launched the Ambition programme in partnership with Leigh Academy Trust. We share the same commitment to supporting young people to be the very best they can be. 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.”

Kathy O’Donnell - Director of Service and Partnerships, Sevenoaks School

“Our mission is to ensure every single student is well-prepared for adult life and empowered to achieve their highest ambitions. Joining the LAT Ambition programme gives our most academically curious students tangible access to world-class resources, mentorship, and experiences. It embodies our core values of being Ready, Responsible, and Respectful at the highest level.”

Palak Shah - Principal, Leigh Academy Hugh Christie

“Being a mentor on the Ambition programme is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s inspiring to work in an environment that empowers talented pupils to accelerate their personal and professional growth. As a mentor, it’s a privilege to help unlock that potential - and in the process, I’ve developed many valuable skills myself.”

Sophie - Ambition mentor
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