Transition and Open Evening

INFORMATION

| Information | Transition and Open Evening Information
Academy Virtual Tour

Our virtual tour provides you with a chance to see our state-of-the-art facilities which include a 25m swimming pool, Theatre, Drama and Dance Studios, Library and Music Suite, Fitness Suite, 4G Multi-Use Games Pitch and fully-equipped science laboratories and specialist teaching rooms.

Academy Facilities

4G Multi-Use Games Area

25m Swimming Pool

350-seat Theatre

Art Suite

Cadets

Cafeteria

IT Suite

Library

Sports Hall

Prospectus

Browse our Academy’s prospectus and find out more about our passion and commitment to providing the best education to our pupils.

Life at Tong Leadership Academy

We strongly believe that high quality extra-curricular activities enhance the learning experience beyond the curriculum and are an essential part of academy life. We pride ourselves on giving all of our pupils the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Academy offers many exciting extra-curricular activities including music and theatre productions, set design club, nurturing creativity club, film club, cadets and much more. Click here to view a timetable.

In keeping with our belief that learning should not be confined to the four walls of a classroom, the Academy offers a range of opportunities including residential trips and specific subject area visits.

Our Transformation

Tong Leadership Academy joined Star Academies, the country’s highest performing multi-academy trust, in 2017. As part of the Star family, the Academy has access to a wealth of education and subject experts, a first-class curriculum and a network of schools to work with and learn from, including some of the most successful schools in England.

Following our inspection in November 2019, Ofsted reported that

“the school has been transformed over the past two years.”

The inspectors commended the rapid progress the school has made and acknowledges that the changes have been well received by pupils. The Ofsted report rated the Academy as ‘Good’ in four inspection areas: Leadership and Management, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Welfare, and the Sixth Form provision.

In its report, Ofsted also praised the quality of pupils’ work and the support they receive from teachers by stating that

“pupils produce good quality work. In all subjects, teachers check pupils’ understanding throughout each lesson. This makes sure pupils do not fall behind in their learning.”

The school’s success in creating a “calm” welcoming environment that is an “orderly place to learn” was also praised by Ofsted inspectors, along with establishing a strong culture of safeguarding where pupils “feel safe and well-cared for.”

The whole school community is committed to continuing the success of our transformation journey as we seek to achieve ‘outstanding’ in all areas and help our pupils to achieve even more.

Open Evening

The first step to choosing the right secondary school starts with the Open Evening.  The date for our Open Evening for Y7 September 2025 admissions will be advised.  Don’t worry if you are unable to attend our Open Evening, as we are able to offer tours of the Academy during the day so that you can see us in action!  For more information, please contact our reception on 01274 681455.

As quoted in our latest Ofsted report, “the school has been transformed over the past two years”.  The Ofsted report rated the Academy as ‘Good’ in four inspection areas: Leadership and Management, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Welfare, and the Sixth Form provision.  Come and see just how we have transformed and what we have to offer!

Personal Tours

In addition to our Open Evening and Transition events, we offer private tours of the Academy at a time to suit you. Please call our reception on 01274 681455 to arrange a tour.

Parents and Pupils of Tong Leadership Academy
Our families have chosen Tong Leadership Academy as their preferred school for many different reasons.
Nina Tailor, Previous Head Girl Y11

“The transition into Year 7 was quite nerve-racking however, my nerves were soon put to rest as the teachers were so welcoming and comforted me when I had any worries.  All the school staff are really supportive which made it easier to settle into the new school environment.  Even through lockdown, all the staff made sure we were all safe and well at home.  During my time at Tong, I have had the opportunity to join several clubs and get involved in many different activities such as the Army Cadets and the Netball and Rounders teams.  I am really enjoying my time at Tong and I am very grateful for everything the school has offered me so far”. 

Mr Ashfak, Year 11 parent
“The support is excellent from all the teachers at Tong”.  
Mrs Booth, Year 7 and Year 10 parent
“I can’t fault the school one bit. My children’s grades have improved massively since we changed schools. I wouldn’t want to send them anywhere else! They have been more than accommodating of my child with special needs, and they can’t do enough to help, especially during the pandemic.  They phone the children every week to check in on them, but also check that I’m ok and asking if they can help us a family and that’s just fantastic. Best choice I’ve ever made sending them to Tong. The teachers are approachable and just a massive thank you to all staff”. 
Mrs Aziz, Year 7, 8, 10 and 11 parent
“It’s a great school with supportive staff across the board. They set homework that’s interesting and varied. They always ring when the children are not in school due to lockdown to make sure everything is okay. The communication is great“. 
Parent Views
“After visiting many schools in the area, we feel that Tong have the better (SEN) programs in place to assess level of ability and the support strategies to develop educational needs. We also really enjoyed the visit and the staff made us feel more welcome than any other school.” “After viewing the school at the open day we loved what we saw. The behaviour policy and facilities are excellent and viewing other schools’ virtual tours was nothing compared to Tong.”  “Excellent facilities, good subjects and good school bus service.” “Tong seems like a good school and a lot of people have recommended it to me.”
Transition Events

We provide a number of Transition Evenings and taster sessions throughout the year (details below) to support pupils making the move into Year 7.  All Year 6 pupils who are allocated a place at the Academy attend an ‘Induction Day’ in the summer term. This day gives the pupils an opportunity to spend a day with their new tutor group, meet new friends and, most importantly, start to meet some of the teachers with whom they will be spending the next 5 years.

Wednesday 27th March 2024 5.00-6.30pm – This evening is for parents/carers and pupils who may have been unable to attend our full Open Evening in September 2023 and have perhaps never visited Tong Leadership Academy.  An opportunity for you to meet key teaching staff, our Senior Leadership Team and SENDCo.  The Principal will give a presentation and staff will be on hand to answer any questions or allay any concerns that you may have.  Information regarding transport and our extra-curricular activities will be available, and our pupils will be delighted to give you a tour of our extensive facilities.  We look forward to welcoming you to Tong Leadership Academy.

Wednesday 26th June 2024 6.00-7.30pm – Another ‘Getting to Know Tong’ evening which starts a little later.  There will be two sittings for the Principal’s Presentation and again, key staff and pupils will be available to speak to.

Wednesday 3rd July – the whole school day at the Academy for our new Year 7 pupils who will be joining us in September.  There will be an opportunity for parents/carers to come in the Academy at the end of the school day to speak to staff regarding travel, SEN or just talk through any concerns or queires.

Settling in Evening – September 2024 – date to be finalised – An opportunity for parents/carers to speak with key staff to see how well their child is settling into secondary school life.

Transition Letters

We will use this section of the website to share important transition letters and updates. 

Schoolcloud

We are starting to return to holding Parents’ Evening and other such events in person as much as possible.  However, on occasions we may host events online. We use Schoolcloud for online events and will always send a letter to families with information on how to book onto the events.  Please click here to view the Parent/Carer Guide to Schoolcloud.

If you are unable to access Schoolcloud, please contact our reception on 01274 681455 and we will be happy to help.