The Basildon Lower Academy News Feed - Latest News

Easter Card Competition Celebrates Creativity & Language Skills

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:05:52 GMT

Creative Easter Cards with a French Flair.

Celebrating Our World Book Day Competition Winners

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:58:50 GMT

On Thursday 26^th March presentations were made to the winners and runner ups of ‘The Lower Academy World Book Day Quiz Trail' and 'The Agatha Christie Mural’ competitions that we ran during this year’s World Book Day.

Students Explore Careers in Policing

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:00:30 GMT

Students at the Lower Academy recently had the opportunity to learn more about careers in policing as part of the Academies’ Careers Taster Programme.

Lower Academy Gets Laughing for Comic Relief

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:45:20 GMT

Last week, students came together to support Comic Relief, embracing the spirit of this year’s theme: “Do something funny for money.”

Cooper & Riley Celebrate Success in the Basildon Respect Project

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:16:58 GMT

Two of our Year 9 students recently celebrated the completion of their participation in the Basildon Respect Project, run by Essex Boys and Girls Clubs.

Students Explore Careers in the Makeup Industry

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:54:01 GMT

Lower Academy students recently had the opportunity to step into the world of professional makeup as part of the academies Careers Taster Programme.

Students Celebrate British Science Week with Hands-On Experiments

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:23:29 GMT

Lower Academy students marked British Science Week with a range of exciting hands-on activities that took place throughout science lessons across the week.

Layla Receives Jack Petchey Outstanding Achiever Award

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:13:55 GMT

Year 7 student Layla.W has been recognised for her hard work and determination after receiving the Jack Petchey Outstanding Achiever Award.

Year 9 Students Take Part in ‘Travel Hacks’ Road Safety Workshop

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:15:39 GMT

Year 9 students recently took part in an engaging road safety workshop delivered by Dean from Safer Essex Roads as part of a presentation called ‘Travel Hacks’.

Students Mark World Book Day with Quizzes, Puzzles and Agatha Christie Activities

Mon, 9 Mar 2026 15:37:55 GMT

On Thursday 5^th March, the Lower Academy celebrated World Book Day 2026 with students taking part in a range of activities designed to inspire a love of reading.

Congratulations to Mrs Jacob – Jack Petchey Leader Award Winner

Mon, 9 Mar 2026 11:14:28 GMT

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Lower Academy English Teacher Mrs Jacob, who has been awarded a Jack Petchey Leader Award.

Former Student Launches New Careers Taster Programme

Mon, 9 Mar 2026 15:31:55 GMT

Last week, the Lower Academy was delighted to welcome back former student Nicola Gunn as part of National Careers Week and the official launch of our brand-new Careers Taster Programme.

From Classroom to Construction: Engineering Careers Brought to Life

Mon, 9 Mar 2026 15:44:33 GMT

As part of the Academies’ Careers Taster Programme, the Lower Academy was delighted to welcome back former student Maria Hucker to speak with our students.

Students Explore Future Pathways During National Careers Week

Mon, 9 Mar 2026 15:48:58 GMT

Students at the Lower Academy took part in a range of activities to mark National Careers Week, helping them explore future pathways, develop career awareness and reflect on their ambitions.

Millie Celebrates Gymnastics Success

Mon, 2 Mar 2026 11:05:20 GMT

Year 7 student Millie.O is achieving fantastic success in gymnastics alongside her studies. She is a dedicated member of South Essex Gymnastics Club, which runs sessions at Eversley Leisure Centre.

Students become British Sign Language Ambassadors

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:13:08 GMT

Following last year’s successful launch of British Sign Language (BSL) learning during Tutor Time, selected students at the Lower Academy have been recognised for their dedication and enthusiasm.

Future Forward Inspires Year 9 Students

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:44:04 GMT

Just before half term, our Year 9 students took part in the Future Forward programme, welcoming visiting performers to the Lower Academy for an engaging, careers-focused experience.

Year 8 Explore Future Pathways with South Essex College

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:41:04 GMT

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the Lower Academy welcomed Shannon, Schools Liaison Officer from South Essex College, to speak with our Year 8 students.

Lower Academy Celebrates Children’s Mental Health Week

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:42:11 GMT

During the last week of term, students at the Lower Academy marked Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, exploring this year’s theme, ‘This Is My Place’.

Year 7 Explore Career Pathways

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:26:59 GMT

As part of National Apprenticeship Week and our school’s wider careers programme, Year 7 students have been discovering a variety of exciting career pathways using the Unifrog platform.

Year 7 Learn About the Dangers of Smoking and Vaping

Mon, 9 Feb 2026 12:55:00 GMT

Earlier this school year, Year 7 students took part in the Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England (SDD) Survey, commissioned by NHS England.

Josh Honoured for Outstanding Effort and Progress

Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:53:44 GMT

We are proud to celebrate Year 9 student Josh.S, who has been awarded a Jack Petchey Outstanding Achiever Award after being nominated by teachers in recognition of his outstanding effort, positive attitude and exceptional progress.

What Music Really Teaches Your Child

Mon, 2 Feb 2026 11:32:58 GMT

Why Music is a rigorous academic subject that builds skills for life, learning and future success.

Celebrating Success: Fair Active Award Achieved

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:23:26 GMT

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our Fairtrade Committee over the past year, our school has successfully achieved the Fairtrade Foundation’s Fair Active Award.

School Awarded Plastic Clever Round 1 Completion Certificate

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:34:02 GMT

We are pleased to share that the Lower Academy has been awarded a Plastic Clever Award – Round 1 Completion Certificate, marking an important step in our journey to becoming a Plastic Clever School.

Students Embrace a Wide Range of Enrichment Opportunities

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:39:14 GMT

The Lower Academy Enrichment Programme continues to go from strength to strength this school year, offering students a wide range of clubs and activities that support personal development, wellbeing, and learning beyond the classroom.

Tesco Funding Boosts Young Carers Club

Thu, 8 Jan 2026 09:46:27 GMT

The Lower Academy is proud to announce that its Young Carers Club has received funding through Tesco Stronger Starts, helping to further support students who have caring responsibilities at home.

Careers Sessions Inspire Year 7

Mon, 5 Jan 2026 14:06:22 GMT

During the last week of term, Year 7 students took part in engaging Careers and Aspirations Workshops delivered by Andrea and Gill from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Careers Drop Down Days Support Students’ Future Aspirations

Mon, 5 Jan 2026 14:03:40 GMT

During the final week of term, students at the Lower Academy took part in three Careers Drop Down Days, designed to support their development and help prepare them for future education and employment.

Candy Cane Lane Christmas Fayre Raises Over £1,000 for Fairtrade Foundation

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:58:25 GMT

Our Candy Cane Lane Christmas Fayre, held at the end of last term, was a hugely successful and festive event, welcoming large numbers of families into school to celebrate the season together.

Candy Cane Lane Christmas Fayre

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:43:35 GMT

Get ready to step into the festive spirit at The Lower Academy’s Candy Cane Lane Christmas Fayre, taking place on Thursday 18th December from 3pm-5pm.

Lower Academy Presentation Event

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:52:26 GMT

Last week, we held our end of term Presentation Event, recognising students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement across all subjects.

Students Prepare to Bring Candy Cane Lane to Life

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:26:14 GMT

In the lead-up to this week’s Candy Cane Lane Christmas Fayre, students have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure the outside quad area will be transformed into a festive walkway on the day.

School Choir Shine at Brentwood Centre

Wed, 7 Jan 2026 08:07:54 GMT

The Basildon Lower Academy Choir performed at the Brentwood Centre on Monday 1^st December in a spectacular concert celebrating the music of legendary film composer John Williams.

Lower Academy Students Engage in UK Parliament Week

Mon, 1 Dec 2025 08:46:49 GMT

Learning about democracy, voting, and the role of Parliament.

Students Take Part in National Health Survey

Mon, 1 Dec 2025 08:42:16 GMT

Helping Shape National Health Policy.

Music Instrument lesson sign-ups now open for 2026

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 07:50:24 GMT

As our award-winning Music Department continues to grow, we are delighted to announce that sign-ups are now open for instrumental lessons beginning after the Christmas break.

Students Champion Men’s Mental Health for Movember

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:02:07 GMT

This month, our Year 8 students at the Lower Academy have been taking part in Movember awareness activities, focusing on the importance of men’s mental and physical health.

Celebrating Dedication and Determination: Award Winners Revealed!

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:07:21 GMT

At this point in the term, we are delighted to recognise students who consistently demonstrate a positive approach to their studies and maintain 100% attendance.

Students Embrace #ThePowerOfGood During Anti-Bullying Week

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:46:46 GMT

In the lead-up to and throughout Anti-Bullying Week, Lower Academy students took part in a series of thoughtful activities to support the national campaign coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance.

Basketball Team Celebrate First Essex Cup Victory

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:54:00 GMT

Congratulations to our Lower Academy Under 14 Basketball Team, who secured their first Essex Cup win of the season in an exciting match against Shoeburyness High School.

Basildon Academies Honour the Fallen on Remembrance Day

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:17:26 GMT

During this year's Remembrance Day, staff and students across The Basildon Academies joined together in a two-minute silence, taking time to reflect and pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of our armed forces.

Testing Knowledge and Nurturing a Love for Reading

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:38:37 GMT

Year 8 students take on the Library Quiz, showcasing their understanding of books, authors, and literary skills.

Students Begin Learning British Sign Language

Wed, 7 Jan 2026 08:03:19 GMT

As part of Enrichment during tutor time, students at the Lower Academy have recently begun learning British Sign Language (BSL), an exciting new initiative aimed at promoting inclusion and communication across the school community.

Students Learn Lifesaving First Aid Skills

Mon, 3 Nov 2025 09:10:20 GMT

As part of their PD and RSHE curriculum, Year 7 students have been developing their understanding of essential first aid skills.

Year 8 Showcase Creativity in Rivers Revision Project

Mon, 3 Nov 2025 10:32:27 GMT

Year 8 Geography students have been celebrating the end of their rivers unit with a creative and engaging revision activity.

Year 9 Take on Royal Navy Challenge

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:45:22 GMT

Last week, Year 9 students took part in interactive assemblies and workshops led by the Royal Navy Youth Engagement Team, gaining an insight into the Navy’s global role in conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, and international partnerships.

Hate Crime Awareness Week

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:27:48 GMT

Raising Awareness and Celebrating Kindness.

Year 7 Crowned District Basketball Champions

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:50:18 GMT

Congratulations to our Year 7 basketball team, who were recently crowned District Tournament Champions.

Students Share Messages of Support for World Mental Health Day

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:54:14 GMT

To mark World Mental Health Day, students at the Lower Academy took part in a range of literacy and craft-based activities designed to raise awareness and encourage open discussions about mental health and wellbeing.