The Stationers’ Company renames academy

The Stationers’ Company’s 10-year association with its academy in south-east London has opened a new chapter with the renaming of the school as Leigh Stationers’ Academy on 29 August. The Master, Paul Wilson, cut a ribbon to mark the occasion. The event was attended by 165 teachers, the Upper Warden, the Clerk, eight members of the Court and other governors including local MP Clive Efford.

The event marked a historic moment, bringing together two organisations - Leigh Academies Trust and The Stationers’ Company. The renaming of the academy acknowledges these two organisations and marks the reopening of the five colleges under new names that pay tribute to significant figures related to literature, The Stationers’ Company and the academy’s mission.

The Stationers’ Company says the new college names are:

• Angelou College after Maya Angelou.
• Caxton College after William Caxton.
• Hansard College after Luke Hansard.
• Woolf College after Virginia Woolf.
• Equiano College after Olaudah Equiano.

While the academy reopens under a new name, the history of the area’s links to the Crown, particularly King Henry VIII, is reflected in the name of the main building: The Crown, added the Stationers’ Company.

Academy Principal Joseph Sparks praised the Stationers’ Company for playing “a significant role in the development of education, providing not only monetary grants but mentoring, and opportunities for the pupils which would not otherwise be possible.”

He added: “I believe that by fostering strong relationships, we will ensure that Leigh Stationers’ Academy becomes a name synonymous with our values: Leadership, Scholarship and Achievement.”

Academy Chair of Governors and Court Assistant Prof Linda Drew paid tribute to the Stationers who had the vision for forming the relationship with the Leigh Academies Trust: “The early engagement of Past Master Ian Locks formed this very special relationship and now ten years on many Stationers have served on the Board of Governors to provide support and challenge to this thriving academic community. I am proud to lead the Board’s relationship with staff and students at the academy and I am ably supported by a joint Stationers’ Company and community governor team.”