PRIDE IN OUR SUCCESS
16 October 2026
CCF taking to the sky
Marta in Year 10 took to the skies on Saturday! Flying with the CCF from historic RAF Kenley, a key Battle of Britain airfield during WWII, she experienced the thrill of gliding first-hand. Here’s Marta taking off and beginning her adventure in the skies! You’ll notice that there is no engine in a glider. You might be able to see the winch that pulls the glider and launches it into the air. After a while this detaches and you are left to ride the rising air currents. Well done Marta!
Attenborough
7971
Hadid
8395
Malala
7963
Obama
8763
Middle School
Alfie Thompson
For his amazing effort in lessons and his caring nature towards his friends
Upper School
Year 10 Football Team
For their amazing attitude and commitment for 3 days on their Football Tour to Barcelona. They were an excellent representation of the Academy.
Sixth Form
Ramona Badicescu
For being an exemplary role model who consistently leads by positive example
The below individuals have demonstrated the Academy’s values this week
Success
Marta Rubio
For taking to the skies and flying a glider as part of her CCF
Kindness
Walter Johnson
For supporting new students and being an excellent ambassador to SKA
Aspiration
Marcia Schonfeld
For her excellent attitude towards learning
For Your diary
Year 7 & 8 Halloween Bash
On Thursday we held our Year 7 & 8 Halloween Bash. Students enjoyed spooky games, a tuck shop, a costume competition and the opportunity to go through the ‘Haunted House’, put together by our Sixth Form students. We hope they had fun, and it was great to see all of their creative costumes.
Academy Jumpers – Term 2
As we approach the start of Term 2 after the Half Term break, we would like to remind families about our Academy uniform expectations. Jumpers become compulsory for all students after the Half Term. Students may wear either the Academy-branded jumper or a plain black V-neck jumper (long or short sleeved), and for PE, students may wear either the Academy PE jumper or a plain black crew-neck sweatshirt with no logo. Please note that Academy jumpers cannot be worn as part of PE kit.
We would be grateful if families could take a few moments over the break to ensure that all uniform and PE kit items are clearly named, fit correctly and meet Academy expectations. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students arrive smartly dressed and ready to learn each day.
St James’ Primary Visiting the Academy
On Thursday, we welcomed St James’ Year 6 students for a taster day at the Academy. They got the opportunity to experience secondary school sessions such Food Technology, Art and Science, where they made their own DNA models out of sweets and learnt about how to differentiate between different peoples DNA.
We hope they had a great day and got a good insight into secondary school life.
Biology Field Trip
On Thursday, four Year 13 IB Biology students ventured to Ashdown Forest to undertake fieldwork for their IB Biology Internal Assessments.
As part of their coursework, students are required to independently design and conduct a scientific investigation, developing their own methodology, collecting primary data and analysing their findings in a detailed scientific report.
The students investigated a range of ecological factors, including the effects of soil pH and nitrate concentrations across different habitats, the influence of light intensity on biodiversity, and the relationships between pond water pH, dissolved oxygen levels and aquatic vegetation.
Despite the wet and overcast conditions, the students showed fantastic resilience, enthusiasm and determination, putting their research, preparation and practical skills to the test. Their hard work resulted in an excellent day of fieldwork and valuable data collection.
Well done to all four students for their outstanding efforts!
KCC Young Driver and Passenger Course for Year 7, 9 and 12
On Wednesday, our Year 7, 9 and 12 students received a talk from KCC about how to be safe on the roads. This included knowledge about bike and scooter safety, the rules of the road, and how to be safe inside the car as a driver or passenger. It was great to see our students engaged with this and take on board this important information about their safety.
SKA Ski Trips
The Academy has run 11 hugely successful ski trips since February 2015. We have skied in France, Austria, Spain, Italy, and the USA. Children of all ages and ability learnt to ski and developed a passion for the sport. Several attendees have even gone on to complete ski seasons abroad as part of a gap year, following university.
A ski trip isn’t just about learning to ski – it is an opportunity for children to build confidence, make new friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. For many children, a ski trip can be their first experience of snow and the impressive mountains. It is an exciting adventure that takes them outside their usual routine and encourages them to try something new.
A ski trip is also a fantastic social experience. Spending time together away from home gives children the chance to strengthen existing friendships and make new ones, meeting other children from different Year Groups. From travelling together and sharing stories after a day on the slopes, to enjoying meals and evening activities, the experience creates memories that children will talk about for years to come.
We understand that, as a parent, sending your child away on a school or group trip can feel daunting. The trip is carefully organised, with supervision and support throughout. Children will be guided by experienced adults and instructors. Skiing is taught progressively, allowing children to develop their skills at a pace that suits them.
The 2027 Ski Trip to Austria is available to all students. You can sign up for a space on MCAS.
Year 13 Parent Review Meetings
We are delighted to inform you that our Year 13 Parent Review Meeting will take place on Wednesday 4 November from 3.30pm to 7pm.
All appointments are made via MCAS (My Child at School) app, using the Parents’ Evening ‘tile’. The booking system is now open, and will close at 12 noon on the day of the event.
Library Autumn Reading Challenge
Take on the Autumn Reading Challenge and earn House Points; open to all Students, Parents and Staff – who in your household can raise the most House Points? Students – challenge your family to take part too to earn House Points for you!
Collect the booklets from the Library, or simply download your own by clicking on the image. Read a book that fits the topic (one book may fit several topics), write a review, save it, and return to the Librarian (Mrs Drury) at info@skinnerskent.org.uk by 31 December 2026. Make sure to include the student name.
We now have a competition! Two students have earned their Houses over 470 Points from the Summer Challenge with the help from their families. Can you beat that?!! Give the Autumn Reading Challenge go!
Attendance at The Skinners’ Kent Academy
| Year Group | Attendance % this week |
| 7 | 94.8% |
| 8 | 94.9% |
| 9 | 91.8% |
| 10 | 91.8% |
| 11 | 92.7% |
| 12 | 93.6% |
| 13 | 89.1% |
| TOTAL | 93.0% |
