116 News Articles found - Showing 1-9

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. ..
Ofsted Outstanding Hat-trick! 18 Sep 2025

Ofsted Outstanding Hat-trick!

Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT) is delighted to announce a hat-trick of Outstanding Ofsted gradings, following inspections at Valley Invicta primary schools in Holborough Lakes, Kings Hill and Leybourne Chase at the end of the last academic year. The inspections, which took place over the last three consecutive weeks of the summer term, highlighted the exceptional quality of teaching, leadership, behaviour, and pupil aspirations, expectations and outcomes across the schools. This triple success reflects the hard work and dedication of staff, pupils, and governors, as well as the strong sense of community and ambition that runs throughout VIAT schools. Chief Executive Officer for VIAT, Richard Hayden said: “I am absolutely delighted with these results, which recognise the tireless efforts of our staff and governors, and the fantastic achievements of our pupils. To have three schools attain Outstanding in all areas is testament to the strength of our Trust community and the high standards we set. These fantastic outcomes are something we can all be incredibly proud of and provide strong foundations for the future.” You can read the full reports here: Valley Invicta Primary School at Holborough Lakes - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50286815 Valley Invicta Primary School at Kings Hill - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50287291 Valley Invicta Primary School at Leybourne Chase - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50286719
Staff Development Day 29 Aug 2025

Staff Development Day

Today was a fantastic day for all staff across Valley Invicta Academies Trust, as we all came together for our Staff Development Day. We were honoured to welcome Jason Robinson OBE, former England rugby player, who shared his powerful story of overcoming a challenging childhood and the vital role a teacher played in helping him reach his potential. His words were uplifting, relatable, and a reminder of the profound impact teachers and support staff can have on a child’s life. Feedback has been hugely positive and it was clear the session resonated with everyone in the room. Thank you to Jason for such an inspiring talk, and to all our staff for the passion and commitment you bring to our schools every day. What a great start to Term 1!
Great GCSE results! 21 Aug 2025

Great GCSE results!

Valley Invicta Academies Trust is delighted to celebrate another strong year of GCSE results across its four secondary schools: Invicta Grammar School, SST Maidstone, The Lenham School and Valley Park School. These achievements reflect the hard work and determination of our students, supported by the dedication and professionalism of our staff. A particular highlight this year is the fantastic results at SST Maidstone – the school’s very first set of GCSE outcomes since opening in 2020. This marks a significant milestone and provides a strong foundation for future success. Congratulations to every one of our students on their achievements. We wish them the very best as they move on to the next stage of their educational journey.
Strong A level results 14 Aug 2025

Strong A level results

Valley Invicta Academies Trust is delighted to celebrate the strong A Level results achieved by students across its secondary schools this year. These achievements are the result of sustained hard work, dedication and resilience from students, alongside the unwavering support and commitment of staff. The Trust is hugely proud of every student’s success and progress, and wishes all leavers the very best as they move on to higher education, apprenticeships, the workplace or other ventures.
Young Adventurer Award 11 Jul 2025

Young Adventurer Award

This term has seen a huge number of our primary pupils take place in the VIAT Young Adventurer Award. Specifically designed for our Year 5 pupils, the Young Adventurer Award is inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and encourages children to step outside their comfort zones, learn new skills, and make a positive impact in their communities. Pupils take part in four key areas: developing a new skill, supporting their community, working towards a physical goal, and taking part in an outdoor adventure. Over the course of this year’s programme, pupils across our primary schools embraced the challenge with energy and enthusiasm. From cooking, gardening and calligraphy to volunteering, sports, and fundraising, the creativity and commitment shown was exceptional. The highlight for many, as always, was the celebratory camp-out in June. Pupils from Holborough Lakes, Kings Hill and Leybourne Chase came together on 6 June at Leybourne Lakes and then camped overnight at Leybourne Chase. They enjoyed outdoor activities including paddleboarding, kayaking and pond dipping. Pupils from Aylesford and East Borough then had their overnight stay in the school grounds at East Borough on 27 June after taking part in their own jam-packed schedule of fun endeavours at Mote Park. Well done to all those who took part!
Great staff development day! 9 Jun 2025

Great staff development day!

Last week, Valley Invicta Academies Trust held a productive and inspiring staff development day for all its secondary schools on the first day back after the half term break. The morning was spent with schools focusing on their individual priorities including finalising plans for the next academic year. The afternoon was dedicated to tailored CPD sessions, many of which were led by our talented teachers and staff from across the Trust. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including: - Using AI in education to support both teachers and students - Strategies for supporting vulnerable learners - Live marking techniques It was a fantastic day of collaboration and professional growth for our staff, designed to aim for the very best outcomes for our students.
Celebrating our volunteers 4 Jun 2025

Celebrating our volunteers

As we head towards the end of Volunteers Week, I want to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of our Governors, Trustees and Members across Valley Invicta Academies Trust. These individuals give their time, energy and expertise - entirely voluntarily - to help ensure our schools are the very best they can be for our pupils/students, families and communities and we could not do what we do without them. I also want to thank every single one of our amazing school volunteers - from those who come in to read with younger pupils, to those who help with trips, events or outdoor learning. The time, care and encouragement they give helps enrich school life in so many ways, and I know I speak for all Trust staff when I say I am truly grateful for all that our volunteers do and the huge difference they make. Governance and volunteering can often be quiet work, done behind the scenes, but it is essential. A massive thank you - not just this week, but every week. Richard Hayden CEO, Valley Invicta Academies Trust
Ofsted GOOD for The Lenham School 20 Mar 2025

Ofsted GOOD for The Lenham School

The Trust is very pleased to report that following an Ofsted inspection on 4 and 5 February this year, The Lenham School has retained its Good gradings across all areas. CEO Richard Hayden said: 'I’d like to say congratulations to Headteacher Robbie Ferguson, Executive Headteacher Kim Gunn, and all the staff and students for their dedication and efforts. Their hard work has led to a fantastic result that the entire Trust is immensely proud of.' The report cited: ‘Pupils are happy and proud to attend this school. There is a tangible sense of belonging and community.’ ‘The school has raised its expectations for pupils’ behaviour. There is a coherent approach to promoting positive behaviour that all staff know and apply. As a result, pupils understand what is required of them. This builds confidence and participation, leading to a harmonious learning environment, including in the sixth form. Parents and carers appreciate the care and support their children receive.’ ‘The school has a sharply focused vision for the academic and wider success of its pupils.’ You can read the full report here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/143954
Valley Park School is 'Good' across all areas 12 Mar 2025

Valley Park School is 'Good' across all areas

The Trust is delighted to report that following an Ofsted inspection on 28 and 29 January this year, Valley Park School has retained its Good gradings across all areas. CEO Richard Hayden said: 'I’d like to say congratulations to Headteacher Dave Jones, Executive Headteacher Kim Gunn, staff and students for their hard work and invaluable efforts, resulting in a very positive outcome which the whole Trust is hugely proud of.' The report cited: ‘Pupils are proud to say that ‘We are Valley Park’ and act out the school’s values of ‘ambition, respect and kindness’. Pupils agree that the school is a happy and welcoming place to be. Pupils and sixth-form students have warm relationships with adults built on mutual respect and trust.’ ‘Raised expectations of pupils’ behaviour have had a positive impact across the school. Pupils, staff and parents all say the school is now calm and orderly. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school site.’ ‘The school is led very well. Trustees and governors are highly skilled and fulfil their duties well. All staff are unified in their vision for the school. Leaders support staff with their well-being and workload. Staff are overwhelmingly happy and proud to work at this school.’ You can read the full report here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/136581
Our Schools