Lancaster Academy

23/09/2026

Discord gives young people a space to chat, play games and join communities based around shared interests.
While it can be a positive way to connect with friends, there are also important risks for parents and educators to understand.
Our latest guide highlights:
• Contact with strangers
• Harassment and harmful behaviour
• Exposure to inappropriate content
• Gaming and socialising becoming a distraction
• Spending and subscription risks
It also shares practical advice on using Discord’s Family Centre, reviewing privacy and spending settings, talking openly about suspicious behaviour and agreeing clear expectations around screen time.
Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/5jh5f

Discord gives young people a space to chat, play games and join communities based around shared interests.

While it can be a positive way to connect with friends, there are also important risks for parents and educators to understand.

Our latest guide highlights:
• Contact with strangers
• Harassment and harmful behaviour
• Exposure to inappropriate content
• Gaming and socialising becoming a distraction
• Spending and subscription risks

It also shares practical advice on using Discord’s Family Centre, reviewing privacy and spending settings, talking openly about suspicious behaviour and agreeing clear expectations around screen time.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/5jh5f

17/09/2026

This week we have been busy not only with Open Evening but also putting the final touches in place for our Student Ambassador Teams.
Our senior leadership team met with Ms McElhill, principal and in turn Ms McElhill met with our new year 7 Ambassadors, who completed their applications to join a team and become an ambassador. We are so proud of all of them and looking forward to hearing all of their ideas.

16/09/2026

Open Evening 2026.
A huge thank you to everyone who came to see us this evening, it was lovely to see so many of you! A special thanks to our staff for creating so many fun activities to try, from recreating Stonehenge from biscuits to fencing and delicious samples to try from our catering team, there's been plenty to try!
If you missed out on our Open Evening, please do contact us on 0116 270 3176 and book in for a tour of the school during the school day.

15/09/2026

Just before we open our doors and welcome you into our school tomorrow, our new Principal sat down and spoke about her first 7 days at Lancaster.
It's not too late to register and attend. click here: https://www.ticketsource.com/learningwithoutlimits/t-qmaqpyx
Every day is an open day and if you wish to visit during the school day, please contact the school and ask to book in for a tour.

11/09/2026

🎶 Student Voice: Music in Assembly 🎶

As part of our commitment to student voice, each tutor group will have the opportunity to choose the music that accompanies our Theme of the Week in assembly.

🎵 Year 11 are leading the way!
Last week during our personal development assemblies our student senior leadership team chose ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry, the instrumental version of this song fitted perfectly with the theme.
11ZH have made their selection for this week, the ‘Ready for the future’ assembly was accompanied by ‘This is me’ from the greatest showman, and next week it will be the turn of 11RG.

We’re looking forward to hearing the music choices from each tutor group and seeing how students connect music with our weekly themes. 🎶

Your voice. Your choice. Your music

09/09/2026

Character.AI enables users to create and interact with AI-powered characters that can behave like friends, mentors, fictional characters or romantic partners.
While these tools can feel engaging and emotionally supportive, they also introduce important safeguarding, wellbeing and privacy considerations for children and young people.
Our latest guide supports parents, carers and educators in understanding the risks and opening constructive conversations around AI companionship.
The guide explores:
• Inappropriate content and unreliable advice
• Emotional dependency and blurred boundaries
• Privacy concerns linked to personal information
• Warning signs such as secretive or excessive use
• Withdrawal from real-world activities and relationships
• Practical steps around age settings, limits and reporting concerns
With clear, accessible guidance, this resource helps adults support safer, more balanced and informed use of AI character platforms.
Access the guide here: https://vist.ly/5hs5g

Character.AI enables users to create and interact with AI-powered characters that can behave like friends, mentors, fictional characters or romantic partners.

While these tools can feel engaging and emotionally supportive, they also introduce important safeguarding, wellbeing and privacy considerations for children and young people.

Our latest guide supports parents, carers and educators in understanding the risks and opening constructive conversations around AI companionship.

The guide explores:
• Inappropriate content and unreliable advice
• Emotional dependency and blurred boundaries
• Privacy concerns linked to personal information
• Warning signs such as secretive or excessive use
• Withdrawal from real-world activities and relationships
• Practical steps around age settings, limits and reporting concerns

With clear, accessible guidance, this resource helps adults support safer, more balanced and informed use of AI character platforms.

Access the guide here: https://vist.ly/5hs5g

04/09/2026

01/09/2026

🎨✨ A beautiful reminder of belonging! ✨🎨

Our Year 7 students designed each bird to make this fantastic piece of wall art during their Transition Day in July, and we’re delighted that it has now found a permanent home in the Year 7 area! 🖌️💫

It’s wonderful to see their creativity celebrated in the corridor where all students can admire their artistic work and be reminded every day that:

“Belonging is not blending in, it is finding where your wings fit.”

A perfect message as our students start this new academic year with us. 💙

❤️

28/08/2026

Returning to school after a break can be a significant adjustment for children and young people, particularly when routines, concentration and social confidence need time to rebuild.
Our latest guide supports families, carers and education professionals with practical ways to make the transition smoother.
The guide explores:
• Restoring sleep and morning routines gradually
• Creating predictability through clear expectations
• Preparing school essentials in advance
• Encouraging responsibility in age-appropriate ways
• Supporting healthy nutrition, wellbeing and self-regulation
• Reconnecting with learning, friendships and familiar routines
With expert insight from Adam Gillett, Associate Vice Principal for Personal Development at Pen*stone Grammar School, this resource offers supportive ideas to help children return to school feeling more confident and prepared.
Access the guide: https://vist.ly/5g6hq

Returning to school after a break can be a significant adjustment for children and young people, particularly when routines, concentration and social confidence need time to rebuild.

Our latest guide supports families, carers and education professionals with practical ways to make the transition smoother.

The guide explores:
• Restoring sleep and morning routines gradually
• Creating predictability through clear expectations
• Preparing school essentials in advance
• Encouraging responsibility in age-appropriate ways
• Supporting healthy nutrition, wellbeing and self-regulation
• Reconnecting with learning, friendships and familiar routines

With expert insight from Adam Gillett, Associate Vice Principal for Personal Development at Pen*stone Grammar School, this resource offers supportive ideas to help children return to school feeling more confident and prepared.

Access the guide: https://vist.ly/5g6hq

25/08/2026

First Day Back to School!

WOW, what a day! 🌟 A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of such a fantastic start to this academic year.

From welcoming our new Year 7 learners and our new Principal, and seeing lots of changes across the school, with all the hard work that has gone on over the summer, it has been fantastic to see such a positive start to the new school year.

The summer sun was shining, and our learners got to enjoy time playing outside on the playground! ☀️

Here’s to a brilliant year ahead! 📚✨