A core part of the Trust’s approach is to be ‘outward facing’ to its community. We believe that the stronger a school and its leaders become, the greater their obligation to give something back by helping those in need in their community. Our core philosophy says it all: “shaping the lives of young people through high-quality education and in doing so, transforming the communities in which they live”.

Below are a range of examples of community-facing initiatives across LAT.

  • Telescope Bistro, Longfield Academy
    Open to the local community twice per week, serving high-quality cuisine, prepared by post-16 students following City and Guilds Diplomas in Professional Cookery and Hospitality Services;
  • Dartford Football Academy, The Leigh Academy
    A successful collaboration which enables students to study A Level courses at The Leigh whilst also accessing professional football training at Dartford Football Club;
  • Sports Centre and Hydropool, Milestone Academy
    Open daily to Milestone Academy’s young people and members of the local public;
  • Horticulture Centres, Wilmington Academy and Milestone Academy
    Run by students and providing local businesses with high-quality fruit, vegetables and flowers. Both centres have won awards at the Chelsea Flower Show and are members of the Royal Horticulture Society;
  • Play 4 Ages and MegaCamps at all secondary academies
    These provide holiday clubs for children across their local areas during academy closure periods.