The Ambition Programme is a unique, long-term partnership between Sevenoaks School and Leigh Academies Trust (LAT), designed to significantly enhance the life chances and career aspirations of talented students.

Launched with its first cohort in Summer 2025, this fully-funded programme supports fifteen selected students from five LAT academies, beginning in Year 9 and continuing through to Year 13. The programme is built on a shared vision: to provide an exceptional platform for highly ambitious students to fulfil their potential and gain access to the UK’s leading universities.

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The Ambition Programme Kicks Off with a Day of Discovery!

The Ambition Programme marked an incredible beginning on Monday, 7th July, with its inaugural Launch [...]

The Programme Journey

The Ambition Programme is comprehensive and tailored to foster academic excellence, cultural capital, and personal development. Over five years, students benefit from a range of exclusive opportunities:

Residential Experiences

A residential event each year, including valuable time spent at the world-class facilities of Sevenoaks School.

Expert Mentoring

Regular access to a dedicated university student mentor for personalised guidance, inspiration, and support. This is supplemented by 1:1 mentoring from the Sevenoaks School Alumni network.

Cultural Capital

Termly meet-up days and cultural events hosted by both Sevenoaks School and LAT Academies to broaden horizons and develop a wide range of essential skills.

Exclusive Access

Opportunities to attend specific academic conferences, workshops, and other events provided by Sevenoaks School and its trusted partners.

This unique partnership with Sevenoaks School provides Leigh Academies Trust students with an exceptional platform to fulfill their ambitions and build highly successful careers. The collaboration is built on the shared commitment of Sevenoaks School and Leigh Academies Trust, including its academies, to significantly enhance the life chances of the communities they serve.

Furthermore, the program’s core aligns with the ethos and mission of the International Baccalaureate, reinforcing our dedication to delivering this internationally recognised standard of high-quality education to every student. Leading this work with Kathy, our Sevenoaks and dedicated LAT academies is a privilege, and I have no doubt the programme will establish a powerful and enduring legacy for everyone involved.”

Mathieu Stevens

Principal, Leigh Academy Minster

Sevenoaks School is delighted to have launched the Ambition programme in partnership with Leigh Academy Trust. Our ethos and values align closely, and we share the same commitment to supporting young people to be the very best they can be. The energy and enthusiasm from our first cohort of students is wonderful to see, and that energy is matched by our team of passionate undergraduate mentors. I am excited to work with our partner teachers at Leigh Academy Trust to develop and refine the programme.”

Mrs Kathy O’Donnell

Director of Service and Partnership, Sevenoaks School

Leigh Academies Trust is absolutely delighted to be working with Sevenoaks School on the Ambition Programme, which is benefiting students across several of our secondary academies. Both organisations share a powerful commitment to International Baccalaureate programmes and inclusion. This latest collaboration will help us to ensure excellent post-18 destinations for students from more disadvantaged communities.”

Simon Beamish

CEO of Leigh Academies Trust

Being a mentor on the Ambition programme is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s inspiring to work in an environment that empowers talented pupils to accelerate their personal and professional growth. As a mentor, it’s a privilege to help unlock that potential—and in the process, I’ve developed many valuable skills myself.”

Sophie

Ambition Programme Mentor

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