Today, a group of our students had the incredible opportunity to take part in a special International Women’s Day Conference here at Countesthorpe Academy.
They heard from two truly inspirational women:
💼 Dame Amanda Blanc, CEO of Aviva Group
👮 Superintendent Siobhan Gorman, Leicestershire Police
Both speakers shared powerful messages about ambition, resilience, and self-belief. They encouraged our students to aim high, break down barriers, challenge expectations, and to never accept second place.
Their stories showed our young people that leadership has no limits—and neither should their aspirations.
🌟 Today wasn’t just about celebrating women; it was about inspiring the next generation to shape the future with confidence, courage, and determination.
Here’s to strong women—may we know them, may we raise them, and may we become them.
#InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #InspireInclusion #CountesthorpeAcademy #FutureLeaders
Celebrating International Women’s Day with Changing the Face of Construction Workshop
Colleagues from Blaby District Council and Leicester College visited Countesthorpe Academy to mark National Careers Week and International Women’s Day in particular, with their interactive Changing the Face of Construction workshop.
Selected Year 8 students took part in the session, which featured talks from women working across a range of roles within the construction industry. Jo, Tia, Kiera and Jocelyn shared insights into their careers, the skills required in the sector and the importance of increasing diversity within traditionally male‑dominated fields.
Alongside the talks, students engaged in team‑building activities designed to highlight the wide variety of career options available in construction. The workshop aimed to challenge gender stereotypes, broaden students’ aspirations and showcase the growing opportunities for young people, particularly girls, to pursue rewarding futures in the industry.
The Blaby District Council and Leicester College visit forms part of ongoing efforts to support local schools and encourage the next generation to explore inclusive, forward‑thinking career pathways.
Countesthorpe Academy was bursting with creativity, colour and character this World Book Day, as students and staff came together to celebrate the magic of reading.
Our students truly shone this year! The effort and imagination poured into their costumes were nothing short of brilliant, from vibrant fantasy figures to classic literary icons, every outfit showcased a genuine love for stories and storytelling! A huge well‑done to everyone who dressed up and brought their favourite characters to life.
Congratulations also go to our costume prize winners, whose standout looks earned them some well‑deserved goodies!
As part of the celebration, all Year 7 and Year 8 students received a free World Book Day book and took part in a series of fun competitions during their library lessons, helping to spark new reading interests and encourage book‑based discussions.
Our fantastic faculty also stepped into character, adding to the excitement with their own imaginative costumes. Seeing teachers transform into beloved heroes, villains, and storybook favourites created a wonderfully joyful atmosphere across the academy.
World Book Day is all about celebrating the power of imagination, and this year, our school community did exactly that.
Here’s to more reading, more imagining, and many more stories still to come. 💫📖
Please be reminded that our school closes early for students on Tuesday 10th March 2026 at 2pm to allow our teachers and staff to focus on professional development.
Full details can be found at https://links.clcc.college/early25
Week commencing Monday 2nd March 2026
Here’s what’s cooking next week in the CA dining hall!
✨ Daily Highlights
Monday:
- Battered Fish with crispy potatoes, peas/beans
- Veg: Cheese & vegetable bake
- Fruit crumble & custard
Tuesday:
- Spaghetti Bolognese with garlic bread
- Veg: Vegetable pasta bake
- Fruit muffin
Wednesday:
- Roast Turkey with stuffing, roast potatoes, broccoli & carrots
- Veg: Vegan savoury bake
- Iced school sponge
Thursday:
- Mini meatballs in gravy, mash, peas & carrots
- Veg: Quorn meatballs
- Chocolate cornflake cake
Friday:
- Pepperoni pizza & curly fries
- Veg: Cheese & tomato pizza
- Shortbread biscuit
🍝 Available Every Day:
- Pasta Bar (choice of 2 sauces)
- Jacket potatoes with a selection of fillings
