About Us
Alde Valley Academy is a vibrant and rapidly growing mixed academy, proudly serving the community of Leiston, Suffolk. Our aim is to Achieve Success Toegether through our values:
Aspire and Achieve,
Lead with Kindness,
Stronger Together.
At the heart of our success is a passionate team of dedicated professionals who understand that every second of education counts. We are united by a deep commitment to our students and the community we serve. They are the very core of our purpose. Every moment, every lesson, every day is a vital opportunity to inspire, challenge, and support each child to achieve their very best. We believe, without compromise, that with the right environment and encouragement, every student has the potential to achieve greatness.
Alde Valley Academy is now the fastest-growing secondary school in Suffolk, a reflection of our ambitious culture and high expectations for both staff and students. We set no limits on achievement and cultivate an inspiring environment where a love of learning flourishes, and each student is challenged to excel not only academically but personally and socially.
As proud members of the Kingfisher Schools Trust, we are guided by the shared values of opportunity, community, and excellence. These values are more than aspirations, they are embedded in every decision we make and every interaction we have. We believe in providing all students with meaningful opportunities to grow and succeed, fostering a strong sense of belonging within a supportive community, and setting the highest expectations in everything we do.
This is the Kingfisher Spirit in action — a belief that with the right environment, encouragement, and ambition, every young person can soar.
We are deeply committed to unlocking the potential of every student by fostering creativity, independence, collaboration, and resilience. Our curriculum goes beyond the classroom, offering rich opportunities to develop essential life skills; from leadership and critical thinking to emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial ambition.
At Alde Valley Academy, the wellbeing of every student is at the heart of all we do. We know that when young people feel safe, valued, and supported, they are empowered to grow and succeed. Guided by our core values of aspire and achieve, lead with kindness and stronger together, we work hand-in-hand with parents and carers to build a compassionate, inclusive community where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.
We have recently expanded our Oasis SEND support area and strengthened our pastoral team. These enhancements reflect our deep commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every student, regardless of background or ability, is understood, respected, and encouraged to thrive. Together, we are building a school where care, connection, and collaboration lay the foundation for lifelong success.
Our students complete Year 11 as confident, articulate, and compassionate individuals, well-prepared to shape the future. Through strong partnerships with local employers, industries, universities, and post-16 providers, we open doors to a world of opportunities and empower our students to follow their passions with purpose.
We warmly invite you into our school. We run regular Headteacher coffee mornings, where I will happily show you around our school.
Gavin Hetherington
Headteacher
