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Leigh Academy High Halstow

United Kingdom, Rochester

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The school at a glance
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Introduction

Leigh Academy High Halstow is a coeducational primary school delivering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for pupils aged 3–12 and is a Candidate School pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The curriculum is organised across six subject areas and guided by transdisciplinary lines of inquiry, with inquiry‑based learning that develops autonomous, inquiring thinkers who can articulate their ideas. SMSC development and British values are integrated in assemblies and cross‑curricular themes, and families and the wider community are involved in learning through events and open classrooms. The school aims to deepen knowledge and cultural capital while preparing pupils for life beyond primary school. Clubs include Spanish Club, Irish Dancing, Choir, Gymnastics and Football; Breakfast Club runs mornings with activities, and there is an after‑school club on site until 5:15pm. Facilities include playground equipment, a Trim Trail, and KS2 swimming lessons through Shinkai programme, with sports pitch rota.

The Essentials

Location
Harrison Drive, High Halstow, Rochester, Kent ME3 8TF. The academy sits in the Medway area serving the High Halstow community. It is part of Leigh Academies Trust.

Stages
3-11 (primary)

Type
coeducational (mixed)

Religious affiliation
None

School day structure
Breakfast Club runs from 8am.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Part of Leigh Academies Trust.
Fees
Application fees

- There is no application or registration fee for admission to the academy or for applying for a Nursery (Hatchlings) place.

Tuition fees by year group

- Reception – Year 6 (statutory primary schooling): No tuition fees are charged. Education for children of compulsory school age at this academy is provided without tuition charges.

- Nursery (Hatchlings early years provision): Fees vary depending on a child's funded-hours eligibility and the session length attended. The nursery operates 38 weeks per academic year (term‑time). Fees are charged each module; the published session/hour rates are as follows.
- Child eligible for 30 funded hours:
- 8:35am–11:35am: Free.
- 8:35am–2:35pm: Free.
- 2:35pm–3:20pm (aftersession): £6 per session.
- Child eligible for 15 funded hours:
- 8:35am–11:35am: Free.
- 11:35am–2:35pm: £24 per session.
- 11:35am–3:20pm: £30 per session.
- Child not eligible for funded hours (fee‑paying nursery place):
- 8:35am–11:35am: £24 per session.
- 8:35am–2:35pm: £48 per session.
- 8:35am–3:20pm (full day): £54 per session.

How nursery fees are billed and payment terms

- Billing schedule: Nursery fees are payable each module (the nursery's funding modules/term blocks). Fees are reviewed annually; any change is notified at least one module in advance.
- Withdrawal/notice: One calendar month's written notice is required to withdraw a child from the Nursery.
- Late collection: A late‑collection penalty of £1 per minute is applied if a child is not collected at the end of a session.
- Late payment: Non‑payment without agreed alternative arrangements may result in withdrawal of the nursery place. The nursery will discuss confidentially alternative payment arrangements where parents have financial hardship.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not offered at this academy; there are no boarding fees. The academy provides day primary and early years education only.

Other costs and optional charges

- School uniform: Parents are expected to provide school uniform. The academy's pupil‑premium and support arrangements include provision to assist with uniform costs for eligible families. Specific uniform pricing is not listed here.
- Breakfast club: The academy operates breakfast club provision. Budgeted (published) figures indicate places are charged (example figure used in school planning: £468 per child per year for a breakfast club place), and availability of subsidised/free places is managed through school support arrangements. Parents should expect a separate charge where a paid place is taken.
- Trips, outings and optional extras: Outings, celebrations and other extras beyond funded nursery sessions are not included in the published nursery session fees and are chargeable as optional extras where applicable. Schools may request voluntary contributions for enrichment activities; charges for optional extras are separate from statutory tuition.
- Consumables / replacement items: The academy may recover the cost of replacing items broken, damaged or lost by pupils where appropriate, and may charge for optional items or services that fall outside the requirement to provide free education.

Refunds and closures

- Nursery closures: If the nursery cannot open due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, chargeable sessions may be refunded or credited at the nursery's discretion. If closure occurs part‑way through a session, a refund will not be given for that session.
- Refunds in other unforeseen circumstances: Refunds to fee‑paying parents may be given at the academy's discretion in line with the nursery admissions/fee policy.

How fees may be paid

- Nursery payments are accepted through the academy's online payments portal MyChildAtSchool; login details are provided when a nursery place is confirmed. For other payments or alternative methods, contact the academy office.

Summary statement

- No tuition charges apply for statutory primary provision (Reception–Year 6). The only published direct education charges at this academy relate to Nursery (Hatchlings) sessions where children are not fully covered by funded hours, plus optional extras (aftersessions, trips, breakfast club, optional services). Nursery session rates, billing by module, late‑collection and withdrawal notice rules apply as stated above.
Academics

Curriculum
Leigh Academy High Halstow delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for pupils aged 3-12 and is a candidate school pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The curriculum is taught through the IB PYP, with knowledge and skills organized across six subject areas and guided by transdisciplinary lines of inquiry. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning, developing independent, inquiring thinkers who can talk articulately about their ideas. The school integrates SMSC development and British values within assemblies and cross-curricular themes, and involves families and the wider community in learning through events and open classrooms. The aim is to deepen knowledge and cultural capital while preparing pupils for life beyond primary school.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social, emotional, and mental health are central to the school's approach to pupil development. The school provides dedicated support for emotional and social development, including trained Drawing and Talking therapists and an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA). A Dog Mentor and school dogs support wellbeing as part of welfare provision. Pupil voice informs SEND plans and reviews throughout the year, helping shape next steps. Staff receive ongoing SEND training and work with external professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Educational Psychologists to support emotional and social development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Four main categories of SEND are provided for: Communication and Interaction; Cognition and Learning; Social, Mental and Emotional Health Difficulties; and Sensory and/or Physical Needs. The range of needs includes ADHD, anxiety, auditory processing disorder, Autism, PDA, dyslexia, emotional dysregulation, epilepsy, motor skill delay, global development delay, hearing impairment, Irlen syndrome, mental health needs, moderate learning difficulties, sensory processing disorder, speech and language needs, and visual impairment. The school uses assessment tools such as Speech Link, Language Link, Dyslexia screening, Behaviour checklists, ASD checklists, and ADHD checklists. The SENCo attends regular meetings with Medway Educational Psychologists to discuss pupils and plan next steps, with parents/carers informed of outcomes. A SEN Support Plan (SSP) is created and reviewed; in some cases an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be pursued.

Mental Wellbeing
Emotional and social development are supported through dedicated programmes and therapies. We provide Drawing and Talking therapists and an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA). We have links with a Dog Mentor and school dogs to support wellbeing. The SENCo collaborates with the school nursing team and Medway Educational Psychologist team to support pupils and families. Pupil voice informs wellbeing planning and reviews throughout the year, ensuring pupil perspectives are considered. External professionals may be engaged as needed to promote resilience and mental wellbeing.
Parent Experience

Community
Leigh Academy High Halstow has at its core the pursuit of the highest standards in education. The academy believes in high aspirations, high motivation and high achievement for all. By following the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, pupils have opportunities to develop their learning beyond the local area and engage with the wider world. It aims to build a community where everyone feels equally valued, safe and challenged to do their best.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) underpins the academy's curriculum. The school is a Candidate School for the IB PYP and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The IB framework focuses on developing inquirers and knowledge about the world through six transdisciplinary themes. The learner profile aims to develop autonomous, confident, and globally minded learners who communicate their thinking and apply learning across subjects.

Arts & Creative
Academy clubs include Spanish Club, Irish Dancing, Choir, Gymnastics and Football. Breakfast Club offers mornings with activities including sporting activities, arts and crafts and board games. There is an after-school club on site led by outside providers until 5:15pm.

Cultural & Language
Spanish Club is offered, along with Irish Dancing. These language and cultural activities are part of the clubs and curriculum experiences. The IB PYP framework supports international learning and cultural engagement as part of the school's approach.

Social & Hobbies
Breakfast Club runs from 8am daily for pupils who have booked a place, offering breakfast and activities such as sporting activities, arts and crafts and board games. Academy clubs vary and include an after-school club on site until 5:15pm. Pupils take part in numerous sporting events and competitions throughout the year, including swimming, hockey, football, cricket and athletics.

Community & Service
Community involvement is integral to the IB PYP, inviting families and visitors to participate in learning and share experiences such as assemblies and PTA events. The Parents and Community section highlights opportunities for family involvement and engagement with the PTA. Educational visits to museums and exhibitions, and visits from performing artists or groups, broaden curriculum experiences.

Leadership & Professional
Young Leaders are encouraged to promote inclusivity and creativity on the playground. Staff training includes developing leadership through sports leaders and lunch-time supervisors. There are volunteer opportunities for parents to support clubs (e.g., Irish Dancing) and to contribute to club activities before competitions.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Breakfast Club runs from 8am daily for booked pupils, with breakfast options and activities. Pupils engage in daily activities ranging from sporting activities to arts and crafts and board games. Swimming lessons for KS2 are provided, with the Shinkai swimming school used to track progression. The academy also has new playground equipment and a Trim Trail, with a lunchtime sports pitch rota to support active play.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the medium of instruction. Pupils learn an additional language linked to lines of inquiry where appropriate. The school provides a language-rich environment with a central library, book corners and classroom resources to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing, supported by technology. Parents are encouraged to support language development at home through activities such as regular reading.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Application procedure. Leigh Academy High Halstow follows Medway's coordinated admissions process. The Academy admits four-year-olds into Reception. For 2024/2025 entry, children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 are eligible. Entry can be deferred to Term 3 or after the fifth birthday.
2. Oversubscription criteria. After admitting pupils with a SEN or Education Health Care Plan, if the number of applications exceeds places, offers follow a priority order: looked after children and previously looked after children; children previously in care outside England; current family association (brother or sister in the school); health reasons; children of staff; nearness of home. If two or more children are equally eligible for the last place, a random draw is used.
3. Casual admissions. An application form is downloaded, completed, and returned to the Office Manager. For transfers from another school without moving home, the Principal will contact the current school to determine the correct level of support. The parent and child are expected to visit the academy and meet with the Principal before a place is offered.
4. Waiting lists. If there are no spaces in the requested year group, a Waiting List Request Form can be submitted to the Office Manager to place a child on the waiting list. A child's position on the waiting list is determined solely by the oversubscription criteria. When spaces become available, offers are made to waiting list candidates in accordance with the oversubscription criteria.
5. Appeals. Parents have the right to appeal if a place is not offered. Appeals are handled in line with the School Admissions Appeals Code and the policy on admission appeals.
6. Class sizing. Class sizes in EYFS and KS1 are limited by Infant Sizing Legislation to 30 pupils per class.

Waitlist
Waiting lists: If there are no spaces in the requested year group, a Waiting List Request Form can be submitted to the Office Manager to place a child on the waiting list. A child's position on the waiting list is determined solely by the oversubscription criteria. When spaces become available, offers are made to waiting list candidates in accordance with the oversubscription criteria.
School Events
The school has not added events
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