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Leigh Academy Rainham

United Kingdom, Rochester

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 11 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2021
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification
Taught languages Spanish, French
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Leigh Academy Rainham is a co-educational secondary with sixth form in Kent, opened in 2021 as part of Leigh Academies Trust. The academy offers seven year pathway from Year 7 to Year 13, with IB Middle Years Programme for Years 7 to 9, IB Diploma Programme, and International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, alongside British Curriculum and BTECs. It serves students aged 11 to 18 and operates a non-selective environment. The ethos Dream Believe and Achieve focuses on developing the whole person through a knowledge and skills rich curriculum, supported by 1 to 1 device program. On site, facilities include Courtyard, Cucina Dining Hall, Library, with biometric payments and gates opening at 8:30am. Sports facilities comprise Sports Hall, MUGA and a Sports Field. Digital learning is supported by computer rooms, Google Workspace, Read&Write and TeachMate AI, under a blended digital strategy. Co-curriculars range from Music and Diversity clubs to Computing and School Production. Opportunities.

Leigh Academy Rainham, Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 8GS

The Essentials

Leigh Academy Rainham has instruction in English.

Location
Leigh Academy Rainham is located on Otterham Quay Lane in Rainham, Gillingham, Kent ME8 8GS. It sits within the Medway local authority in England. The academy is part of Leigh Academies Trust.

Stages
11–19; secondary with sixth form.

Type
Co-educational; mixed gender; non-selective secondary school with sixth form.

Additional learning support
SEND and inclusion provisions are described in the school's SEND information and related policies, including support through the Meegan Centre SRP.

Country affiliation
England

School day structure
Students follow a two-week timetable with 48 one-hour lessons. Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri: Arrival 08:00–08:25, Registration 08:30–08:35, Period 1 08:40–09:40, Period 2/Break 09:40–11:00, Period 3 11:00–12:00, Period 4 12:00–13:00, Lunch/Form Time 13:00–14:10, Period 5 14:10–15:10, After School Clubs/Detentions 15:15–16:00. On Wednesdays, the day finishes at 14:00.

Bus service
Bus use is governed by a Bus Code of Conduct Policy; specific transport arrangements are referenced in the Parent-Student Handbook.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The Academy Uniform includes a grey blazer with the Academy logo and grey braiding, a college tie, a white shirt, and black tailored trousers or a knife-pleat skirt with black socks or tights. Branded items are supplied through Brigade Schoolwear as a one-stop shop, with second-hand items available at academy events and a uniform donations bin for supporters.

Food Options
Dining is provided in the Cucina restaurant within the dining hall. The Cucina dining uses a cashless system via ParentPay, with biometric payments for eligible students. Breakfast is available each day, and break and lunchtime meals are served in the dining hall; packed lunches are allowed, with seating in the dining hall or outside dining areas.

House System
There are 3 Colleges: Kingsley College, Angelou College and Turing College. A student's tie signifies their College; the Colleges are assigned to floors: Kingsley on the Ground Floor, Angelou on the First Floor, and Turing on the Second Floor. Heads of College oversee pastoral matters and colleges hold fortnightly assemblies within a small-school pastoral model.

Governance and Ownership
Leigh Academy Rainham is part of Leigh Academies Trust. The Governing Body and staff include the Principal Mrs A. Cramlington and the Chair of Governors Penny Reid; LAT Principal Governor Jo Brooks serves on the Governing Body, reflecting the academy's trust-led governance.
Fees
Application fees

- There is no application fee to apply for a place at Leigh Academy Rainham.

Tuition fees (by year group and per term / per year)

- There are no tuition fees for any year group. Day-time education and the standard curriculum for Years 7–11 and the Sixth Form (Years 12–13) are provided without charge; there is no per-term or per-year tuition invoice for statutory education.

Billing schedule and payment terms (for chargeable items)

- The academy only charges for permitted optional extras and specific items (for example: certain trips and residentials, board and lodging on residential trips, optional music tuition where applicable, specific take-home materials if parents request ownership, some external examination entries in defined circumstances, and voluntary contributions). Charges for these items are set on an activity-by-activity basis and are communicated to parents in advance. Participation in optional chargeable activities is conditional on parental agreement to meet the charge.

- Payment requests for chargeable items are issued per activity and are normally required at the time of booking or before the activity takes place. For larger items (for example residential visits) the academy may publish a staged payment schedule or offer payment-by-instalments; the payment timetable and any instalment options are provided with the activity communication.

Boarding fees

- The academy does not operate a boarding provision. Boarding fees are not applicable.

Other costs and fees (uniform, equipment, meals, trips, music, exam entries, device schemes, damage)

- Uniform: A full academy uniform and PE kit are required. Some branded items must be purchased from the academy's approved supplier(s). Families should budget for blazer, tie, PE kit, academy bag and any branded items required by the uniform policy. Second‑hand and donated uniform support is available through the academy in some circumstances. Specific item prices are set by the supplier and are charged separately.

- Equipment and learning resources: Standard daily equipment (chromebook, calculator, stationery items listed in the equipment policy) is required. Certain revision guides, workbooks or optional course materials may be available to purchase via the academy's payment system for individual cost.

- Meals and catering: Meals are provided on site through the academy catering arrangements. Meal purchases are charged to pupil accounts and are paid through the cashless payments system. Families whose children qualify for Free School Meals will receive the entitlement in line with the normal eligibility rules.

- Educational visits and residential trips: Where an activity is defined as an optional extra the full cost per pupil (including travel, materials, entrance fees, insurance, and where applicable board and lodging) will be charged. Deposits and staged payments may be required and the academy reserves the right to cancel an activity if insufficient voluntary contributions are received. Remissions for board and lodging for qualifying families are available in accordance with the Trust policy.

- Peripatetic / music tuition and external exam charges: The academy may charge for optional individual or small-group music tuition and for certain external examination entries in the limited circumstances permitted by law (for example private entries, resits, or where the academy has not prepared the student in that course year). Such charges are set per service and communicated before enrolment in the activity.

- Damage or negligence: The academy may seek payment for the cost of wilful or negligent damage to academy property caused by a pupil.

Refund information

- Refunds for cancelled activities or surplus trip balances are handled according to the Trust charging and remissions framework and the academy's administrative procedures. Where payments were made by card via the academy's online payments provider, refunds are typically processed back to the original payment method in line with the payment provider's mechanism; final refund treatment may depend on supplier receipts and any non‑refundable supplier charges. Remission (full or partial waiver) of charges for board and lodging on residential activities is available for parents in receipt of qualifying state benefits.

Fee payment options and how payments are collected

- The academy operates as a cashless academy. The primary method for payments (meals, trips, clubs, purchases and other chargeable items) is the secure online payments system ParentPay. ParentPay accepts common debit/credit card payments and also supports bank transfer (via ParentPay bank transfer / Direct Debit setup) and PayPoint cash top-ups at local stores where available. Account activation details are issued to parents when their child joins the academy.

- For specific items or in exceptional circumstances, the academy may communicate any accepted alternative payment arrangements directly for that item (for example where an external supplier manages sales or where a particular payment channel is required).

Summary (what you need to budget for as a parent)

- No application fee and no tuition fee for statutory day-time education (Years 7–11) or Sixth Form place (Years 12–13). Budget instead for: required uniform and PE kit; the pupil's required daily equipment (chromebook, calculator, stationery); optional/voluntary costs such as trips and residentials (including board and lodging where charged), peripatetic music lessons, revision guides or optional course materials; meals where not eligible for Free School Meals; and any repair/replacement costs arising from damage caused by the pupil. The academy will invoice or request payment for optional items on an activity-by-activity basis and will collect payments primarily through ParentPay.
Academics

Leigh Academy Rainham teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for Years 7–9 as part of a 7-year pathway from Year 7 to Year 13; The Sixth Form offers IBCP diploma courses (equivalent to A levels) and vocational-focused BTECs.

Higher Education Progression
The Sixth Form provides pathways including IBCP diploma courses and vocational-focused BTECs to support progression to higher education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment that values and respects every individual. PSHE forms an integral part of Personal Development and is drawn from a wide variety of sources including the RSE curriculum.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Meegan Centre SRP provides specialist provision for students with EHCPs for Moderate Learning Difficulties. The school uses a well-embedded digital curriculum with high quality personalised support from inclusion and pastoral teams and can access Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language support, and CAMHS through Leigh Academies Trust.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
An EAL strategy develops competence in English and provides targeted teaching strategies and scaffolded learning for learners with English as an additional language; the policy aligns with national guidelines and reflects a commitment to fostering an inclusive, high‑achieving school community.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing support is provided through access to Educational Psychologists and CAMHS via The Meegan Centre SRP, together with pastoral and inclusion teams to support student wellbeing and mental health.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is overseen by a dedicated safeguarding team. Policies align with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024, including the LAR Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy; concerns and risk assessments are addressed to ensure student safety.
Parent Experience

History
Leigh Academy Rainham opened in 2021 with a founding Year 7 cohort and is part of Leigh Academies Trust. The school promotes an ethos of Dream, Believe and Achieve and aims to develop the whole child through a knowledge-and-skills rich curriculum. The curriculum is underpinned by the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, supporting diverse thinking and global citizenship. A 1:1 device program accompanies the academy's digital learning approach.

Community
The co-curricular offer provides a wealth of opportunities for students to explore new interests, hobbies, skills, trips and activities beyond lessons. The academy emphasizes strong partnerships with families to support student development and maintain open communication. The school is pursuing Eco School status and is exploring becoming an International School to broaden international links and cultural capital.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Leigh Academy Rainham campus features a Courtyard, a Dining Hall (Cucina) and a Library for study and social spaces. Breakfast is served in the Dining Hall and a biometric, cashless payment system is used to pay for meals. Students can access the Courtyard, Dining Hall and Library during breaks and lunchtimes, and the gates close at 8:30am. The site supports indoor and outdoor sport with a Sports Hall, a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and a Sports Field. There are computer rooms and a 1:1 Chromebook program to support digital learning.

Sports Facilities
The Academy provides a Sports Hall, a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and a Sports Field for PE and co-curricular sport. Trampolining is delivered in the Sports Hall; Netball is played on the MUGA; Rugby and football clubs use the Sports Field.

Academic Facilities
There are computer rooms with desktop facilities and a 1:1 Chromebook program for every student. Students and staff use Google Workspace for Education with Google Classroom as the primary platform for learning, homework and collaboration. Read&Write and TeachMate AI are available to support literacy and learning across subjects. LAT Thrive provides online safety and wellbeing resources as part of the digital provision. The Digital Learning Strategy confirms a blended digital curriculum with Chromebooks used in lessons and for independent study.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular clubs run at lunchtime and after school, including Music club; Diversity club; Computing club; Year 10 RE masterclass; Cheerleading club; Trampolining club (Sports Hall); Year 10 DT masterclass; BTEC catch up; Homework club; School production; Netball club (MUGA); Anime club; GCSE Geography Club; Rugby club (Field); KS3 Art Club; Eco Club; Board Games & Lego Club; KS3 History Club; Food Club; Year 10 History Masterclass; KS3 History Club; How to start a business club; Computer Games Design Club; Football Club (Sports Field).
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has co-curricular clubs that extend learning beyond lessons. After-school clubs run on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:20pm to 4:20pm, and lunchtime clubs run Monday to Friday. Examples include Computing Club (Room 211), GCSE Geography Club (Room 28), Year 10 RE Masterclass (Room 227), Year 10 DT Masterclass (Room 10), BTEC Catch Up (Room 135), How to Start a Business Club (Room 136) and School Production (Activity Studio). Netball Club (MUGA) is also offered as part of the co-curricular programme.

Arts & Creative
Music Club (Room 111) offers opportunities to develop musical skills. KS3 Art Club (Room 119) provides space for visual creativity. School Production sessions take place in the Activity Studio as part of the co-curricular program.

Cultural & Language
Diversity Club (Room 112) led by Miss Allchin is an after-school club. It runs as part of the co-curricular offering. Diversity Club is listed among co-curricular clubs.

Social & Hobbies
The school has a wide range of social and hobbies clubs, including Anime Club (Room 211), Board Games & Lego Club (Room 027), Hobbies Club (Room 288) and Food Club (Room 8). Sports clubs include Netball (MUGA), Rugby (Field), Trampolining (Sports Hall) and Football (Sports Field). Cheerleading Club operates in the Activity Studio. School Production runs in the Activity Studio as part of the co-curricular program.

Community & Service
Eco Club (Room 028) is offered as an after-school club. It is led by Mr Mulvey and Mr Stelfox. It is part of the co-curricular programme.

Leadership & Professional
How to Start a Business Club (Room 136) is offered after school. Miss Hack leads the club. The co-curricular programme includes clubs that support leadership and entrepreneurial activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school has a broad programme of sport and wellbeing activities. Netball, Rugby, Football and Cheerleading run as after-school clubs. Trampolining is held in the Sports Hall. Football is conducted on the Sports Field.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is taught as the modern foreign language (MFL). All students continue language study to GCSE level. The MFL curriculum follows Extensive Processing Instruction and emphasizes listening, reading, writing and speaking. Modules for Years 7–10 include Holidays; Daily Life, Customs & Traditions; Hispanic Art Through the Ages; and Hispanic Literature.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Authority and framework. Leigh Academy Rainham is part of Leigh Academies Trust, which is the admissions authority for the academy. Applications for places are made in accordance with Medway Council's coordinated admissions scheme and timetable. The academy publishes a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 180 for Year 7; up to 180 pupils are admitted if there are sufficient applications. 2. Year 7 admissions. The academy is non-selective; prospective pupils are not required to sit tests. The PAN for Year 7 is 180. If applications exceed PAN, oversubscription criteria are applied in the published order and, if necessary, a distance criterion is used as a tie-breaker; if still equal, a random draw overseen by an independent person decides the place allocation. The academy follows the Local Authority's Fair Access Protocols, which can take precedence for vulnerable children. 3. Timeline for September 2026 admissions (Year 7). Applications open 1 September 2025 and close 31 October 2025. Offers are sent to parents and carers on 2 March 2026. The deadline for accepting offers, waiting requests and appeal requests is 27 March 2026. Re-allocation of places and processing of late applications occurs from 20 April 2026, and waiting lists close on 31 August 2026. 4. In-year admissions and appeals. In-year admissions are available, with a waiting list operated in-year according to the coordinated admissions scheme. Appeals are handled by an Independent Appeal Panel and can be submitted online. 5. Post-16 admissions. For Year 12 entry, minimum academic criteria apply and internal applicants meeting the criteria are admitted; if internal demand exceeds capacity, external applicants may be considered until the 180-capacity is reached. Oversubscription criteria apply to Sixth Form places, and there is published information about course requirements in the Sixth Form prospectus. 6. Open events and ongoing information. Open events are held for September admissions and further details are published on the admissions page.

Waitlist
A waiting list is maintained when applications exceed places. Places from the waiting list are offered in priority order, not by the date of application. The waiting list is re-ranked each time a child is added or removed and before offers are made. The waiting list remains in place until the final day of the academic year, after which it closes.
School Events
The school has not added events
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