Leigh Academy Strood
Carnation Road, Rochester, ME2 2SX
Ofsted report card
Strong standard overall
New Nov 2025 system · 7 areas rated · See below
See the Ofsted ratingsPupils
1305
Ages
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
1305
Headteacher
Mr Jon Richardson
Type
Secondary
Ofsted
Rated across 7 areas
Local authority
Medway
Academy
Yes
Sixth form
Yes
About Leigh Academy Strood
Leigh Academy Strood is a secondary academy in Strood, Rochester, serving pupils aged 11 to 19. It admits both boys and girls. The school has a sixth form.
Learning and school life
The curriculum is designed for pupils in the school's age range.
SEND and information for families
It is a mainstream school with resourced SEND provision and a SEN unit. The school's SEND information covers autism. Parents should check the school's latest admissions policy and SEN information report for current details.
Ofsted inspection
Leadership & Governance
How well the school is led and overseen
Curriculum & Teaching
What pupils are taught and how well
Achievement
How well pupils do in their learning
Attendance & Behaviour
How pupils behave and how often they attend
Personal Development & Wellbeing
Support for pupils' wider growth and wellbeing
Inclusion
How well the school supports every pupil, including those with extra needs
Sixth Form (Post-16)
Quality of education and support for 16 to 19 study
Based on the Ofsted inspection of 09/06/2026.
School admissions
No entrance test - you apply through your council
Leigh Academy Strood does not run its own entrance test. Places are allocated by Medway Council using published oversubscription criteria - usually looked-after children, siblings, distance from the school, and (for faith schools) faith criteria.
Dates and criteria change each year - always confirm with the school and Medway Council. Medway school admissions →
How to apply
1. Apply through your council (September-31 October)
Complete the Secondary Common Application Form on the Medway Council website. Kent residents can list up to 4 schools in preference order.
2. National Offer Day (1 March)
You'll be told your allocated school by email.
3. Accept and, if needed, appeal
Accept your place by the given date. If you didn't get your preferred school, you have the right to appeal - the school's admissions authority handles this.
4. In-year admissions
Moving mid-year? Apply directly through Medway Council's in-year admissions team, or in some cases direct to the school.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If Leigh Academy Strood is not offered on National Offer Day, you can appeal the decision. The appeal is heard by an independent panel and is free to submit.
How to appeal a school offerSchool results & attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
Average grade · 2024/25
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND
We are currently working with the school to provide more in-depth SEND information. In the meantime, visit the school's SEND information page for further SEND information.
Wraparound & nursery
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Medway standard term dates for 2026/27
These are Medway Council's standard term dates. Your school may use different dates and INSET days, so check the school's website before making plans.
Autumn 1 · 2026
1 Sep-23 Oct
Autumn 2 · 2026
2 Nov-18 Dec
Spring 1 · 2027
4 Jan-12 Feb
Spring 2 · 2027
22 Feb-25 Mar
Summer 1 · 2027
12 Apr-28 May
Summer 2 · 2027
7 Jun-21 Jul
Frequently asked
What type of school is Leigh Academy Strood?
Leigh Academy Strood is a secondary academy. It admits both boys and girls.
What age range does Leigh Academy Strood cover?
Leigh Academy Strood serves pupils aged 11 to 19.
What SEND support does Leigh Academy Strood offer?
Leigh Academy Strood is a mainstream school with resourced SEND provision and a SEN unit. Areas of SEND support include autism.
What is Leigh Academy Strood's Ofsted rating?
At its inspection on 9 June 2026, Ofsted graded Leigh Academy Strood Strong standard for leadership and governance, curriculum and teaching, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing, and inclusion, and Expected standard for achievement and its sixth form. Safeguarding standards were met.
Where is Leigh Academy Strood?
Leigh Academy Strood is at Carnation Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent, ME2 2SX.
About this information. Compiled from published sources including the Department for Education, Ofsted and the school's own website. Last reviewed July 2026.
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