admissions

In September 2023, Hayesbrook became Leigh Academy Tonbridge as we welcomed our first mixed cohort in Year 7 and there has never been a better time to join the school. In December 2022  we were inspected by Ofsted who judged the school to be a securely ‘Good’ school where behaviour and attitudes are graded as ‘outstanding’. ‘The schools’ small size ensures that all pupils are known, valued and nurtured…Behaviour and attitudes are exceptional.’

The inspection recognised strengths in reading and literacy; careers provision; teachers’ subject knowledge; the support provided by the trust and the governing body; as well as identifying the ‘meticulous’ arrangements for safeguarding. The report also recognised “Senior leaders are relentless about raising standards and maintaining high expectations…”.. These strengths were fully underpinned by the Inspectors through their meetings with students and staff, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from the parental community.

In 2022, our Progress 8 score ( national measure of student progress) was +0.25, showing that our students achieve approximately a quarter of a grade better than their peers nationally. This is one of the highest scores for non-selective schools in Kent. The academy has regularly ranked in the top 10 non-selective and non-denominational schools in Kent based on student achievement for GCSE – although it seems a long way off I am certain you will be pleased to know how successful students are when they leave us. Furthermore, all of our Year 13 students achieved a place at their first-choice university. We believe in offering a curriculum that is right for our students as individuals; one which provides them the chance to be inspired, learn new things and gives them a range of experiences.

In-Year Admissions

LATonbridge accepts applications from all year groups throughout the year, known as “In Year Admissions”. The process for applying to join the academy is as follows:

1. Complete the initial application form here as fully as possible. The completed form is submitted to our Admissions Department, and will commence the In Year Admission process.
2. Our Admissions Department will contact you to further qualify the application and offer you a place on the next available school tour. We offer group tours followed by individual meetings every other Friday from 9.00am. We would always recommend that as well as parents/carers attending this tour, the student should also attend, they are the ones who need to be the most comfortable and happy to attend the academy each day.
3. On the day of the tour, you will need to bring a copy of either a birth certificate or passport for your child, along with proof of address for the parent making the application (council tax/utility bill or similar). Please also bring a copy of your child’s latest academic and attendance reports.
4. Our Admissions Department will provide families with all the relevant admissions forms for completion.
5. The Senior Leadership Team meet every Tuesday afternoon to discuss all applications.
6. With successful applications, the student will be formally invited to join the academy on the next Friday (unless falling on the last day of term).
7. For full details of our uniform, click here. Parents must order the relevant college tie, blazer and PE kit from Brigade. If the uniform has not arrived in time for the student’s first day, they must wear all non-branded items (white shirt, grey trousers or pleated skirt and black shoes) and a blazer and tie will be loaned until your order arrives.
8. On the first day, new students should come to Reception where they will be met by their Student Manager and will be given their Chromebook, charger, timetable and any other useful information.

Waiting Lists at Leigh Academy Tonbridge

Once offers have been made by Kent Admissions, a waiting list will be maintained by Leigh Academy Tonbridge and places are offered if they become available in accordance with our oversubscription criteria.