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.

Waiting Lists and Appeals 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. For those wishing to make an appeal for a place, further details will be provided according to the Kent Admissions timetable.

If your child is due to start secondary school in September 2023 you can appeal between 1 March and 5 May 2023 (extended from KCCs published date of 28 March); appeals will be heard during the week commencing 3 July 2023. For applications made in the normal admission round, appeals must be heard within 40 school days of the deadline for lodging appeals. For late applications, appeals should be heard within 40 school days from the deadline for lodging appeals where possible, or within 30 school days of the appeals being lodged.