Leigh Academy Strood, Rochester
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 3 months agoReport card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Leigh Academy Strood excels at supporting pupils who have previously struggled, with impressive improvements in attendance and a clear behaviour curriculum that creates harmonious learning environments. Teachers are subject experts who adapt their teaching so that disadvantaged pupils and those with special needs learn the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. The school provides excellent pastoral care and extensive enrichment opportunities, preparing all pupils well for their next steps.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding leadership with high expectations and a strong focus on improving pupils' life chances
- Significant improvements in attendance and reduction in persistent absence through decisive action and support
- Excellent teaching with subject expert teachers who adapt lessons for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND
- Strong personal development programme including extensive extracurricular activities and effective careers guidance
- Pupils display mature attitudes, excellent behaviour, and strong commitment to their education
Areas for Improvement
- Overall attainment in national examinations remains below the national average, though pupils' progress from starting points is improving
- Post-16 outcomes historically below national average in some subjects, though leaders are taking effective action
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Art, enterprise, coding, performing arts, sports, gaming, languages, crafts, careers fairs, work experience, Think Forward programme
Leigh Academy Strood is a strong school with exceptional leadership and a clear commitment to supporting all pupils, including disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs. The school has made significant improvements in attendance, behaviour, and teaching quality.
At a Glance
34.2%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
SEN Provision
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
23.0
Avg class size
53
Total classes
2 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
87%
Available places
1,311 pupils
1,500 capacity
189 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Rochester
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Rochester
Admissions Demand - Medway
Places available
4,001
Applications
3,697
Got 1st preference
79.7%
Got preferred school
96.3%
Secondary admissions across Medway (2025/26)
Inspection History(6)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
9.28303%
Overall absence
30.13271%
Persistent absence
1,281
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Reviews
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Leigh Academy Strood
Bligh Primary School (Juniors)
Bligh Primary School (Infants)
Elaine Primary School
Cedar Children's Academy
Gordons Children's Academy, Junior
Gordons Children's Academy, Infant
St Nicholas CEVC Primary School
All Faiths Children's Academy
Temple Mill Primary School
English Martyrs' Catholic Primary School
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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