St Leonards CE Academy, Leighton Buzzard

In its own words: "We are a friendly, happy school, where each child is treated as an individual and can grow into a confident, well rounded member of our village and wider community. We are proud that we can maintain this family atmosphere whilst achieving excellent standards across all year groups."

From the headteacher's welcome: "This is a warm and friendly school. Pupils are well cared for in a nurturing environment. They know the school values, for example courage and compassion, which underpin what they do everyday at school. Pupils enjoy learning about each of the school values.. This ensures a positive environment for all, where pupils behave well."

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am and after-school care, from £5.30 per session.

For September 2026 entry, 15 families put St Leonards CE Academy as their first choice and 42 named it as one of their preferences, for 27 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to St Leonards CE Academy are Heathwood Lower School (0.8 miles, Good); Dovery Academy (1 mile); The Rushmere Park Academy (1.7 miles, Good); and High Ash Church of England Primary School (1.7 miles, Requires improvement, 88% reading, 83% maths).

St Leonards CE Academy is one of 15 schools run by Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust, an academy trust.

7.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 6.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (76%) and Mixed (13%).

In 2026, 17 pupils (14.5%) received SEN support and 8 (6.8%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Leighton Buzzard Rail Station, about 2.2 miles away in a straight line.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Emu Close (opposite), 150 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 10 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences and burglary. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Central Bedfordshire (47).

The secondary schools closest to St Leonards CE Academy are Vandyke Upper School (1.5 miles) and Gilbert Inglefield Academy (1.5 miles).