Leigh Academy Rolls Out Red Carpet for Minster Campus Open Day
Leigh Academy is set to take the reins of the Oasis Academy’s Minster campus this September. To mark the occasion, they’re inviting parents and students to an open day on Saturday, February 24. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Minster Road, offering a chance to explore the site and get the lowdown on exciting upcoming changes.
Major Expansion: Snowfields Special School Joins the Fold
The big news: the Snowfields Special School is expanding right on the same campus. It will cater to up to 60 pupils, many on the autistic spectrum, providing specialist education and tailored support.
“I am thrilled that Leigh Academy Minster’s fantastic site has been chosen to support the expansion of this truly outstanding academy,” says incoming principal Mathieu Stevens. “Our staff and students will gain from this partnership through collaboration, best practice sharing, and mutual support.”
£2.5 Million Boost Backed by Kent County Council
Snowfields, part of the Leigh Academies Trust, will open in a refurbished, separate building by September 2025. The £2.5 million project has strong backing from Kent County Council. The school boasts an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating and currently runs campuses in Bearsted and Cranbrook.
Game-Changer for Isle of Sheppey Families
Currently, over 160 children from the Isle of Sheppey travel to the mainland for specialist schooling. Having Snowfields on the island will be a massive win, cutting travel times and providing local access to tailored education for kids with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
Kent County Councillor Mike Whiting stated, “For too long, there has been no provision on the Isle of Sheppey for children needing special education.”
The open day promises a glimpse into a brighter future for education on the Isle of Sheppey, with Leigh Academy and Snowfields ready to deliver top-tier support and learning opportunities for all.
