Welcome to Leigh Academies Snowfields. We are a special school for students aged 11-18 with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and an Education, Health and Care Plan with this as the primary need. Our students have complex needs associated with their autism and are usually working close to, or within around 4 years of age expected attainment levels. We opened at Bearsted in September 2020 following approval by the Department for Education = in Wave 12 of the Free Schools programme.
Leigh Academy Snowfields offers the very best personalised approaches within an inspiring learning environment. Our students are taught and supported by exceptional staff who offer care, challenge and support. Every student has a personalised transition from their starting point into our Academy and we work closely with other providers to streamline this process and smooth out any challenges along the way. Leigh Academy Snowfields brings our values to life: Be Kind, Work Hard, Communicate, Stay Safe and Be Happy. These values permeate our culture; our buildings, our curriculum, our aims and our ethos. We work hard every day to ensure we bring our motto, Where Nurture Meets Aspiration, to life, and help our students to thrive.
In September 2022 we extended our offer into the Cranbrook area of Kent, 14 miles from our Bearsted campus. Students in Years 7-11 at Cranbrook enjoy the same curriculum offer as at Bearsted. In September 2025 we also opened our Minster College on the site of Leigh Academy Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. We now offer places to students from across Kent at one of our three colleges.
We are extremely fortunate to have exceptional buildings at each of our sites. At every college we offer outstanding educational settings which both inspire young people and support their complex needs. Careful consideration has been given to all aspects of the design at all sites to promote high levels of wellbeing and exceptional achievement. Although the sites are not identical, they all offer exceptional vocational learning opportunities with a community cafe at Bearsted and exceptional horticulture facilities. We have also provided a range of breakout spaces and opportunities for sensory regulation at each college, along with indoor and outdoor trampolines and outdoor gym facilities. Every building is designed by autism experts to support sensory regulation, inclusion and accessibility.
Our Post-16 provision, Pathfinder College is based at Cranbrook. We can offer around 48 places for students in Years 12 and 13 in our exceptional, purpose designed provision offering a range of academic and vocational Entry Level, Level 1 and 2 qualifications. Please see our Pathfinder College page for more information.
Across sites, our curriculum reflects the full range of our pupil needs. Specialisms in horticulture and catering will enable young people to gain real-life experiences and qualifications leading to the very best employment opportunities. We are forging partnerships with local businesses to offer work experience to facilitate this,and so provide every student with the skills necessary to confidently transition from school onto their next steps.
Leigh Academy Snowfields leads the way in offering support for young people’s wellbeing through a team of highly trained specialists who will work collaboratively with families and young people to meet a wide range of complex needs. We offer exceptional support with developing speech, language and communication needs with an exceptional communication curriculum offer designed and delivered by highly experienced Speech and Language Therapists who are experts in autism practice. Our therapy team is led by a highly specialist qualified speech and language therapist who also oversees a team of highly qualified counsellors, a commissioned occupational therapist and therapy assistants.
I welcome your interest in Leigh Academy Snowfields, whether you are a student, parent, carer or other family member, a professional or member of the local community. Please do contact me if you would like a tour, any further information or would like to register your interest.
Dee Pickerill | Principal