About the Academy
To read our latest OFSTED Report, click here.
Leigh Academy Snowfields is a leading special school dedicated to students aged 11-18 (Years 7-13). We specialise in supporting young people with autism who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) identifying this as their primary need. Our students typically achieve at, or within up to 4 years of age-expected attainment levels.
We were established at our initial Bearsted campus in September 2020, opening as part of the Department for Education's Wave 12 Free Schools programme. We were judged Outstanding by Ofsted in all categories in our first inspection in 2023.
Leigh Academy Snowfields delivers the best personalised education within an inspiring learning environment. Our students are supported by exceptional staff who provide a vital balance of care, challenge, and support. We ensure every student experiences a smooth, personalised transition into the Academy. Our core values - Work Hard, Be Kind, Communicate, Stay Safe, and Be Happy - are central to our ethos, curriculum, and culture. We strive daily to embody our motto: Where Nurture Meets Aspiration, helping every student to thrive.
Our Growing Multi-Campus Provision
Our growth accelerated in September 2022 when we expanded our provision to the Cranbrook area of Kent, 14 miles from Bearsted. Snowfields Cranbrook College opened with Years 7, 8, and 9 initially. It is now also home to our Pathfinder Post-16 College. We are delighted that our third campus at Minster successfully opened in September 2025, further extending our reach and capacity. Once fully operational across all three sites, we will offer places to around 400 students from Years 7-13. We are continuously seeking exceptional leaders to join our expanding team.
Outstanding, Purpose-Built Facilities
We are extremely fortunate to have outstanding, purpose-built facilities across all three campuses. These educational settings are meticulously designed to both inspire and support our students' often complex needs, with every detail considered to promote wellbeing and achievement. While each site is unique, they all offer exceptional vocational learning opportunities, including a community café at Bearsted, horticulture facilities, and a bespoke provision at Minster. We have also incorporated a wide range of breakout spaces for movement and regulation across all campuses to support sensory needs, including trampolines and outdoor gyms.
Curriculum and Wellbeing Leadership
Our curriculum is highly responsive to the full spectrum of our students’ needs. Specialisms in horticulture and catering are integrated to ensure young people gain invaluable real-life experience and qualifications that lead to positive employment outcomes. We are actively forging partnerships with local businesses to facilitate meaningful work experience, equipping every student with the skills necessary to confidently transition to their next steps.
Leigh Academy Snowfields leads the way in promoting student wellbeing. Our team of highly trained specialists, including our therapy provision, works collaboratively with families and young people to meet a wide range of complex needs, ensuring holistic support for every individual.