Local Area

Leigh Academy Snowfields operates across three specialist campuses, each designed to provide exceptional learning environments for young people with a diagnosis of autism. Our provision has grown steadily in response to community needs: Bearsted College opened in September 2020, followed by Cranbrook College in September 2022, and most recently Minster Campus in September 2025.

Together, these campuses enable us to serve students across a wide geographical area while offering staff diverse opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and development. Strong transport links and regular staff travel between sites support joint working, shared training, and a unified Snowfields culture.

Bearstead

Situated in a modern, purpose-built facility near Maidstone, Bearsted College was the first of our campuses to open. The site benefits from excellent transport connections, including easy access to the M20 and nearby rail links at Bearsted and Maidstone stations. Staff regularly travel between Bearsted and our other campuses for training and cross-site collaboration, supported by well-established transport routes. The campus offers a vibrant, established environment with a strong sense of community and a wealth of specialist resources.

Cranbrook

Opening in 2022, Cranbrook College is located within the scenic Wealden area, offering a calm and spacious setting for both students and staff. The campus is easily accessible by road, with staff often commuting from Maidstone, Tonbridge, Ashford, and surrounding villages. The college is known for its warm, nurturing atmosphere and strong links with the local community.

Minster

Our newest site, Minster College, opened in September 2025 and serves the Sheppey and coastal communities. Situated just minutes from the A249, the campus provides straightforward access to Sittingbourne, the Medway towns, and the wider Kent area. Staff benefit from ample parking and reliable transport routes. Minster Campus offers modern facilities, thoughtfully designed learning environments, and exciting opportunities for staff to help shape a growing provision.