Leigh Academy Rainham
69%
Capacity
793
Pupils
4.1x
Demand
About Leigh Academy Rainham
Leigh Academy Rainham is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Medway community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 793 pupils on roll, operating at 69% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Leigh Academy Rainham "Good", the school is led by headteacher Alexandra Cramlington, it falls under Medway local authority.
Leigh Academy Rainham is a popular choice with families — it received 704 applications for 172 places, making it 4.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 182 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Leigh Academy Rainham include ICT Suite, Library, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Art Studios, Dining Hall, Playing Fields.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Rounders, Hockey, Basketball and 4 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Choir, Gardening, Art Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.1%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Medway, Leigh Academy Rainham is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Otterham Quay Lane, Gillingham, Medway, ME8 8GS |
| Headteacher | Alexandra Cramlington |
| Local Authority | Medway |
| Number of Pupils | 793 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.1% |
| School Capacity | 793 / 1,150 (69% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
27 Feb 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 24 Apr 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed172
704
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
182 families put this school as their 1st choice (26% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leigh Academy Rainham
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Otterham Quay Lane, Gillingham
Medway, ME8 8GS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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