Leigh Academy Wilmington
99%
Capacity
1,381
Pupils
5.1x
Demand
About Leigh Academy Wilmington
Leigh Academy Wilmington is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Dartford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,381 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,400 places).
the school is led by headteacher Michael Gore, it falls under Kent local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.23 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.8. Additionally, ranked 1007th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 10 in Dartford.
Leigh Academy Wilmington is a popular choice with families — it received 1,146 applications for 223 places, making it 5.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 324 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Leigh Academy Wilmington include Art Studios, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Football, Rugby, Tennis and 6 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Eco Club, Debate, Film Club and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.2%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Dartford, Leigh Academy Wilmington 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Common Lane, Wilmington, Dartford, DA2 7DR |
| Headteacher | Michael Gore |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Number of Pupils | 1,381 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,381 / 1,400 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
4 May 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Jun 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.23)
1007th of 3,141
Nationally
158th of 461
In South East
5th of 10
In Dartford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
21Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed223
1,146
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
324 families put this school as their 1st choice (28% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leigh Academy Wilmington
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
Common Lane, Wilmington
Dartford, DA2 7DR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Leigh Academy Wilmington!
Write a Review