Leigh Academy Hartley

02/09/2026

KCSIE 2026 has been published, with the new statutory guidance coming into force on 1 September 2026.

From all staff reading Part One in full to updates on mobile phones, online harm, safeguarding records and volunteer checks, there is plenty for schools and education professionals to be aware of.

Our latest guide highlights 10 key changes, including:
• Part One reading expectations for all staff
• Mobile phone-free guidance
• Online harm, deepfakes and sextortion
• Misogyny and escalation risks
• Mental health warning signs
• Gender-questioning children
• Volunteer checks
• Family Help and joined-up support
• Stronger safeguarding records

It also flags wider updates around Operation Encompass, filtering and monitoring, cyber security and child protection files.

Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/5gxzz

This safeguarding guide highlights 10 key changes in KCSIE 2026, helping school staff understand what they need to know for the 2026/2027 academic year.

31/08/2026

🌟 Welcome Back! 🌟

We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer break and that all our children are feeling refreshed and ready for another fantastic year at school!

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back tomorrow, especially our new Apples and Cherries on their first day at Leigh Academy Hartley!

We’re so excited for all the learning, laughter, friendships and adventures that this academic year will bring. ⭐️

Here’s to a brilliant year ahead!

See you all tomorrow!

16/07/2026

Sensational primary results- Key Stage 2 results, 2026 (provisional)

On 16 July, Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) received their Key Stage 2 results for 2026 across fifteen primary academies. 85% of LAT pupils achieved the combined expected standard compared to the national average of 63%. All academies were well above the national average, which is a remarkable achievement.

The top performing academies in relation to the combined national standard for Key Stage 2 were:

Leigh Academy Dartford – 96%
Leigh Academy Oaks – 92%
Leigh Stationers’ Primary Academy – 90%
Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard - 90%
Leigh Academy Hartley - 90%
Leigh Academy Paddock Wood - 89%

It is clear that pupils continue to get off to a flying start in LAT primary academies and their results are testament to the exceptional work of our dedicated staff. It is no surprise that 75% of LAT primary academies were judged “Outstanding” by Ofsted under the old inspection framework and that Ofsted has awarded multiple “Exceptional” grades in the Trust’s two primary inspections since November 2025 under the new framework. This is far in excess of the proportion of primaries nationally to achieve such accolades.

To read the full article please visit: https://leighacademiestrust.org.uk/2026/07/sensational-primary-results/

04/07/2026

On Tuesday, 7th July, Ifield School is running a Sleep Workshop in collaboration with Kent Community Health. This is an informal approach to support parents/carers with all things SLEEP.

Please see the attached flyer for full details.

03/07/2026

At Leigh Academy Hartley, every child is encouraged to thrive in a caring, ambitious and inclusive environment. As Ofsted recognised, "pupils flourish" here, developing into inquisitive, independent learners who embrace challenge and take pride in their achievements. High expectations, strong relationships and a culture of respect ensure pupils feel safe, valued and confident to succeed. With a broad curriculum, exciting leadership opportunities and a strong sense of community, our pupils grow into Happy, Positive, Achievers, Creating a Better World Together.

Please contact the school office to find out more:
✉ [email protected]
☎ Phone: 01474 702742

02/07/2026

29/06/2026

School is currently open but we have been advised that whilst the power is back on now, it may be intermittent. We will keep you updated of any changes.

26/06/2026

Please come along to our coffee morning on Tuesday morning- we will be talking about how to support your child through the transition process that will be taking place over the next few weeks!

18/06/2026

An urgent plea from our PTA...

BOTTLES BOTTLES BOTTLES
Without a huge push for more donations to the tombola this year, we will have to cancel this amazing stall from our event on Saturday (first time ever). We only have 30 bottles! In years gone by, we have had hundreds of wonderful donations...

Dig deep into those cupboards and cellars please parents and rock up on Friday morning and fill that table tennis table up!
🙏🙏🙏

20/03/2026

The School Council would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who has came to school with any Red Nose Day merchandise, red accessories or even painted on red noses. It was great to see how many children and staff got involved today. If you would like to make a donation to Comic Relief, please use the link below.

https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/WUUiCm7vZf6kNL3sGfzSROLfP?domain=app.parentpay.com