Leigh Academy Bexley

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

This is a warm and welcoming school. There have been significant improvements at the school since it joined the Leigh Academies Trust in June 2023. Pupils and staff speak about the culture shift that has happened and why they feel happy to come to school. Leaders have established a calm and orderly environment where routines help pupils settle to learning. Staff help pupils to understand what is expected of them. During lessons and at social times, pupils behave well. They follow the high expectations leaders have for their conduct. They describe behaviour as ‘much better now’. Older pupils, including those in the sixth form, act as positive role models and contribute strongly to the school's caring and respectful culture. Pupils have a genuine sense of belonging, which is fostered through the school's college system as well as the emphasis placed on relationships. Pupils, and students in the sixth form, describe feeling happy, safe and proud of their school and the improvements that have been made. Pupils benefit from a curriculum that is ambitious, carefully planned and delivered through engaging lessons. Teaching uses clear routines, modelling and retrieval to help pupils to learn well. Staff know the pupils well and there is a range of provision on offer to help pupils overcome any barriers to learning and personal development. As a result, pupils feel valued as individuals and they progress well through the curriculum. This is shown in improving outcomes in national examinations and in the quality of pupils' written work and verbal responses. Pupils, including sixth-form students, are well supported in their personal development. They learn about different religions, cultures and current affairs. Pupils' positive attitudes and knowledge prepare them well for life in modern Britain. Leaders provide many opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests. Most pupils make good use of these. Older pupils benefit from highly effective work experience and careers guidance that helps them to prepare well for their next steps.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that they continue to drive school improvement with precision so that pupils achieve well over time and attain more highly in national examinations.
• Leaders should strengthen routines for checking pupils' understanding so that teaching identifies and responds to gaps accurately before moving learning on.
• Leaders should continue to work to remove barriers to regular attendance for some pupils so that the number of pupils attending regularly continues to increase.
• Leaders should ensure that the school continues its work to strengthen the personal development programme so that all pupils build a deep and detailed understanding of the key principles and content that are taught.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)