At Leigh Academy Minster, we operate a ‘schools within schools’ model, and our academy is divided into four colleges: Cody, Hewlett, Johnson, and Wright. Our colleges are named after historical aviators with close links to the Isle of Sheppey, and our students will learn about their lives and accomplishments whilst studying with us at the academy.

Each college is led by a Head of College: an academy Vice Principal who is supported by their own leadership, pastoral, academic, and administrative team. For parents and carers, this structure ensures that you are able to access a dedicated team of adults who work with your children on a daily basis, and this supports stronger working partnerships between the academy and home.

Samuel Cody

Samuel Cody was an early pioneer of manned flight and a known showman who was one of the founding members of the Aero Club, whose members included the Short and the Wright Brothers, both prominent historical aviators in British and international history.

Hilda Hewlett

Hilda Hewlett set up the first UK flying school that was based on the Isle of Sheppey at the Eastchurch Aerodrome, and was responsible for training a number of military pilots in World War One. She also created one of the earliest aircraft manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom.

Amy Johnson

Amy Johnson was the first female pilot to fly solo to Australia and was awarded a number of national and international honours during her illustrious career.

The Wright Brothers

The Wright Brothers are renowned for taking the first powered flight in history and flew at the Eastchurch Seaplane Works (the first aerospace factory in the UK). They were also supporters of the Aero Club, whose members included Samuel Cody and the Short Brothers.