Leigh Academy Minster

“Where ambition takes flight”

“The fact that I would continue to use Bates over and over again is probably the biggest recommendation that I can give them.” – Glenn Wadsworth, Head of Estates Projects

Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) is one of the country’s largest and most-established multi-academy trusts operating across Kent, Medway, and South East London. Their mission is to ensure that young people have an excellent start in life regardless of background or ability.

Transforming the Library and Administration Spaces

Bates Studio was approached for the design and build of the library and administration areas of Leigh Academy Minster, Isle of Sheppey. Leigh Academy, alongside Ash Contracting Ltd, was revamping the entire school during the summer holidays with a staggered year group return starting on 9th September. The Academy was no longer offering vocational courses and, as such, the hair and beauty area needed to be replaced with a library.

Bates’ project manager, Hayley Simpson, created bespoke designs including soft seating, custom shelving, and an integrated reception desk with soft and transitional zoning areas.

A School-Wide Revamp

As the project progressed, Leigh Academies expanded the scope, requesting a design proposal for the entire school revamp. Bates quickly mobilised to meet the required timescales, delivering office, classroom, and library furniture across the site. From the outset, our design team understood the Academy’s distinct brand, ensuring a streamlined design process that reflected its identity.

As the project expanded, the scale of design and delivery grew significantly. We incorporated collaborative areas to encourage creativity and productivity, alongside soft seating tucked away for quiet study, catering to different learning styles. Through thoughtful design and carefully selected furniture, Bates Studio has helped transform the school’s atmosphere. Our goal was to create spaces where students feel welcomed, supported, and proud of their learning environment.

As Leigh Academies completely redesigned the full school, our team of installers worked around contractors. We collaborated flexibly to ensure that the completion date was met by all parties. By the completion date, Bates had successfully delivered a completely revamped library, classrooms, and common spaces, alongside the remodelling of the administration area to create separate office spaces.

Due to our achievements, we are continuing to work with Leigh Academies on additional projects across the South East.

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