Dartford East Secondary Modern School was built in the 1930s as two schools for boys and girls on both sides of Green Street Green Road on East Hill in Dartford.

The girls school was rebuilt in the 1970s, by Howard Lobb and Partners for Kent County Council.

[4] The Leigh Academy occupies the former site of the Downs secondary school.

The official opening of the academy took place on 20 June 2008, led by Lord Coe.

[7] The academy is split into five colleges: Shakespeare, Seacole, Curie, Mandela and Attenborough.