He was educated at Bedford Modern School,[1] and the University of Cambridge.

[2] In 1953 Leadley was part of the winning Cambridge crew for the 1953 University Boat Race in the No.

[3] The crew won by eight lengths in a time of 19 minutes and 54 seconds.

[3] After the 1953 Boat Race Leadley was elected President of Cambridge University Boat Club but, after failing a university examination, he had to resign and could no longer race for the University.

At the 1957 European Rowing Championships held at Duisburg in Germany, Leadley partnered with Christopher Davidge and won the coxless pair event by 0.4 seconds.