Leigh academy strood sixth form team

Mrs Wrighton grew up in Medway, Kent and studied at The University of Greenwich where she gained a BA Hons in English Literature with Drama. Mrs Wrighton trained to teach at Canterbury Christchurch University where she completed her PGDE and several years later completed her Masters in Education. Mrs Wrighton has had various roles during her teaching career including: Head of English Department, Lead Practitioner of  English, and Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning and for Culture and Rewards. 

Mrs Wrighton is driven by her belief that all young people deserve to have choices in life and to be the best versions of themselves. She has high expectations of herself, and of the students, and wants all young people to leave Leigh Academy Strood with a suite of qualifications that provides opportunities for a happy and fulfilling life. 

“It is a privilege to be the Head of Sixth Form here at Leigh Academy Strood. Working alongside our students  to help and support them in their journey towards excellence. Sixth form should provide opportunity and enrichment to enable all students to have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be successful and achieve their dreams.”

Mr Pleasant grew up in Medway, attending a local secondary school before studying at the University of Kent, gaining a First Class Honours degree in Sociology.

Mr Pleasant has since occupied a range of leadership roles in schools in Kent, including Head of Department for Social Sciences, Head of Sixth Form, International Baccalaureate coordinator and Assistant Headteacher before joining Leigh Academy Strood as Vice Principal (Head of Trafalgar) in April 2023. Mr Pleasant acquired promotion to the role of Deputy Principal at Leigh Academy Strood in September 2025.

Mr Pleasant is responsible for the outcomes of our Sixth Form students and their curriculum pathways so any questions regarding the different programmes at Leigh Academy Strood should be directed to him.

James Harpur

DEPUTY HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

Mr Harpur grew up in Australia and studied History at the UnIversity of New South Wales, gaining both a Bachelor and Masters Degrees in addition to a Diploma in Education. Since then he has travelled extensively and worked in various aspects of education. Most recently, before washing up on the shores of the UK, he was Principal of a prestigious private school in Sydney. A recognised specialist in Genocide Studies – particularly the Holocaust – Mr Harpur happily brings his experience of education to Strood.

Cam Stubbs

DEPUTY HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

Ms Stubbs grew up in Medway and has a creative background, having studied Fashion Design at university before working in graphic design. She retrained as a teacher ten years ago, bringing her passion for creativity into the classroom, where she now teaches Design Technology and Art.

Now in their fifth year at Leigh Academy Strood, Ms Stubbs leads on Personal Development, careers and enrichment within the Sixth Form. They are passionate about creating opportunities beyond the classroom, supporting students to develop confidence, independence and a broad range of experiences alongside their academic studies.

Herve China

HEAD OF PASTORAL

Mr China grew up and studied in France. He passed his Baccalaureat (French A-Levels) and came to England in 2009. He volunteered in a private primary school working with French speaking students. After finishing his teacher training at the end of the 2017 academic year, Mr China worked as a middle leader looking at students’ progress within departments and colleges and then became a Head of Department. Mr China joined Leigh Academy Strood in 2024 as the Head of Pastoral for Atlas and as a Lead Practitioner. Mr China was also staff governor in his previous school and became a governor for his local primary school.

Luci Cunningham

DEPUTY HEAD OF PASTORAL

Mx Cunningham grew up in Brighton and attended a local comprehensive school and then joined the NHS and trained as a Paramedic. Transitioning into the education sector, they spent five years as a Pastoral Manager in an inner-London secondary school. While working full-time, Mx Cunningham completed a part-time degree and gained a BA Hons in Psychosocial Studies at Birkbeck, University of London. They joined Leigh Academy Strood in 2024 and gained QTS. Passionate about student wellbeing, they have combined their classroom and pastoral expertise to step into their role as Deputy Head of Pastoral for Atlas College, alongside returning to Birkbeck to complete a Masters in Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Mx Cunningham is committed to ensuring equal life chances for all students, focusing on creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every young person is given the opportunity to thrive, embrace their identity, and confidently chase their dreams.