In December 2023, Lord Leigh of Hurley was appointed Founding Sponsor of Leigh Academies Trust (LAT), taking over from his uncle, Sir Geoffrey Leigh who had held the position since the Trust was created in 2008.
On Friday 22 March, Simon Beamish and Neil Willis, welcomed Lord Leigh on his first visit to LAT as he toured The Leigh Academy and Dartford Primary Academy.
Lord Leigh met with staff and students at both sites, taking guided tours with Principals, Julia Collins and Rebecca Roberts. He took time to ask children about their experiences at their LAT schools and their aspirations for the future. The children had some interesting questions to ask of the new Member of the Trust Board too, such as how to become a Lord.