Arco Academy Appoints Chelsey Leighton as New Principal
Arco Academy is delighted to announce the appointment of Chelsey Leighton as its new Principal, effective 1 September.
Chelsey brings over 15 years of experience in education and a strong track record in senior leadership within secondary schools. She is currently Head of Secondary at Serenity School and previously served as Assistant Headteacher at The Turing School, where she held a range of leadership responsibilities, including safeguarding, behaviour, inclusion, and curriculum development.
This appointment marks an exciting step forward for Arco Academy as it continues to build on its distinctive vision, combining academic excellence with a sports-specialist curriculum to unlock the full potential of every student. Chelsey’s leadership experience, alongside her commitment to holistic education and inclusive practice, aligns closely with the academy’s ethos and future ambitions.
Sport has played a central role throughout Chelsey’s life and career. A former Arsenal Women’s football player, she continues to be actively involved in the local community as a football coach with 5ways Soccer, working with young children on a weekly basis. Her ongoing commitment to grassroots sport highlights her belief in the power of physical activity to build confidence, resilience, and aspiration in young people - values that sit at the heart of Arco Academy’s approach.
Throughout her career, Chelsey has demonstrated a deep commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing, and raising standards. She has extensive experience leading whole-school improvement strategies, embedding positive behaviour systems, and ensuring high-quality teaching and learning. Her leadership is underpinned by a belief in strong relationships, high expectations, and creating environments where every student can succeed.
Chelsey commented: “I was drawn to Arco Academy because of its ambitious vision to unlock the potential in every young person through a truly holistic approach to education. Throughout my career, I have been driven by the belief that every child deserves both high expectations and the right support to thrive, particularly those with SEND and SEMH needs. Arco’s approach, combining strong pastoral care, ambitious curriculum pathways, and the power of sport to engage and inspire, closely reflects my own values as a leader.
Having personally experienced the transformative impact of sport through my background in football, including playing for Arsenal Women and now coaching, I have seen how it builds confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. I am excited to build on Arco’s strong foundations, leading its continued growth and ensuring that every student feels safe, inspired, and empowered to achieve their full potential.”
Lisa Miller, Proprietor, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Chelsey to Arco Academy. She brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a deep commitment to student success. Her leadership style, grounded in inclusion, high expectations, and a passion for holistic education, makes her an excellent fit for Arco. We are confident she will play a pivotal role in shaping the academy’s next chapter.”
Chelsey will take up her role in September and looks forward to working closely with the Arco community to continue delivering outstanding opportunities and outcomes for all students.
This story was reprinted with permission from Arco Academy