This 1,046 place through-school redefines the traditional primary and secondary organisational model by proposing three phases to bridge the primary and secondary divide. The continuity found in a through-school provides the school with a single coherent identity and provides maximum support for pupils.

The Academy has a specialism in Business and Enterprise with a curriculum focus on food. The core principle which underpins the development is the ethos of healthy body, mind and spirit. In physical terms, the food technology rooms have been given prominence in the design, with a strong link to the restaurant area. Strong links with the local food industry further enrich the potential of the specialism.

The design aims to achieve the highest environmental sustainability possible within the budget, whilst providing for the curricular, pastoral and social structures developed by the sponsors and the Principal. It is also a key aim that the project plays an important role as a socially robust development in this sensitive community.

A wide range of Academy facilities is accessible to the local community for sport, education and leisure and the design also incorporates the relocated St Christopher’s Church which has been fully integrated into the Academy, both physically and socially. The oak-clad church “drum” marks the entrance to the Academy as well as being at a central, easily-accessible location for both public, pupils and staff.