Archbishop Sentamu Academy

Client focused solutions delivers new academy in record time

EC Harris has delivered the start of a transformation in educational achievement in Hull. The recently opened Archbishop Sentamu Academy, the first of two academies in Hull, aims to increase attainment levels in the area and improve community cohesion and employability.

Appointed at the beginning of 2008 by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), EC Harris has worked with the academy sponsor, the Diocese of York, to provide a flexible learning environment which accommodates different styles of learning.

Creating solutions

Our input recognised that a one size fits all model simply does not work in education and that children learn through a range of different styles. Throughout this project we aimed to make the best use of space allowing a variety of learning styles to be utilised.

The academy, completed in just 9 months, is the shortest timescale for the opening of an academy in the country in 2008. Our project management by our specialist education team went far beyond construction of the built asset. Our education experts established a new company; the Archbishop Sentamu Academy Trust, advised on the educational vision of the academy and developed curriculum to deliver this vision.

Developing an appropriate staffing structure, transferring existing staff to their new employers, developing financial systems required to function, implementing an ICT vision to transform teaching methods, and organising the design and delivery of new uniform for over 1000 pupils were a few of the activities undertaken by EC Harris. The process concluded with a successful Ofsted inspection.

Adding value

Our holistic and efficient approach won acclaim with the client and the DCSF. They said: "EC Harris has done us proud and I’m very grateful for all the work that has been done and the spirit in which it’s been conducted. Everyone has gone the extra mile for us."

We will now manage the development of Pickering High into Sirius Academy. Sponsored by Hull College and due to complete in September 2009, EC Harris will again deliver within an accelerated programme of nine months compared to the traditional 15.

The DCSF specification was for one company to take on both projects to ensure that they are fully co-ordinated with local development plans to maximise their impact. The aim is that the effective integration of school improvement with community regeneration will break the inter-generational link between poor educational experience, achievement, employability and community cohesion.

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