International consultancy EC Harris has been appointed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to project manage two new academies that will accommodate more than 3,200, 11 to 18 year olds, in Hull.
EC Harris will manage the development of Archbishop Sentamu Academy in East Hull and the Sports and Eco-Academy in West Hull. The brand new purpose built buildings will open in 2011 and 2010 respectively. Until then both will use existing school buildings with Archbishop Sentamu opening in September 2008 and the Sports and Eco-Academy opening at Pickering High School in 2009.
EC Harris will work with the sponsors on the whole process. This will include setting the educational vision, appointing new Chief Executives/Principals, transferring existing staff to their new employers and setting up the predecessor schools as academies. The company will then look after the clients interests as the new Academies are built on site, upon which the intake will transfer from the predecessor schools.
The Diocese of York will sponsor Archbishop Sentamu Academy and Hull College will sponsor the Sports and Eco-Academy. Once complete, both Academies will provide extended services to meet the needs of community and young people in Hull.
Mark Willett, Partner for EC Harris based in Hull, said: "Our success is attributable to our strong local team and our commitment to support the sponsors, and assist them in improving teaching and learning opportunities for students and the community.
"The DCSF specification was for one project management 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."
The Sports and Eco-Academy will replace Pickering High School Sports College in West Hull and specialise in Environmental Science and Sporting Excellence. Delivery of the new building at the existing site is via the Partnerships for Schools national framework for 2010 and as an eco-academy it will focus on sustainability and the environment.
Archbishop Sentamu Academy will specialise in Health Sciences, Business and Enterprise and replace the Archbishop Thurstan Voluntary Controlled Church of England School in East Hull. Delivery of the new building at the preferred site on Preston Road is through Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Wave 2 via the Local Education Partnership for 2011.
Source: EC Harris
