Academy Development Award

This award recognises recently completed academy projects that have demonstrated sound project management and procurement skills in order to complete development on time and to budget.

2009 Winner: St. Aidan’s Church of England Academy, Darlington

Launched as the Eastbourne Church of England Academy in 2007, a move into a new £16m purpose built facility prompted a name change. The St Aidan’s Church of England Academy has been constructed off Hundens Lane, on a site close to the existing building.  Sponsored by the Durham Diocese of the Church of England and holiday company founders David and Anne Crossland, its name change is in recognition of the great Northern Saint, Aidan of Lindisfarne, who died in 651.

According to Ofsted, the area served by the academy is one of ‘significant social and economic disadvantage’, and a rising number of pupils are eligible for free school meals. Darlington Council worked closely with the Academy’s sponsors to see the new building opened on time. Designed by Newcastle-based architects Space Group, it features state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, sports and drama areas and a specially designed worship space.

Balfour Beatty construction completed the building over a period of 66 weeks, and  incorporated several energy saving measures, including proximity infrared technology, rainwater harvesting, a biomass generator and reduced water consumption. This was recognised this year with a Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice.     

Specialising in Business and Enterprise, new technologies to be introduced at St Aidan's include handheld PDA walk-around auditing, an asset management suite and a cashless catering system. A multi-use hall, which can seat the whole school,  features a large 8x4m screen for presentations or films which will can be used by the community.

Since taking over in September 2007, the leadership team have tackled long standing weaknesses and brought about significant improvements. This year the academy announced record GCSE results, and is now well on course to deliver a first class learning environment.

Commended:

Bede Academy, Northumberland
The Chelsea Academy, London