The high profile City Academy, Hackney, opened in September 2009 in new, purpose built buildings.  The Academy caters for 900 11 to 16-year-olds, as well as providing 240 sixth-form places.

The Academy has been created to provide a high quality education for young people in Hackney in a secure, supportive environment, raising their aspirations and standards of educational achievement, and building positive partnerships with local people and organisations.  A dynamic curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities and innovative teaching mean that students can enjoy learning and achieve the highest standards both academically and personally.

The Academy has specialisms in business and financial services. Supported by the expertise and business links of its sponsors, KPMG and The City of London Corporation. The specialisms are a focus throughout the curriculum and help students develop the skills and confidence they need to move into higher education or work and to become valued, responsible members of the local community.

Appleyards project managed all aspects of the Academy’s delivery, including overseeing the construction of the new buildings, procurement of facilities management contracts, development of curriculum and organisation structures, appointment of staff, branding, uniform, Academy education and operational policies. This was a very complex and intense process, managed with very high profile sponsors. Managing and maintaining good relationships and communications between all parties was a particularly successful aspect of the project.