Academy could accommodate 780 students aged 11-18 from local area

It has been agreed that the proposal for a new £20million-plus community academy in Hammersmith be taken further.

Last year the results of a Government-funded feasibility study concluded that a new academy is viable on the site of the former Stamford House young offenders institute, north of Goldhawk Road near Cathnor Park.

Residents have been expressing their views as part of a consultation process that started before Christmas. The consultation is ongoing, with a final meeting scheduled for 14 February, after which the results will be reported to the Secretary of State.

By formally committing to support the proposal, H&F Council has committed to enter into an 'agreement to lease' for the proposed Academy and look into the demolition of Stamford House, setting aside £135,000 to contribute to the costs of the demolition. It has also agreed to carry out more consultation in the summer, once a planning application has been submitted.

If approved, the academy would have specialist status for creative and digital media and information technology and would accommodate up to 780 mixed ability students aged 11-18 from the local area. It would be sponsored by the Mercers' Company and the Information Technologists' Company.

The academy, which has a proposed opening date of September 2010, would contribute significantly to H&F Council's strategy of providing more school places for local children, reducing the very high proportion that currently seek to educate their children outside the borough.

Councillor Antony Lillis, cabinet member for community and children's services, said, "I'm very excited about the prospect of this academy and believe that it would provide something truly exciting and inspirational for parents and pupils alike. This would be an academy for the local community, an academy open to every local child, and as a local authority we are proud to be associated with it."

February 5, 2008