When the development of four brand new villages – The Wixams – began, we were approached to design a cutting-edge science and technology academy as a centrepiece for the new community. The academy offers 100 secondary school places per year, with a large 324-strong sixth form. Crucially we had to meet stringent Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) compliance to secure project funding. Achieving it was a major milestone – few school builds do – and meant this national flagship project could go ahead. The school sponsors had a clear vision for the secondary school to become a centre of excellence for science and technology. So, our design for the academy includes a science super lab, heavy practical workshop, high-tech workshop with 3D lathes, creative design studio and recording studio. We’ve designed a learning resource centre at the heart of the school, extensive sports facilities and an entire second floor dedicated to the sixth form. Outside, a threshold piazza links local walkways, creating a safe, open space for the whole community. The shared a goal; to design a school to the Facilities Output specification and deliver it within the rates required by the ESFA was achieved and the project was delivered within a very short programme, on time and on budget. The project was also the first ESFA funded school to be delivered outside of their own framework.