Contemplate this a school born from collaboration. Drapers’ Academy stands here a testament to partnership and progress. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a vision realized.
Drapers’ Academy opened in September 2010. It was the first academy in Havering. The Drapers’ Company and Queen Mary University of London sponsored it jointly. The academy sits on the site of the former King’s Wood School.
Initially, the academy occupied one of the old King’s Wood buildings. New buildings were constructed. The extensive grounds were re-landscaped. The new buildings opened on 3 September 2012.
Architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios designed the buildings. They worked with engineers WSP. Kier was the main contractor. The new buildings won an RIBA National Award in 2014. Even Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the buildings. She was a Freeman of the Drapers’ Company.
Drapers’ Academy aimed to be a school for Harold Hill families. Its specialisms are science and mathematics. However, a broad syllabus is taught. The academy also has a Sixth Form with 200 students.
The Drapers’ Company supports extracurricular activities. These include music, sports, and culture. The Company also provides governors to the local governing body.
The Drapers’ Academy design fosters local pride. It enhances the community. The design raises educational aspirations. Large windows offer views of the countryside. This creates a calm learning environment.
Classrooms are arranged to reflect pupils’ progress. As pupils advance, their classrooms rise higher in the building. The Sixth Form accommodation sits at the highest point symbolizing achievement.
Drapers’ Academy takes a radical approach to science education. Science and math facilities face each other across a central courtyard. This highlights their importance. Students journey through science studios. They explore traditional laboratories and pharmacy-style prep rooms. A bio-dome supports biological science. A cluster of mathematics teaching spaces is available.
A single brick material clads the facades. This references grand houses of the past. The Sports Hall walls use the Golden Ratio. Angled bricks create a textured facade. In certain lights, it resembles woven fabric. This nod to the Drapers’ skill is fitting.
Queen Mary University provides valuable links. These links connect students to university facilities and opportunities.
The design incorporates sustainable principles. Natural light and ventilation are optimized. A warning system alerts teachers when to open vents. This prevents CO2 levels from rising. Photovoltaic panels generate electricity. Ground-source heat pumps provide hot water. Drapers’ Academy is more than just a school. It is a community hub. It is a place of learning and growth. It is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration.