Interested in a school that prepares you for a career in media? That’s the Global Academy. It stands on the site of The Old Vinyl Factory in Hayes. The Global Academy is a University Technical College or UTC.
The Global Academy opened in September 2016. Media and entertainment group Global sponsors it. The University of the Arts London also sponsors it. In its first year, it welcomed 100 students in Year 10 and 100 in Year 12. Eventually, the Global Academy will have 800 students.
Prince William and Prince Harry officially opened the academy on April 20 2017. They were acting as patrons of Heads Together a mental health charity. Global radio stations Heart London Breakfast and LBC broadcasted live from here that day.
The Global Academy provides students with technical skills. These skills help them succeed in the broadcast and digital media industry. Global is the driving force behind the school. It owns some of the UK’s best-loved radio stations. The Global Academy prepares students for many jobs. These include radio and TV production and broadcast engineering. They also learn app and web development and script writing. Event management, radio production, and broadcast journalism are also taught here.
The Global Academy has industry-standard media equipment. It also features studios a theatre and a four-story atrium space. Students study a range of subjects. These include GCSEs A levels and a Level 3 Diploma. They can also study for an Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology.
James Murray-Walsh became Principal of the Global Academy on June 25 2024. On November 22 2024 Shahlaa Tahira was appointed Director of Industry Partnerships and Careers.
Global Academy offers unique opportunities. It is for Year 10 to Year 12 students. These students want to enter the media industry. This includes radio TV digital advertising and social media.
Students gain classroom and studio training. They also get work experience and mentorships with industry professionals. This gives them everything to kickstart their careers.
Global Academy alumni have achieved great success. Many have secured jobs with top companies. These include Global the BBC and Sky. The curriculum is tailored to what these companies want in new hires.
Graduates leave with a strong network. They also have valuable skills. Plus they have a media portfolio. This showcases their abilities.
Many Global Academy graduates now work at renowned media companies. These include Global Facebook TikTok and Google.
Want to see the Global Academy in action? Attend an Open Event. You can see the facilities meet staff and students. You’ll get a taste of life at Global Academy. You can join in Year 10 Year 12 or Year 14.