Evelyn Grace Academy

Evelyn Grace Academy. It is a secondary school located in the Brixton area of the Lambeth borough in London, England. Opened in 2008, the institution operates as part of the ARK Schools multi-academy trust and is notable for its award-winning architectural design. The school serves a diverse community and emphasizes high academic standards alongside a strong commitment to character development and extracurricular engagement.

History

The school was established in 2008 under the Labour government's Academies Programme, which aimed to transform education in challenging urban areas. It was one of several new institutions launched by the ARK Schools network, an educational charity founded by hedge fund philanthropists including Arpad Busson. The academy was named for Evelyn Grace, a student who excelled academically at Brixton's former Angela Burdett-Coutts school in the early 20th century. Its creation involved the amalgamation and replacement of existing local schools, forming part of a broader regeneration effort in inner-city London.

Architecture and design

The campus is a celebrated work by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, her first and only completed school project in the United Kingdom. The design is characterized by its dynamic, zigzagging form that creates four distinct "schools within a school," each with its own identity and communal spaces. The structure makes innovative use of a constrained urban site, featuring a dramatic 100-meter running track that passes directly through the heart of the building. This architectural approach won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in 2011, with the judges praising its transformative impact on a tight Brixton plot. The building's concrete and glass façade has become a landmark in the area, symbolizing a modern approach to educational environments.

Curriculum and ethos

The academy follows a traditional and knowledge-rich curriculum designed to provide a rigorous academic foundation. Core subjects like Mathematics, English, the Sciences, and Languages are emphasized, with all students studying the English Baccalaureate suite of qualifications. The ethos, influenced by the ARK Schools network, strongly emphasizes discipline, high expectations, and character education. This is supported by an extended school day and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama. The school's house system and values program aim to foster resilience and community responsibility among its pupils.

Admissions and performance

Admissions are coordinated through the Lambeth local authority, with priority given to children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, those in public care, and then by proximity to the campus. Academic performance is monitored by Ofsted and the Department for Education; the academy has received ratings of "Good" from Ofsted in recent inspections. Student progress is measured against national benchmarks like Progress 8, with the institution typically performing in line with or above average for similar schools. Examination results for GCSEs and A-Levels are published annually and scrutinized by bodies such as the Education Policy Institute.

Notable features and recognition

Beyond its RIBA Stirling Prize win, the building has been featured in numerous architectural publications and tours. The integrated running track, used by students and the local community, underscores a commitment to athleticism and was inspired by the legacy of its namesake, Evelyn Grace. The academy has developed partnerships with various organizations, including King's College London and several professional firms in the City of London, to provide mentoring and enrichment opportunities. Its distinctive architecture and educational model have made it a case study in discussions about school design, often referenced by institutions like the British Council for School Environments and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

Category:Academies in Lambeth Category:Educational institutions established in 2008 Category:Zaha Hadid buildings