The Open Academy was the first developed in Norfolk and faced strong anti-academy feeling as well as many unknown hurdles. Two key objectives were to establish how feasible creating the academy would be and to develop a robust communication strategy to win the community hearts and minds. Our experience establishing relationships with sponsors and other educational institutions was invaluable in supporting a new approach to meet Heartsease’s educational needs.

The consultation process was managed with the collaboration of a group of other secondary schools within the north east of Norwich and the project steering group.

“There is no doubt about the trustworthiness and integrity of all those from [Cambridge Education] with whom I have worked. Also evident is their commitment to reach solutions not for the sake of satisfying abstract project management models, but to meet the needs of service end-users for the long-term.”
Chris Hey, Head of Planning and Buildings, Children’s Services, Norfolk County Council (Sept 2010)

The relationship with the Local Authority and its elected members was essential, during the formal consultation process and the TUPE transfer arrangements. Our advisors worked closely with the Council’s Human Resources department and the Academy’s senior leadership team to ensure the staff transferring were fully informed, supported and fairly treated.

Cambridge Education added value:

End-to-end service for all deliverables
Wide experience of 14-19 requirements
Integrated teams eg. project management and communications
Project management focused on education outcomes
Clear understanding of ‘educational transformation’ – rethinking the way education and learning are delivered.

A year later, our project team successfully bid to manage the City Academy, following its successful opening. Cambridge Education continues to support the procurement and construction of the new City Academy Norwich.