John McAslan's RSA Academy buildings open in Tipton
New buildings at the RSA Academy in Tipton, West Midlands, by John McAslan & Partners have opened their doors to pupils.
The £25 million project comprises three new buildings, reflecting the different teaching schools, connected by a glazed central spine and separated by landscaped courtyards.
Wide balconies surround each building, allowing for external circulation and leaving more inside space for large ICT and wi-fi enabled classrooms. In addition, the building frontage is wrapped in a planted screen which will eventually cover the facades in climbers and plants.
Academy principal Michael Gernon said: “We are delighted with the completed academy buildings, and the school’s opening is an extremely proud moment for students and staff.”
The RSA Academy in Tipton first opened in September 2008. It aims to help regenerate the local area by providing young people with opportunities for “educational achievement and the acquisition of real world skills”.
The Academy Trust and governing body are chaired by Mike Tomlinson, ex UK Chief Inspector of Schools.
Related Articles
- Cotton mill revived as Staffordshire academy
14 January 2011
- McAslan lands Manchester masterplan
10 January 2011
- McAslan-led panel voices concerns over Iranian embassy
11 November 2010
- Architect of the Year Awards 2010: Beautiful bodies of work
5 November 2010
Have your say
Sign in to make a comment on this story.
Sign InDesktop Site | Mobile Site
Readers' comments (3)
It's good to see that there is still a place for monotonous, monochrome and dull buildings in the current schools programme.
iLike
Dear BD Editors, I'm afraid there seems to have been a mix-up in your department. I believe the photo appearing with the article must actually be the new 600 bed Merseyside high-security prison which I'd been hearing about, to be entitled HMP Kennett.