200 pioneering pupils became the first ever students at the brand new East Manchester Academy this week, as the Laing O’Rourke-sponsored school opened the doors to its first ever intake amid a blaze of publicity.

The 11 and 12-year olds, all making the transition from primary to secondary school, were greeted by TV cameras and microphones on their first day of the new term.  As the first ever pupils in the recently completed school, the lucky students will be able to truly make their mark and are looking forward to becoming role models for the 900 pupils who will join them in future years.  

The Academy is situated close to the Manchester City Football Stadium, which was built by Laing O’Rourke for the Commonwealth Games in 2000 and has become a key milestone in the regeneration of East Manchester.

Sponsorship of The East Manchester Academy is a core element of Laing O’Rourke’s commitment to education and regeneration. Along with co-sponsors Bovis Lend Lease, New East Manchester, Manchester City Council and The Manchester College, the business commitment is to provide ongoing support for the school as a centre of excellence for the built environment and performing arts.  

Laing O’Rourke’s John Moran, who is also Chair of the Board of Governors, commented:  “As the first students walked into their new school, they became pioneers of The East Manchester Academy – an incredibly exciting and proud moment; when all the planning and unwavering commitment already shown by Principal Guy Hutchence and his team started to come to fruition. Laing O’Rourke and our co-sponsors will contribute to support The East Manchester Academy with our time, resource and expertise, bringing local, national and international business skills along with in-depth knowledge of the specialisms. We look forward to playing an active and long-lasting role within the Manchester community.”

The school is one of five new Academies, sponsored by other major employers in Manchester, to open in Manchester this week.  Three of them have been built by Laing O’Rourke: the £30m Manchester Communication Academy, £21.7m The Co-operative Academy of Manchester and £19m The Manchester Health Academy.