The Curve Project

Investing in the future of the Phoenix Academy

The Phoenix Academy is an outstanding school and one, we believe, the community can be proud of. We offer world-class education, that is built around our vision of ‘Freedom through Education’, and the hard work and talent of our staff.

The school not only provides the best possible start in life for our students, but it also sits at the heart of White City. Over the years, we have built strong ties to the local community, and we are proud that several local organisations make use of our facilities when they are not being used for teaching.

Phoenix Academy is ranked in the top 2% of highest performing schools in the country and was recently judged to be Ofsted Outstanding in every category. We will not rest in our efforts to maintain the school’s position as one of the very best in London. To do that we need to provide facilities that match the world-class standard set across every other aspect of the school. Some of our existing buildings have been here since the 1950s and are showing signs of ageing. Whilst we have made best use of what we have, now is the time to look to the future.

To that end, we have partnered with London Square, to bring forward an ambitious set of proposals for new facilities that will help generations of students at the Phoenix Academy for years to come. That project is known as The Curve, and it has a dedicated project website which you can view here. On that website you will find out everything you need to know about the proposals. Here we want to summarise what it means for our staff, students, parents and the local community.

To summarise, we are proposing:

A brand-new teaching block, that will include 26 classrooms, including the most up-to-date science and music classrooms, This will give our students access to the very best technology.
A three court sports hall, with new changing facilities, meaning our pupils and the wider community will be able to benefit from modern facilities.
Beautiful outdoor spaces designed for our pupils with learning and interaction at their very heart. This will include a new roof terrace, student plaza, and courtyard for all to enjoy.
A new sixth form common room, library, and dining hall, providing more space for pupils to come together to learn and socialise.

Below we have provided a set of visuals showing what these facilities might look like.

The new facilities will benefit from the latest technology, improved communal areas, and purpose-built spaces for the arts, sports, and STEM subjects, meaning we can maintain and build on the current standards that have been set.

The plans are being finalised currently, and they will be submitted as part of a planning application later in the year. Following the submission of the planning application, Hammersmith and Fulham Council will decide whether the proposals can go ahead or not.

Be part of the conversation

Would you like to stay up to date on the project? Can you help us make the case to the council when it goes in for planning?

We are working with a company called ECF to ensure staff, students and parents are kept up to date on the process. If you would like to know more about the project or get regular updates, please contact:

Email: phoenix@engagecf.co.uk

Phone: 07542 016586.

Read our project leaflet for full details about The Curve Project.

FAQs

1. What is The Curve project?

The Curve is an exciting project to redevelop Phoenix Academy. It will replace old and outdated buildings with brand-new classrooms, sports, drama, and community facilities – all designed to give pupils the very best education and provide spaces the local community can use too.

2. Why does the school need new buildings?

Many of our current buildings date back to the 1950s. They are cold in winter, too hot in summer, and very costly to maintain. Refurbishing them would cost £30–40 million – money that simply isn’t available. The new facilities will make sure our pupils can learn in safe, modern spaces fit for the future.

3. How will the project be paid for?

The new facilities will be funded by building around 300 new homes on part of the site. The sale of these homes will pay for the new school buildings, so no extra money is needed from the government or council.

4. Will there be affordable homes?

Yes. Around 37% (about 90 homes) will be affordable. These will include a mix of sizes – from one-bedroom flats to larger family homes.

5. What new facilities will pupils and the community get?

26 modern classrooms, including science and music rooms
A new sports hall, drama hall, assembly hall, and dining hall
A new library and sixth form centre
Outdoor spaces such as gardens, a courtyard, and a roof terrace
Sports and drama facilities that can also be used by the wider community

6. Will the building work disrupt pupils?

We are carefully phasing construction to minimise disruption.

Phasing: Building work will be carried out in stages, so pupils can keep learning while new facilities are built.

Noise: During exam season, noisy works will be avoided to make sure students can concentrate.

Privacy: The design of the new school ensures students’ privacy is protected throughout the construction and once the new buildings are complete.

Positive opportunities: The construction phase will also give our pupils the chance to get involved and learn about the construction industry — encouraging boys and girls alike to explore careers in this field.

7. How will the project support the environment?

The new buildings will be energy efficient and use cleaner energy systems. We’ll also create new green spaces, gardens, and play areas to make the site a healthier, more sustainable place for everyone.

8. Who is leading the project?

Future Academies (who run Phoenix Academy) are working with London Square (the development partner) and a team of expert architects and planners.

9. When will everything be finished?

Planning decision: Winter 2025

School construction starts: Summer 2026

New school complete: Winter 2028

New homes ready: Winter 2029

How can I help?

The most important way you can help is by showing your support. When the planning application is being decided, letters of support from parents and local residents will make a big difference.

To find out how you can write a letter of support for The Curve project, please use one of the options below. Further information is available on our website, and you can also get in touch with us directly by email or phone.

Find out more about the project: tinyurl.com/thephoenixacademy
Email us at: phoenix@engagecf.co.uk
Call Oliver Deed to find out how you can help: 075 4201 6586