100% class

Steel has class. It looks good and works hard. Steel-framed buildings benefit from the flexible open spaces provided by long spans. This creates a pleasant and productive environment to bring the best out of those who live and work within. Steel is also tough and can stand the rigours of everyday life.

Fact Files

Name	The Business Academy Bexley
Architect	Foster and Partners
Structural Engineer	Buro Happold
Steelwork Contractor	William Hare Ltd
Main Contractor	Exterior International Ltd
Funding Body	DfES, Garrard Education Trust

In September 2003, The Business Academy Bexley opened to provide a flagship school with state-of-the-art facilities and new teaching methods. All the new Academy schools have external sponsors.

Technically the building is very demanding, as it serves as “mini city” with up to 1,350 pupils being housed under one roof. The school not only provides a general teaching classrooms, but also science and technology laboratories, art rooms with kilns, music studios, auditoria with retractable seating, national standard sports halls, kitchens and restaurants providing all-day meal service (including breakfast), generous atria and circulation spaces.

The school was constructed in steel to provide the aesthetic, programme and flexibility advantages required.