Hammersmith Academy seeks sixth-form mentors

Nearly six years after Labour set it in motion, the Hammersmith Academy will be opening its doors this September. While we're sorry it took so long for the Tory council to take this forward - which compares badly with their rush to establish Toby Young's free school - we're excited about the great education the academy will offer to local 11-18-year-olds.

The headteacher, Gary Kynaston, has just written an open letter to residents about the school's progress. This is pinned up on local trees but you may find it more comfortable to read it below.

Hammersmith Academy Community update 

Dear Resident / Community member 

My name is Gary Kynaston, Headteacher of Hammersmith Academy. I would like to take this opportunity to report on the progress the Hammersmith Academy to date and our plans up to opening in September this year. 

We have successfully recruited our year 7 cohort of students with the vast majority living within one mile of the academy. This will certainly support our walk-to-school policy. Our year 12 (6th form) recruitment continues with many student applications coming from students who reside within the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Offers have been made to them individually but their place is dependent on their exam success. 
Further, we are actively looking for mentors for our sixth form students. We are looking for people from business, academic and other professional fields who can advise and guide students and help broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations. If you feel you can offer your support or want to know more about the mentoring programme, please contact zoe.thompson @hammersmithacademy.org 

Students will have a uniform. Years 7-11 will wear an academy designated suit with appropriate accessories. Sixth form students will be wearing professional dress i.e. suits and jackets. This will provide a clear identity and make Hammersmith Academy students quite distinct and smart. 

We have successfully recruited a large number of our teaching and support staff. A core of staff will move into the Academy in June but the majority will not start until later in the summer. As a result of a planning condition, there is limited parking at the Academy and therefore the majority of staff will travel via public transport. 

The Academy building is almost complete. We are aiming to take possession sometime in June in order to ensure that it is fully functioning and equipped for September. Wates have been a most efficient and considerate building company who have provided regular updated information to the community on progress over the last 18 months. They will be completing external works through June and snagging thereafter. When we take possession of the building we will be able to share with you the contact details for all future communications and the dates when the academy will be fully open. Academy details will be available through the website. 

We look forward to building strong partnerships with the local community and sharing in your hopes and aspirations. We will consult regularly with community representatives, and will seek to provide opportunities for different members of the community to use our facilities. These will be developed over time as we establish the school, and will include adult learning options. Further, we will invite 
the community to witness performances and celebrate our students work through our creative enterprises and show events. 

If you would like to find out more, please visit our website at www.hammersmithacademy.org or contact us through email: info@hammersmithacademy.org 

Kind regards 
Gary Kynaston 
Headteacher