A small group of future Year 7 learners had the special opportunity to visit the permanent site of Alkerden Academy - a momentous occasion that offered them a first glimpse of the exciting future ahead. The students were randomly selected for this visit, and while we would have loved to bring everyone along, important safety, logistical, and space considerations meant we were only able to accommodate 10 pupils.

Despite the limited numbers, the visit was a memorable experience for those who attended, and we are incredibly grateful to the team on-site who made it possible. We remain committed to keeping everyone updated as our new home continues to take shape.

After gearing up in our safety shoes, hard hats, hi-vis vests, and gloves, our group made its way across the construction site to ‘Block B’ - an area that, in just a short time, will be transformed into new classroom spaces. With every step of the developing building, we could see the vision of our new school taking shape. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as we walked toward the bridge area - a striking feature of the new site and above one of the main walkways that future students will pass beneath each day as they arrive at school.

Once we reached the bridge, we gathered for a short but meaningful briefing from the construction team. Then came a particularly memorable moment: four of our future students, joined by our co-heads of school, each laid a brick into a section of the wall. This was a symbolic gesture, marking the foundation of what will become a vibrant and inclusive learning community. This simple act of laying bricks became a powerful metaphor for building the future together.

After the ceremony, we made our way back to the site office, where we were treated to a lovely spread of lunch, complete with delicious cake and refreshing drinks. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with excitement, optimism, and a shared sense of purpose.

The visit offered us a thrilling glimpse into what’s to come, and it left us feeling even more inspired about the future.