The Department for Education has appointed McLaren Construction to build a new permanent home for The Boxing Academy, a secondary school in Clapton catering to 12 to 16-year-olds in need of an alternative to mainstream education.

The contract, awarded through the DfE Construction Framework 2021, marks a major milestone for the Academy, which has operated from temporary facilities on Monteagle Way since 2015.

The new 56-student school will relocate to a nearby site on Brooke Road. Despite its temporary setting, The Boxing Academy was rated Outstanding across all areas in its most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2025, highlighting the strength of its education and support model.

Principal Anna Cain said: "Working with McLaren and Holmes Miller on the design has been a rewarding and collaborative process and we are beyond excited to finally start the build phase. The new school will be a centre of excellence for our unique combination of quality education and boxing, which will benefit the staff and students, as well as the local community. The Boxing Academy has been waiting for a permanent home since 2015."

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Designed by architects Holmes Miller, the new 1,500-square-metre facility maximises the potential of a compact urban site. Classrooms will be built around a central private courtyard, allowing natural light to flood teaching spaces while ensuring privacy for students. The design supports the school’s mission to provide high-quality education through the discipline and ethos of boxing—a model known for producing strong outcomes among students who have struggled in traditional settings.

McLaren Construction's divisional director Tony Whyte said: "This purpose-built school centred around the sport of boxing promises to be a landmark in both education and school design. It's hard to imagine how a school that already scores Outstanding across the board can get better, but the completed building will give them the right environment for getting the best out of all the students."

With experience managing tight urban sites, McLaren will oversee construction with care to minimise disruption for neighbours, including local residents, businesses, and nearby schools. The company's high ratings under the Considerate Constructors Scheme provide reassurance to the community, and the team will navigate the challenges of the adjacent Red Route with expertise.

In addition to delivering a vital educational facility, McLaren is committed to creating wider community benefits. The project will incorporate T-level placements, apprenticeships, and work experience opportunities, alongside site tours and school visits to promote careers in construction. The Boxing Academy's staff, students, and parents will also be invited to follow the build's progress through guided tours and presentations.

Construction of the new Boxing Academy is expected to be completed by September 2026.