How our community made the Archer Academy happen

The Archer Academy is an example of community in action. Primary school governors have been working for some years to persuade Barnet Council to expand mixed, non-selective, non-denominational secondary provision in N2, N3 and NW11. And in February 2011, parent group Local Schools for Local Children picked up the baton and continued the campaign in earnest.

Once it became clear that the council were unable to open a new school in the area, the group turned to the government's free schools initiative, and applied to set up the Archer Academy. The team put together a strong proposal, which set out their vision and values, detailed their plans for a broad and balanced curriculum, and demonstrated clear local demand for the school.

After a rigorous interview with the Department for Education in May 2012, the application was formally approved in July 2012, to the delight of the local community. The school will open its doors to its first 150 pupils in September 2013.