An artist’s impression of the new school

The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed McLaren Construction to build the Boxing Academy, a 56-student secondary school in Clapton serving 12 to 16 yea -olds who need an alternative to mainstream education.

The contract was awarded via the DfE Construction Framework 2021 and the new building relocates temporary facilities in Monteagle Way in Hackney to a nearby site in Brooke Road.

The Boxing Academy Trust’s mission is to provide high-quality education and development through the discipline and ethos of boxing and it has a history of strong outcomes for students who have struggled in mainstream education.

Clever use of a small site by architects, Holmes Miller, delivers 1,500sq m of space and brings daylight into teaching spaces while maintaining a high level of privacy for students.

And classrooms are to be built around a private courtyard.

McLaren Construction’s team will use their experience of working on tight urban sites as they respect neighbouring residents, businesses, and a nearby school and manage the restrictions of the adjacent Red Route.

In addition to the public benefit delivered by a new school, McLaren is committed to further benefits in the way it delivers the project including T-level placements, apprenticeships, and work experience opportunities, while construction careers are promoted to local young people through talks and site visits.

The Boxing Academy’s staff, students, and parents will also follow construction through guided tours and presentations

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 an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating 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.”

Principal of the Boxing Academy, Anna Cain, adds: “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 project is due to complete in September 2026.