The East Manchester Academy opened as a brand new purpose-built academy in September 2010 for students in Year 7. That cohort of 180 is now in Year 9 and the subsequent cohorts in Years 7 and 8 are also full as the academy is over-subscribed. It is projected to be an average size secondary academy when the gradual intake of students is complete in September 2014. The academy’s lead sponsors are Laing O’Rourke and Lend Lease. Its co-sponsors are The Manchester College and Manchester City Council. As the first students have not yet reached Key Stage 4, there are no national test or examination results available by which the academy can be judged to have met the government’s floor standards (the minimum expectation for students’ attainment and progress). The proportions of disabled students and those supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational need are much higher than the national average. A well above average proportion is supported at school action. A high proportion, over two thirds, of students is known to be eligible for pupil premium (additional funding provided for those who are looked after by the local authority, or eligible for free school meals, or children of service families). Around three quarters of students are White British. Of the other ethnic heritages represented, the main groups are of Black African, Chinese or Other White or Mixed backgrounds. A below average number speaks English as an additional language. The academy does not use any off-site alternative provision (training at places away from the academy itself) for students. The academy has a specialism in the built environment and is developing a centre of excellence in the performing arts. In 2011 it received an award for outstanding contribution to physical education and sport in Manchester.