IKB Academy in Keynsham has celebrated its tenth anniversary.
In the decade since the specialist science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) school opened, it has seen former students go on to achieve success in a range of careers.
Many say they would never have progressed through higher education, degree apprenticeships and similar routes to their current roles without the school, which offers a focused STEM curriculum for students aged 14 to 18.
IKB opened in September 2015 in buildings belonging to Wellsway School, moving in March the following year to its purpose-built base, which includes dedicated labs and workshops.
Both Futura Learning Partnership schools are on the Wellsway campus, meaning IKB students have access to sporting and other facilities of the larger secondary while also benefiting from being in a small specialist school supported by staff with strong STEM expertise.
IKB has established close partnerships with local and national employers, who provide real-world links for project work, mentoring and work experience.
Head of school Peter Headeach said: “One of the strengths of IKB is providing wider opportunities such as meaningful work experience and mock interviews, where students’ personalities can truly shine.
“We often welcome back alumni who are keen to share their careers to date. They are brilliant role models for our young people.
“When we opened the school in 2015, we started with 20 boys and just one girl. Today, we celebrate that over one quarter of our students are girls, proudly flying the flag for science, technology, engineering, maths, and construction. We can’t wait to see what the next decade will bring.”
Executive head Rob Pearsall said: “This anniversary is a chance to celebrate the fantastic students and staff of IKB, who show such dedication, ambition, and spirit.
“The school has a great track record of supporting each individual student to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to become the very best version of themself.”
Students can join IKB at the start of Year 10 or Year 12. For further information, visit ikbacademy.org.uk
IKB in Keynsham celebrates decade of success
