It is sometimes profitable to get out of your own school and visit others, particularly if they are considered innovative in their approach and even more so if the school is of architectural significance.

The Thomas Deacon Academy in Peterborough is just such an example. Opened in September 2007 as a flagship academy in Peterborough it attracted media interest right from the start. Its modern design, organic shape and striking material choices are fairly typical of the Norman Foster Partnership style whose previous projects include the Gherkin and the Millau Viaduct.

As you approach the Academy the building is truly impressive, it sits well in spacious landscaped grounds, its dramatic architectural style dominates the landscape and immediately draws your focus away from any other aspect. The full three storey wall of glass nestling between two huge bulbous wings signifies the main entrance and reception and as you push through the glass doors the interior that greets you does not disappoint.