[12] The Emmanuel Schools Foundation (ESF), established by entrepreneur Sir Peter Vardy, had previously opened three other schools: Emmanuel City Technology College in Gateshead (1990), The King's Academy in Middlesbrough (2003) and Trinity Academy in Thorne, Doncaster (2005).

In October 2010, Vardy announced his retirement as sponsor of the group and its transition to the United Learning Trust.

[7] Originally, it promoted the seven core values of ESF, namely: Honourable Purpose, Humility, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, Courage and Determination.

For children in the primary years, these were simplified to "Be Good", "Be Humble", "Be Kind", "Be Honest", "Be Responsible" and "Be Brave and Determined".

[18] Gwyneth Evans then became Principal with Irene Watson and subsequently Bethan Harding serving as the headteacher of the primary years site.

[21] The academy follows the National Curriculum and has academic specialists grouped into Mathematics, English, Science (including physics, chemistry and biology specialists), Engineering, Sport, Modern Foreign Languages (French and German), History, Geography, Music, Drama and Philosophy, Theology and Ethics (encompassing religious, personal and social education) departments.

The academy holds events, including student concerts, as well as the Reg Vardy Band and pianist Francesco Attesti, talent shows, quizzes, cookery competitions and tea parties for local residents.

[25] The academy operates a house system, a key for pastoral organisation, as well as inter-school competitions and sports matches.

The episode followed the daily life of four students at home, at school and at the workplace, as they endeavour to become the engineers of the future and contribute to Blyth’s resurgence as a modern industrial powerhouse.