Capital City Academy was built to replace its predecessor Willesden High School.

In 2003, it became one of the first three academies in England, with the aim of attempting to overcome educational underachievement in deprived areas.

At the time, Willesden High School had some of the worst GCSE results in the UK.

[4] Frank McCourt the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angela's Ashes visited and signed copies of his books for the Gifted education group of students, reviewing the Carnegie Medal and Kate Greenaway Medal nominations of the year.

The main character was a headteacher played by Inspector Morse actor, Kevin Whately.