It specialises in entrepreneurship and is part of the Aldridge Education Multi Academy Trust.

[3] The academy moved to a new purpose-built site in September 2010, located in the Redearth area at the centre of Darwen.

[4] The new site features a five-storey main building, a sports hall, a dance/drama studio, a café and office spaces for young entrepreneurs.

[7] The new school cost an estimated £49 million, with the controversial clearance of houses in the area of Redearth involving the council in a long legal dispute, including a hearing by the High Court and two public inquiries.

[8][9] Prince William and Kate Middleton visited the new school to formally open it on 11 April 2011 as part of their final public engagement before their wedding.