The Hastings Academy opened on 1 September 2011 moving into a new building during February 2013.

September 2013 saw the closing of Hillcrest School and the opening of The Hastings Academy.

There were huts behind A Block where maths is taught and student services, the health clinic, library and canteen were located there.

In 2008, a proposal to create a federation between Filsham Valley, Hillcrest and The Grove secondary schools to improve major aspects of the school was approved by East Sussex County Council.

[1] Under the federation, led by Sir Dexter Hutt, the school has improved in all areas including attitude towards learning, behaviour both in and out of the classroom, OFSTED inspections[2] and GCSE results[3] with 76% of students achieving 5 A* – C, and at least 93% 5A* – G grades.

They also have a specialist special educational needs centre, meeting students individual needs and ensuring all have access to the curriculum whilst at the academy.