[3] In February 2014 it was announced that the academy would be forming a Post-16 Football Scholarship scheme with local semi-professional club AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

The academy was established following an announcement on 12 May 2010 by Northamptonshire County Council that Northampton's Unity College was to be closed following continued poor performance reported by Ofsted.

David Ross, chairman of the foundation, said: "Closing a school is never an easy decision, however we believe it is in the best interests of students, staff, parents and the wider community to open a new academy that will offer a world-class education.

[2] The academy, a specialist maths and music college, is named after Sir Malcolm Arnold, the English composer, who is best remembered for his nine symphonies and also wrote the scores for many films including The Bridge on the River Kwai, Whistle Down the Wind, Hobson's Choice, and The Inn of the Sixth Happiness.

We would like to thank Nicola for her hard work over the last 5 years and for the dedication she has shown to the pupils, staff and community in the various roles she held within Malcolm Arnold.

"[13] No details were given on the bad behavior, but an anonymous parent suggested a couple of students were allegedly disrespectful to David Ross on a recent school visit.