Royal opening of Global Academy brought together Heart and minds

The royal trio of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined forces this morning (21st April) to open The Global Academy, a state school for 14 to 19 year olds which was built on the site of the EMI’s Old Vinyl Factory in Hayes, West London. The Academy is expected to reach its full capacity of 800 students by 2020.

Ashley Tabor, Global’s founder and executive president, came up with the idea of the Global Academy to address the shortage of school leavers with the skills needed to work in the broadcast and digital media industries. Students will study vocational qualifications alongside traditional academic subjects.

The Global Academy teamed up with the three royals to support the campaign Heads Together (www.headstogther.org.uk) and emphasise the importance of mental health. The Duke, Duchess and Prince joined a round table discussing the topic with Global presenters Nick Ferrari, Jamie Theakston, Emma Bunton and Roman Kemp, along with students from the school.

Meanwhile, in one of the media hubs, more students were aptly working on an audio project entitled Early Speeches of the Royal Family. The Royals chatted to pupils about their studies and had a tour of the Heart production studio.

The Royal Opening was sealed when the Duke of Cambridge unveiled an EMI microphone created for King George VI.

Find out more about the Global Academy here.