W E are an 11-18 independent academy sponsored by the Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol. We opened our doors in September 2008 and have just completed our first academic year.

"Our priority is to provide the young people of Withywood with a first-class education. The Academy specialism is 'Enterprise and Skills', which we hope will encourage our students to show ambition, aspiration and initiative in all that they do.

"At Merchants', we offer a mix of traditional GCSE, alongside more vocational BTEC courses, so that our curriculum caters for students with different skills and strengths. The Academy was given authorisation to teach the highly regarded International Baccalaureate Diploma in February and we were proud to see our first cohort of students starting on this course of study this September.

"The smart new uniform has proved to be very popular with students and parents alike and has set the tone for higher standards and a positive inclusive ethos. All students belong to one of four Houses, which encourages familiarity and ensures that they learn within a caring pastoral system. Friendly rivalry between these Houses adds a competitive element to sports and other internal Academy activities.

"We are determined that our students receive a fully rounded education and therefore offer a huge programme of co-curricular activities from 3.30pm onwards. We also ensure that students have a chance for their voice to be heard through an Academy Parliament and numerous House Councils."