Her Majesty The Queen visited Mulberry Academy London Dock on Tuesday 4th February, marking a historic moment for the Mulberry Schools Trust. The visit celebrated the remarkable achievements of students, the innovative design of the school’s new building, and the Trust’s commitment to empowering young people.
Her Majesty was warmly greeted by Deputy Lieutenant Morgan, Dr Vanessa Ogden, CEO of the Mulberry Schools Trust, Lutfur Rahman, the Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets who secured the land for the school and provided financial investment, student representatives from each of the eight schools in the Trust, trustees, governors, key partners and community members. Local primary schools also joined Mulberry students and lined the entrance with flags, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.
After meeting some of the school’s key delivery partners, including Kier, Architype, Walsh, Tower Hamlets Council, the Department for Education and St George PLC, who were instrumental in designing the building with sustainability and green spaces in mind, Her Majesty toured the school’s state-of-the-art facilities and observed student-led activities, including:
- Science and engineering projects: Students showcased work from the Mulberry STEM Academy, in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd, featuring Green Power cars, Goblin cars, and robotics.
- Artistic creations: Students shared cityscape-inspired artwork reflecting the rich architectural history of the local area.
- Leadership initiatives: Her Majesty learned about the Global Girl Leading programme, a leadership development initiative ‘by girls, for girls,’ and viewed students’ recent contributions to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
Her Majesty also joined a discussion with Mulberry Academy London Dock governors and mothers from the local community, including individuals who had participated in her visit to Tower Hamlets in 2013. Highlights included a performance of To Thee I Sing by Afsana Begum, a Global Girl Leading poetry project centred on mothers and daughters, and an exhibition of the Letters to Our Daughters poetry project alongside sewing class displays.
The visit continued with a tour of the Mulberry Production Arts Academy. This unique programme, delivered in partnership with the National Theatre and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, aims to discover, train, and empower students in technical and production arts. Her Majesty viewed the River Poem exhibition, a project commissioned for Mulberry Academy London Dock, the Genesis Theatre Design Programme based at Mulberry UTC, and student performances, including a song from Hamilton.
The day concluded with Her Majesty cutting a ribbon to unveil a community sculpture marking the formal opening of the new school, accompanied by a performance by the Mulberry Schools Trust Choir.
Reflecting on the visit, Dr Vanessa Ogden, CEO, Mulberry Schools Trust, said: “Her Majesty’s presence was a tremendous honour and a testament to the exceptional work of our students, staff and community. The day celebrated the values at the heart of the Mulberry Schools Trust: outstanding achievement for all, made possible through the power of partnerships, creativity and ambition. I would like to extend my thanks to all the delivery partners involved in the school build whose support was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “We are incredibly proud to have negotiated the land with the developer for this new state of the art school and provided financial support for its development. Our investment reflects our dedication to supporting students on their educational journeys, giving them the best possible environment to learn, grow, and thrive. This school is a beacon of opportunity, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the community for many years to come.”
David Rowsell, Managing Director, Kier Construction London & Thames Valley commented: “It has been a privilege to work alongside the Mulberry Schools Trust, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the Department for Education, Architype, BD Landscape, Walsh, and our other key delivery partners to bring the vision for Mulberry Academy London Dock to life. The state-of-the-art co-educational school is one of the first Passivhaus schools in the UK, representing a milestone in sustainable, innovative design and construction delivery. Integrating the area’s history and local character while addressing air quality, noise, and safety challenges, the school will provide a dynamic and inspiring space for students and the wider community for many generations to come.”
Piers Clanford, Chief Operating Officer, The Berkeley Group and Chairman, St George PLC & St Joseph Homes, added: “St George is delighted to have contributed to this incredible project. Mulberry Academy London Dock reflects our shared commitment to community development and ensuring that young people have access to world-class education in an exceptional environment. The neighbourhood at London Dock exemplifies the very best in urban regeneration, combining homes, education and a public square to create a vibrant destination. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the school, building on the career sessions we are already providing that are inspiring the next generation to work in the construction and development sector.”
