London, November 2011 - Hammersmith Academy, the newest livery company school in the UK, will take part in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show on 12 November 2011. Students and staff from the school will march with a large, helium-filled inflatable of the Academy, together with members of the sponsoring livery companies.

Opened this month, the Hammersmith Academy is a non-denominational, all-ability, co-educational secondary school for 11-18 year olds, with specialism’s in creative and digital media and IT, located in the 42nd most deprived borough in the UK. It is jointly sponsored by the Mercers’ Company and the Information Technologists’ Company (ITC). Both livery companies provide direction and support, as well as having raised a substantial sum towards the cost of the new school and to create an endowment fund that will benefit students for years to come.

Hammersmith Academy headmaster, Gary Kynaston said: “it is a real honour to be part of such an historic event as the Lord Mayor’s Show. As a showcase of the best that the capital has to offer, this is a fantastic way for us to announce our presence to London and the rest of the UK.

“At Hammersmith Academy, our vision, as an aspirational academy, is to create a vibrant and rewarding learning community where students become confident, independent learners that make outstanding progress and achieve their full potential, within a culture of high expectations and through the innovative use of IT and digital media. This is epitomised by the work of the Royal Signals, who are leaders in information technology and communications for the British Army, which is why we are so proud that they will be accompanying us through the city.”

Master of the Mercers’ Company, Tom Sheldon said: “As the premier Livery Company we have a very strong bond with the Lord Mayor’s Show. As such it is gratifying to see Hammersmith Academy, the newest school in the Mercers’ group, open this year and take part in this year’s event.”

Jonathan Soar, ITC Master, said: “The Hammersmith Academy embodies the ITC’s commitment to education, training, charitable work and social interaction. We are also honoured that the Royal Signals will be marching with the Academy. The ITC has a strong relationship with the Corps, helping many ex-service personnel transition into the IT sector.

“This year is made more special  for us by the fact that the current Senior Alderman below the Chair, a position normally held just prior to being elected Lord Mayor, is ITC Court Liveryman, David Wootton.”