The Thomas Deacon Academy is one of the Government's flagship academy projects. Built by contractors Laing O'Rourke to a design by Foster and Partners and Buro Happold, the academy's construction began in June 2005, and it opened to students in September 2007. The academy houses approximately 2,200 students ranging from ages 11–18 and was built on the site of Deacon's School in Queen's Gardens, Dogsthorpe.

Priority1 was used by Laing O'Rourke to manage the quality of work and health & safety inspections on the project.