The academy was opened as
Woodlands Secondary Modern School in 1956. It became a comprehensive in 1975, and was awarded
specialist status as a
Technology College in September 2004. It converted to an academy in 2012. however these were demolished throughout 2016 as part of the academy's renovation. In 2013, the academy was approved under the Priority School Building Programme, along with seven other Derby City schools. The new buildings were designed by Maber with a budget of £13.9 million. Construction of the new site was managed by
Bowmer & Kirkland. Demolition of parts of the old academy buildings began in late 2014, and construction of the new buildings beginning soon after. ==Houses==