Provides an overview of the key findings of the third annual evaluation of the city academies programme, based on surveys and interviews conducted in 15 academies and nine predecessor schools. Although the majority of staff and pupils appreciated the new buildings and facilities, a number of key aspects of final design were broadly regarded as unsatisfactory or not fit for purpose; these included poor classroom design and size, inadequate changing facilities and poor quality workmanship. Concerns were also expressed about lack of consultation with key stakeholders, poor co-ordination between the DfES, industry, the school, and the sponsor, and inexperienced project managers, architects and builders. The report recommends a much wider consultation with stakeholders at the design stage, and the need for a more appropriate balance to be struck between the look and feel of the academies and their practical design aspects.