Graham and the school have formally marked the start of works on a new secondary school for 1,600 pupils from across east and central Bristol.
It will initially be for 11 to 16 year olds, but the addition of a sixth form is planned post-occupation.
The scheme includes a new main building on Silverthorne Lane, within the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, and the conversion of a listed boiler shop into a sports hall. The site was previously one of the largest steel works in Europe.
The new academy building is scheduled to open in September 2027.