Schools designated under the Centre of Excellence Scheme are required to establish and maintain particularly high standards in all aspects of their academic, administrative and operational programmes.

The 200 students were placed at Belmont based on their performance in the Grade Six and the Grade Nine Achievement tests. They will be entering grades seven and nine, respectively, and will be promoted to higher grades next year, thereby facilitating the gradual population of the new school. Belmont Academy will be able to accommodate 900 students at full capacity.

Belmont Academy, built at a cost of $304 million, will focus on the sciences and services.

The academy will also place emphasis on the visual and performing arts, character development, civic awareness, community service, volunteerism, critical thinking, pedagogy, technology and leadership.