What Are Academy Schools?
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What are academy schools? The term academy school is a relatively new concept that has appeared in recent years. Many more schools in England and Wales are relaunching themselves as academies and securing ‘academy ‘.
But what exactly is an academy and what does it mean for your child’s education? An academy is essentially a state supported independent school which is established with assistance from one or multiple sponsors. Academies have been in existence since they were introduced to the education system in 2000. When the concept was first created, it was hoped that academies would improve standards of education particularly in relation to failing schools where local authorities were struggling to manage.
The first academies that opened were originally city academies because they were primarily opened in inner city areas where schools were having difficulty. As the program evolved, the name was removed to appeal to more rural schools who were also struggling. For a school to secure academy status it had to raise £2 million. In the majority of instances this was raised by businesses, voluntary organisations or faith groups. The government contribute approximately £25 million to academy schools.
Academy Schools Management
Once a school has transferred to academy status it will no longer require funding from the local education authority (LEA) but it will still remain accountable to the LEA in terms of standards and curriculum requirements.
As the academies are sponsored they may play a role in decision making at the school. Many sponsors challenge traditional educational systems and they determine how the school should be operated. In the majority of instances, sponsors will aim to move away from the previous values and culture of the school toward high aspiration and achievement for all.
When an academy has been established by sponsors, what is known as an endowment fund will be established. Proceeds invested by the academy will be made to counteract deprivation and poor education in local communities.
When an academy is first created, it will be carried out with support from the Local Authority. Once established, the local authority has no accountability in terms of maintaining the academy but close partnerships will be established including collaborative working and information sharing. In addition, the local authority will still feature on the schools’ governing body. The day to day management of the school will be carried out in collaboration between the head teacher and the governing body.
When it comes to appointing governors for schools operating under an academy structure, the sponsors will usually have the responsibility of selecting who will sit on the board of governors.
Academy Curriculum
An academy can even set its own term dates and it doesn’t have to follow the national curriculum. However they do have to comply with a series of rules in relation to special educational needs provision, admissions and exclusions. Academies will obtain funding directly from the government rather than through the local authority. They are managed by an academy trust which employs the staff rather than them being employed by the council.
Although an academy does not have to follow the national curriculum it is still accountable to OFSTED which states that schools must have a balanced and broad curriculum for students. Even though a school is an academy does not mean that they can teach any subject that they wish. While there is greater flexibility in academy schools, they still remain accountable.
There are eight Regional Schools Commissioners who can inspect an academy at any time. They can also issue warning notifications or even close down a poorly performing academy.
Schools Inspection
The Education Funding Agency is in place to check the accounts of each academy every year. Ofsted will also conduct regular inspections of academies and draft reports in the same way that they do in non academy schools.
Each academy in the UK is different and will have rules and regulations which are specific to that academy even though they follow the national curriculum. School routines and the length of the school day may differ from the normal 9am to 3pm rule in the majority of LEA managed and funded schools.
Academies are designed to reflect the specific requirements of the local community and the circumstances so there is much more flexibility in terms of rules, routines and how they are manag