What is an Academy School?

Academies, similar to state-funded schools, undergo assessment by Ofsted inspectors. Learn more about Ofsted ratings in our What are Ofsted Ratings? article.

To explore additional information on various school types, read our Different Schools page.

How Academy Schools Differ from State Schools

Academies differ significantly as they receive funding directly from the government, unlike regular state-funded schools that rely on local authorities.

They are directly accountable to the Department of Education.

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Another distinction is their ability to set their own term times, disregarding local authority decisions, and the freedom to deviate from the National Curriculum.

Academies can also secure funding from various sources, including sponsorship from businesses, universities, other schools, voluntary organisations, or faith groups.

Understanding Academy Trusts

There are two trust types – a single academy trust and a multi-academy trust.

The former is formed when a single school becomes an academy or when two schools amalgamate to transition to academy status.

A multi-academy trust is established when a group of schools becomes part of a trust, governed by a single board of members and directors.

The trust employs staff instead of a local authority, and the head teacher oversees day-to-day operations. However, the academy trust provides support and guidance.

Expertise is shared among schools in an academy trust, and directors are responsible for strategic overviews of the schools under their umbrella.

Reasons behind Schools Opting for Academy Status

There has been a substantial increase in the number of multi-academy trusts, from 391 in 2011 to over four times that figure today.

The academy school policy, initiated by Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2000, aimed to enhance failing schools, especially in deprived areas.

The term 'city' was dropped to encourage schools in both rural and urban areas to convert to academy status.

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Struggling schools can receive support within multi-academy trusts by sharing resources and best practices with sister schools.

Advantages of Academy Schools

Flexibility: Head teachers have more autonomy in running academies, setting their own term dates, and accessing additional funding through sponsorship.

State-funded schools, in contrast, are controlled by local authorities with limited flexibility.

Innovation: Academy staff can be more innovative, trying new teaching methods and curricula. Extra funding through sponsorship allows for facility improvements and a wider range of educational activities.

Shared Expertise and Resources: Schools in a multi-academy trust benefit from sharing funds, best practices, and staff. Struggling schools can receive support to improve.

Disadvantages of Academy Schools

Schools as Businesses: Some teachers worry about the increasing privatization of education as more schools become academies. Critics argue there's too much focus on finances rather than children's best interests.

Trust Size Concerns: Some fear that certain academy trusts have expanded too quickly, leading to resource shortages that affect the schools under their management.

Flexibility Challenges: Parents may lack certainty in the curriculum as academy schools can deviate. Varying term dates could also pose childcare issues for parents with children in different types of schools.

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