About academies
Academies are independent schools within the state education system. As a successful multi-academy sponsor, E-ACT is leading the field in developing and opening new academies and schools.
The Government is committed to extending the academies programme and has introduced Free Schools for parents and groups keen to develop new centres of learning.
E-ACT is working with a range of parents and other groups to prepare proposals for new Free Schools.
Evidence from independent reports by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ofsted and the National Audit Office demonstrates that academies work and deliver rapid improvements in education and outcomes for pupils. For academies with results in 2008 and 2009, the increase in the proportion of pupils achieving at least five A* GCSEs, including English and maths, is five per cent, an increase on last year’s academy improvement rate of 4.3 per cent.
After just one academic year E-ACT academies have seen results for young people achieving on average five or more GCSEs at A*-C, including English and maths, jump by more than eight per cent.
Overall, academies are improving education and exam results for pupils faster than any other state schools.
Frequently asked questions:
When was the Academies programme first announced?
The Academies programme was introduced as part of the then Secretary of State, David Blunkett's, March 2000 speech on transforming secondary education. The first Academy projects were announced in September 2000. Sir Bruce Liddington, Director General of E-ACT, and a successful former headteacher, worked closely with ministers in developing the programme.
What are Academies?
Academies are publicly funded independent local schools that provide a first class free education. They are all ability schools established by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups working with partners from the local community. Academies provide a teaching and learning environment that is in line with the best in the maintained sector and offer a broad and balanced curriculum to pupils of all abilities, focusing on one of more subject specialisms.
What are the current criteria for a school to become an Academy?
Some Academies are brand new schools in areas which need the extra school places. Most of them replace existing weak or underperforming schools. As a broad rule of thumb, the Government is prepared to consider any secondary school where in 2006 fewer than 30% of pupils gained five or more GCSEs at grades A* - C (including English and Maths) as a potential Academy project. In addition, local authorities should always consider an Academy as an option for dealing with a school in special measures, or subject to an improvement notice, whatever its results.
Sponsors may also enter an Academy proposal in any of the competitions now required under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 for most new and replacement schools, regardless of whether the normal standards criteria for an Academy apply. The competition decision maker must consider all proposals on their individual merits, having consulted the Department on whether it would be willing to enter into a funding agreement in the event of the Academy succeeding in the competition.
How long does it take for an Academy to be established
Once we have received, and approved an Expression of Interest the precise time that it will take to open the Academy will vary according to the individual project and whether it will open in existing buildings. Academies that are built using the PFS/BSF model will typically open as an Academy in their existing buildings which will reduce the time from EOI to opening to around 2 years.
How will Academies raise standards?
Academies are an integral part of the Government's strategy for raising standards in the most disadvantaged and challenging areas. They will raise standards by innovative approaches to management, governance, teaching and the curriculum. The involvement of sponsors like E-ACT is helping deliver educational excelence.
How are Academies accountable to their local communities?
E-ACT academies are at the heart of their communities, and work closely with local stakeholders. Our governing bodies represent local people, and include parent and staff representatives as well as other influential advisers from higher education, business and industry.
Will opening an Academy adversely affect other schools in the area?
Quite the opposite. Academies are part of the local family of schools, sharing their facilities and expertise with other schools and the wider community, contributing to raising standards across the whole area.
What about children with SEN?
Academies must have regard to the SEN code of practice and statutory guidance on inclusion. An Academies independent status, does not affect parents' rights to appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal. Research conducted by NFER on behalf of the Local Government Association found that Academies admit higher proportions of pupils with SEN compared to the proportions living in the local postcode districts.
Will pupils from a school replaced by an Academy be guaranteed a place there?
It is normal for pupils at schools replaced by Academies to have the option of transfer to the Academy.
Do Academies receive more funding than maintained schools?
Ministers are very clear that there must be parity of funding with schools in the maintained sector that operate in similar circumstances. Otherwise, those schools could justifiably argue that they are being treated inequitably. We want to ensure that funding will allow Academy innovations to be replicated in other schools. Academies do, however, attract start up grants and other grants to help when they are established.
Do Academies have problems finding new staff or encouraging staff to transfer from the predecessor school?
E-ACT applies the TUPE Regulations and all our Academy projects which involve the closure of an existing school or the merger of two or more schools are conducted on the basis that the TUPE Regulations apply, unless there are exceptional circumstances which render this inappropriate.