Academies are publicly funded independent schools, free from local authority and national government control. Other freedoms include setting their own pay and conditions for staff, freedoms concerning the delivery of the curriculum, and the ability to change the length of their terms and school days.

The Academies Act 2010 made it possible for any school - primary, secondary or special - to become an academy.

Until now only schools which Ofsted judged Outstanding or Good with Outstanding features have been allowed to apply to convert in their own right. Other schools have had to apply to convert in their own right. Other schools have had to apply as part of wider chains, working with strong schools.

However, the Government announced on 7 April 2011 that they will consider applications from any school, including special schools that can make a compelling case for Academy status (e.g. that are performing well).

• Academies are still part of the community. They serve children and families in a particular area and they retain the same responsibilities as any maintained school as part of the learning community. Governors are advised to consider how they ensure their institution is seen as part of the community, whatever decision they make.
• The headteacher still needs to work in partnership with the governing body on strategic matters
• Academies are still subject to the law on employment, equality, admissions, special educational needs
• Academies are required to follow the same rules over pupil exclusion as maintained schools
• Academies need to operate a complaints policy in the same way as any maintained school
• Academies are still subject to Ofsted inspection
• Academies are still subject to Freedom of Information

For more information please visit the Department for Education website under ‘Related links’

The following schools have converted to Academy status:

Council Officers are supporting the Governing Bodies of the following schools that have also started the Academy conversion process:

* Please note the conversion date has been agreed with the school but is subject to change.