Schools - Type of Establishment
There was a time when the Local Authority managed all state schools in its area and controlled what schools did. The LA held the budget for all schools appointed the staff, set the curriculum and inspected the schools.
However, the Academies Act passed in July 2010 made it possible for all maintained schools; primary secondary and special to apply to become academies enabling it operate independently of local authorities.
Schools who have converted as academies have greater autonomy and are now largely self-governing. All manage their own budgets; many employ their own staff, own the land and buildings and only come into contact with the LA when they choose to make use of our services.
The academies programme now includes primary and secondary schools, special schools, Free Schools, University Technical Colleges (UTCs), and studio schools.
Academies
Academies are publicly-funded schools which operate independently of local authorities.
The Department for Education provides a guide for schools wishing to convert to an academy and publishes regular updates of schools that have applied to become academies.
Academies don’t have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times. They still have to follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools.
Academies get money direct from the government, not the local council. They’re run by an academy trust which employs the staff.
Some academies have sponsors such as businesses, universities, other schools, faith groups or voluntary groups. Sponsors are responsible for improving the performance of their schools.
We have prepared a list of schools in Havering who are now academies: