What is an Academy?
An academy is an all ability, state-funded school established and managed by sponsors from a wide range of backgrounds, including high-performing schools and colleges, universities, individual philanthropists, businesses, the voluntary sector and faith communities.
Some academies are established education providers, and all of them bring a record of success in other enterprises, which they are able to apply to their academies in partnership with experienced school managers.
Sponsors challenge traditional thinking on how schools are run and what they should be like for students. They seek to make a complete break with cultures of low aspiration, which afflict too many communities and their schools. Sirius Academy wants this to happen, which is why we entrust the governance of our Academy to them.
On establishing an academy, the sponsor sets up an endowment fund, the proceeds of which are spent by the Academy Trust on measures to counteract the impact of deprivation on education in the local community.
Academies have the backing of the Local Authority, which has a seat on the governing body. Academies are not, however, maintained by the LA, although they collaborate closely with it, and with other schools in the area.
The governing body and headteacher have responsibility for managing the academy. To determine the ethos and leadership of the academy and ensure clear responsibility and accountability, the private sector or charitable sponsor always appoints the majority of governors.
All academies are bound by the same Schools Admission Code - the SEN Code of Practice and exclusions guidance - as other state- funded schools. They are required to follow the National Curriculum programme in English, maths, science and ICT. All academies have specialist status in one or more subjects.
Each academy is unique. The focus on fitting each centre to its community and circumstances has sustained real success, and the programme continues to expand.
