Dear Reader,

Published: 17 June, 2011

Just released figures show that more than 1200 schools have now applied to become academies. 179 schools have applied in the last month alone (May) says the government.1244 schools have applied to be an academy since June 2010; 831 of these applications have been approved, while 430 have already converted and are open. The total number of open academies, including those opened under the previous government, now stands at 704.

Outstanding schools were invited to apply for academy status from June 2010. This offer has since been extended to special schools and any other school that is performing well.

Strong schools that convert to academy status are expected to support other local schools that could benefit from improvement.

“Academies are free from local and national government control. They are able to focus their time and resources on meeting the needs of their pupils and school, rather than answering to local or national politicians and bureaucrats,” says the government.

Does your school have Academy status? Are you in the process of applying for it? Or have you decided against? Education Today would like to hear a range of views on what it really means to be an Academy. Email bknowles@datateam.co.uk

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