The New Academies

Mike Baker looks at the government policy on academies, and the advantages and disadvantages schools face in securing academy status.

Mike visits a primary academy which demonstrates some of the advantages of being free from local authority rules, including longer school days and a literacy and numeracy focused curriculum.

Next, headteacher Greg Wallace from an "outstanding" primary school, wants more information before applying for academy status. For example, what extra money will they receive and will academy status make them liable for VAT costs?

Mike concludes by summarising what is known about application procedures and explains how schools should weigh up their options in deciding whether or not to become academies.