Your Questions Answered

What are Academies?

There are two types of Academies - traditional or sponsored academies of which Drapers' Academy is one - and Converter Academies - schools that choose to become Academies without sponsors.

Academies are publicly funded independent schools that aim to provide a first class free education to local pupils of all abilities. Sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups, working with partners from the local community, establish them. Academies usually provide a teaching and learning environment that is line with the best in the maintained sector and offer a broad and balanced curriculum to pupils of all abilities. Academies aim to ensure that every pupil receives an excellent education for all children, including the more able and those that require additional support. Academies play a key part in the regeneration of communities, raising standards through innovative approaches to management, governance, teaching and the curriculum.

How is an Academy different from other schools?

Academies raise standards by innovative approaches to management, governance, teaching and the curriculum, with facilities in line with the very best in the mainland sector. Academies also have the flexibility to be creative with timetabling and organisation, for example in the length of the school day and school terms.

Further information about Academies can be obtained from the following websites:
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/academies