Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Academy?

Academies are all-ability state schools with a mission to transform education. They are set up where the local status quo in secondary education is simply not good enough, or where there is a demand for new school places. They are established and managed by independent sponsors, and funded by the Government at a level comparable to other local schools. No fees are paid by parents. They are the successors to the City Technology Colleges introduced in 1987.

Some academies are brand new schools in areas needing extra school places. Others replace weak or under-performing schools; as a broad rule of thumb, the Government is prepared to consider as a potential academy project any secondary school where in 2007 fewer than 30% of pupils gained five or more good GCSEs including English and maths. A third category is day schools which were fee-paying but want to become academies in order to transform their contribution to local education by expanding and broadening their pupil intake to the benefit of all local students.

How did ULT become involved in setting up Academies?

ULT was chosen for this programme because of its impressive and trusted track record in education.

UCST operates ten thriving fee-paying schools today and thus offers matchless opportunities for cross-fertilisation. Both the independent fee-paying schools and academies stimulate each other’s performance through joint training, curriculum development and their approach to a relentless agenda of improvement.

How transparent are the financial arrangements?

We believe that transparency of finance is essential. Because academies are not given financial advantage over other state-funded schools, strict financial management is critical. The UCST central office handles the administration of both Schools and Academies.

How are the ULT Academies financed?

Academies are financed separately by the Government through a contract with ULT and do not receive any subsidy from UCST.  This means that none of the fees that parents pay go into the Academy programme.  All operating costs are paid for by the Government and all sponsorship is fundraised separately.