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Academy

A state-funded school in England that is independent of the local authority and funded directly by central government through a funding agreement. Academies have more freedom over curriculum, staff pay and term dates than maintained schools.

Used in
England
Topic
Types of school

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Multi-academy trust (MAT) England
A single charitable company that runs two or more academies under one board of trustees, with a CEO and a shared scheme of delegation.
Free school England
A type of academy in England set up from scratch (rather than converted from an existing school), often proposed by a trust, charity or group of parents or teachers. It is state-funded and free to attend.
Maintained school England Wales
A state school funded and overseen by the local authority. It must follow the national curriculum and national rules on teachers' pay and conditions.
Funding agreement England
The legal contract between an academy trust and the Secretary of State for Education setting out the conditions under which the academy is funded.

More terms: Types of school

Alternative provision · Community school · First school · Foundation school · Grammar school · Infant school

More terms starting with A · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.