Evolution Of The Academies Programme: A Three-phase Journey

Phase 1 (2000-2009): Targeted intervention

The Academies Programme began as a government initiative to improve underperforming schools, with the primary aim to "improve pupil performance and break the cycle of low expectations" in schools with a history of failure. The aim was to foster innovation and raise educational standards by giving schools greater autonomy over their curriculum, finances and staffing.

Initially known as "city academies", these schools were taken out of local authority control and managed by independent sponsors, such as businesses, universities and charities.

Academies also received significant initial funding from government, with contributions from sponsors capped at £2m. Sponsors usually enjoyed significant influence through governance arrangements and set the founding vision for a new school.