The creation of academies is potentially one of the most significant and controversial changes to education in England for many years. It will have far-reaching effects on how schools are managed, what and how pupils are taught, the professional freedom of teachers and the social mix of a school’s intake. Whether or not it will also have an effect on exam results and raising the achievements of children from poorer families is one of the many unknowns.
Academies were the brainchild of the former Labour Prime Minister, Tony Blair. They were set up in 2000 and were originally called ‘city academies’, as they were established in deprived inner-city areas. Later, the term ‘city’ was dropped when it was realised that deprived areas could also be found in rural communities. The aim was to raise standards and increase aspirations of children from poorer families and communities, and the academies were comprehensive and all-inclusive in their intake.
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