Schools Can Become Academies Without Local Council Control

This law lets state schools become academies. Academies are schools that get money directly from the government instead of through local councils. They have more freedom to decide their own curriculum, school hours, and teacher pay. Outstanding schools can become academies quickly if they want to. Schools that are struggling can be forced to become academies. Local councils lose control over these schools once they convert. The government says this will raise standards by giving schools more freedom. Critics say it removes democratic oversight and could increase inequality between schools. Parents and teachers at each school are consulted before conversion happens.

• 1Schools can become academies and receive funding directly from central government
• 2Academies have freedom to set their own curriculum, school day length and teacher pay
• 3Outstanding schools can choose to become academies if they apply
• 4Struggling schools can be required to become academies
• 5Local councils lose control over schools that become academies