Academies are publicly-funded independent schools, for pupils of all abilities. The early academies were established by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups working in partnership with central Government and local education partners. Since July 2010, all schools rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted are able to opt to become Academies, without the need for a sponsor, although this is still possible.

Academies' independent status allows them the flexibility to be innovative and creative in their curriculum, staffing and governance and to work in different ways to traditional local authority schools.