Why are the governing bodies of Academies not constituted and accountable in the same way as governing bodies of all other state schools?
Academies are different to LA maintained schools. They are independent schools set up as charitable companies. This arrangement enables sponsors to set a clear direction for Academies and contribute to their governance, while ensuring that Academies are run for the benefit of their pupils and the wider community. All members of an Academy governing body are appointed on the basis of the contribution that they will make. As governors they will have a unique opportunity to use their own areas of expertise to support the Academy. The governing body will usually comprise sponsors, or their representatives, members of the local community, including a governor appointed by the LA, staff and at least one elected parent governor. These arrangements will ensure a good balance between local representation and sponsor expertise. The governing body of an Academy is accountable to the Secretary of State through the requirements of the funding agreement. The funding agreement requires the governing
