# Academy — Definition & Explanation

> From the SchoolBrowse Education Glossary.
> HTML version: https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/academy

**In short:** A state-funded school in England that operates independently of local authority control.
An **academy** is a state-funded school in England that operates independently of local authority control. Academies receive funding directly from the government and have freedoms over curriculum, term dates, teachers' pay, and conditions.

## Types of Academies

Sponsored academies are typically underperforming schools taken over by academy trusts. Converter academies are successful schools that chose academy status. Most academies belong to multi-academy trusts (MATs) that manage multiple schools.

## Academy Freedoms and Accountability

While academies have more autonomy than local authority schools, they remain accountable through Ofsted inspections, performance data, and funding agreements. Critics debate whether increased autonomy has improved outcomes.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: Are academies private schools?**

No. Academies are state-funded and free to attend. The term 'academy' in the UK means something different than in the US, where it often refers to private schools.
**Q: What is the difference between an academy and a comprehensive school?**

Both can be non-selective state schools. The difference is governance: comprehensive schools are run by local authorities, while academies operate independently through trusts.
**Q: Are academy schools better?**

Quality varies. Some academies excel; others struggle. Academy status alone does not determine quality. Consider Ofsted ratings, results, and school culture.

---
Source: SchoolBrowse Education Glossary (https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary). Please attribute and link to https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/academy when citing this definition.