FAQ
Posted: December 12, 2011
Listed below are some of our most frequently asked questions.
1.What is an Academy?
2.Who are the sponsors of this Academy?
3.When will the Academy open?
4.Who is in charge of the Academy?
5.How will governors be appointed to the new Academy?
6.What about the curriculum and chosen specialisms?
7.What about post-16 provision?
8.Has NHS Stockton-on-Tees managed a school before?
9.How much money is NHS Stockton-on-Tees investing in the Academy?
10.How has this money been made available?
11.Why is the NHS getting involved in education?
What is an Academy?
Academies are state-funded, independent local schools that aim to provide a free, first-class education for young people of all abilities. They offer a broad and balanced curriculum, enhanced by one or more subject specialisms.
Academies often draw on the skills and expertise of their sponsors and community partners. They also have a key part to play in the regeneration of the whole community.
There are already 200 Academies throughout the country set up and managed by independent sponsors such as universities, businesses, the charitable sector, educational foundations and faith communities.
Find out more information about the Academy for North Stockton or visit the DFE website for general information about Academies.
Who are the sponsors of this Academy?
NHS Stockton-on-Tees, Stockton College Consortium and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
When will the Academy open?
It will open in September 2010.
Who is in charge of the Academy?
The sponsors are responsible for governing academies, but responsibility for the academy’s day-to-day running remains with the principal.
How will governors be appointed to the new Academy?
The Academy Trust (made up of representatives from the lead sponsor and the Secretary of State, the chair of the governing body and other members), is responsible for building and running the Academy. The Trust will decide how many governors will be appointed, ensuring that the Academy benefits from a wide range of skills and expertise.
The government requires that there is a parent representative and a local authority representative on the governing body.
What about the curriculum and chosen specialisms?
The Academy will offer the National Curriculum core subjects as well as ensuring that there is a wide range of other subjects available. The Academy will offer a specialism in science with a focus on health and well-being.
What about post-16 provision?
Post-16 provision will be provided by Stockton College Consortium.
Has NHS Stockton-on-Tees managed a school before?
This is the first time that the NHS has been a lead sponsor of an Academy, although health trusts in other parts of the country have become co-sponsors of schools. The NHS has a lot of support from the co-sponsors, who all have vast educational experience.
How much money is NHS Stockton-on-Tees investing in the Academy?
NHS Stockton-on-Tees is investing £500,000 into the running of the Academy.
How has this money been made available?
NHS Stockton-on-Tees is using money from its Health Improvement budget to invest in the Academy. This money is not earmarked for frontline services, and it will help promote healthy lifestyles without adversely affecting current NHS services.
Why is the NHS getting involved in education?
Part of a health trust’s remit is to educate and improve the health of young people in the local area, so making this an element of schooling is ideal. Through educating children from a young age about the need to be healthy, this message will spread through the community, thereby reducing the long-term demands on NHS services.
