please excuse my ignorance, but what is an academy?

[stitch]

i thought they were just bigger secondary schools. rather like the term technology college a few years ago. what makes them special?

I don't think there is anything special about them. Most of the schools sround here are called academys but they are just regular secondary schools.

they are privately sponsored, state funded secondaries and usually but not always in tough area. Alot of former CTCs have become academies info here

thank you.
just window dressing then.

Around here, it is what they rename the sink schools that "close down" then re-open with a new name & private sponsor.

I think that only applies to england though, we have an academy and it isn't any of that.

all i really know is that they're nicking all the best headteachers

I'm in Scotland and they are not privately sponsored around here, but then it is a bit rough lol

I'm in Scotland and Academies used to be the schools which taught Latin. Not sure if any still do but don't know of any which changed their name.