What is an academy?
An academy is a publicly funded, all ability, independent school established by sponsors working in partnership with the Government and local councils. Academies provide free education for every pupil.
Who is the sponsor of Darlington’s Academy?
The Church of England will be the sponsor of the Darlington Academy. The Church of England has a proven track record of delivering high quality education through its Voluntary Controlled, Voluntary Aided and academy schools.
Why has Darlington been selected to have an academy?
In late 2002, the DfES announced a radical new funding programme called Building Schools for the Future aimed at reforming secondary school education.
Unfortunately, Darlington is not scheduled to benefit from this scheme for another ten years. In response, the Council looked for other ways to bring in funding into Darlington’s secondary schools. In September 2005 last year, following discussions with DfES and lobbying of government, the Council was invited to submit an expression of interest in the Academies programme. The Church of England has now agreed to partner the Council as sponsor for the project.
Would the Darlington Church of England Academy provide a sixth form?
No. There are already enough places for students over the age of 16 in the Borough provided by the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, the College of Technology and Carmel School. Queen Elizabeth's Sixth Form College and Darlington College of Technology are keen to work with the Academy in making it easier for young people to move onto college.