The sponsored academy project list is available to download from this page. This shows which projects are in development, the agreed sponsor, the planned opening date, and the stage of development the project has reached.
The list will be updated on a monthly basis to reflect new additions and other changes as projects develop.
Inclusion on this list does not necessarily confirm the future opening of an academy. Although it is rare, a small number of projects cease while in development. However, the further advanced a project is the more likely it is to succeed.
The sequential stages a project goes through from inception to opening are:
- Statement of intent (SOI)
- Academy action plan (AAP)
- Funding agreement (FA).
Statement of intent (SOI)
The SOI represents an approval in principle for the project to be developed with the sponsor. Once the SOI is approved the project moves to the development of the academy action plan (AAP).
Academy action plan (AAP)
The AAP is a detailed account of the project – effectively a business case. It sets out the sponsor’s vision for the school, how they will fulfil that vision, and how they will run the school.
It tests the viability of the project proposals, looking at factors such as current and predicted future pupil numbers, school finances etc.
Approval of the AAP triggers the release of funding to develop fully the project proposals, put in place the legal machinery, and draw up the funding agreement (FA).
Agreed AAPs can be found on the right-hand side of this page. AAPs were formerly known as Expressions of Interest.
Funding agreement (FA)
The funding agreement is a legally binding agreement between the academy trust – set up by the sponsor – and the Secretary of State, to establish and fund the academy.
It sets the date the academy will formally open, and the schools it will replace – which will close when the academy opens.
The FA is usually signed midway through the project development stage, but must be in place before the academy can open.
