What is an Academy?
Academies are a new generation of secondary schools that offer a more flexible curriculum, allowing tens of thousands of students to go on vocational courses or gain practical work experience so they can be better equipped for the world of work.
The academies are linked to the city’s employers and businesses through a sponsorship programme. In areas where academies have been set up, schools are improving at three times the national average in areas of the greatest challenge and disadvantage. Important to these schools are their ethos, their sense of purpose, the strength of their leaders, teachers and support staff, the motivation of their parents and students. Much of that comes from the can-do attitude of principals and staff, and the drive that their business and education sponsors bring to their development – backed by their willingness to innovate and use their freedom imaginatively.
Manchester is among the first wave of cities to develop Academies centred on innovative partnerships between education providers and local businesses. These partnerships will transform the way in which children are educated.
The Manchester Enterprise Academy focuses on developing students’ skills and attitude for the world of work, higher education or further training. Its sponsors – Manchester Airport, Willow Park Housing Trust, The Manchester College and Manchester City Council – work with the Academy and provide some unique real-life work experience, guidance and training for students.