This episode of Need to Know explains government policy on new academies and explores the benefits & potential disadvantages schools face in applying for academy status. We follow Mike Baker as he visits two schools. The first, an existing primary academy, where a longer school day and a curriculum focused on literacy and numeracy are among the benefits it enjoys free of local authority control. The other, an 'outstanding' primary school thinking of taking up academy status, before he decides whether to formally apply, headteacher Greg Wallace wants to know: How much extra cash will they get and will academy status make them liable for VAT costs. While many details are currently being worked out, Mike reveals what is known about how to apply and what schools should be thinking about as they weigh up their options on whether to become academies.

Video Series: Need To Know
Release Date 2010