Academies are state-funded schools that are not run by the local council. They are independent from local authorities.
The day to day running of the school is managed by the head teacher or principal. They are overseen by academy trusts. These trusts provide advice, support, expertise, and a strategic overview.
Academies can decide on their own curriculums, term dates, school hours, salaries, how to spend their budget, and much more.
Oversight
Educational and financial oversight for academies is run by the National and Regional Schools Commissioners and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
Individual academies are still subject to Ofsted inspections and ratings in the same way as council run schools.