What is the difference between a National Skills Academy and the other academies emerging?
All forms of academies have a specialism and sponsors who invest funds and are involved in their strategic management. National Skills Academies are sector-based centres of excellence, focusing on vocational education and skills training. They deliver training to young people (aged 16 to 19) as well as adults, and have national reach. Other types of academies include: • School Academies: There are currently 27 School Academies open, with plans for 200 by 2010. These are independent schools for young people up to the age of 19 and local children that deliver an innovative curriculum, including both academic and vocational studies. • 16 – 19 Academies: There are plans for several 16 – 19 Academies which will be set up as further education colleges with the ethos of an academy. These are aimed at disengaged learners, encouraging young people who may not have continued to post-16 education.
