FAQs
What is an academy?
Academies are all-ability, publicly funded independent schools established and managed by sponsors from a wide range of backgrounds. Francis Combe Academy is sponsored by West Herts College with support from the University of Hertfordshire.
How does an academy differ from a school?
Academies provide a teaching and learning environment that is in line with the best in the maintained sector and offer a broad and balanced curriculum to pupils of all abilities, focusing on one or more subject specialisms. As well as offering the full National Curriculum Francis Combe Academy specialises in English, media and art.
How is the academy funded?
The capital and running costs for the academy are met in full by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).
Academies are set up with the backing of their local authority, which also has a seat of the academy's governing body. Academies are not maintained by the local authority, but they collaborate closely with it, and with other schools in the area. Academies are funded at a level comparable to other local schools in their area.
Who is responsible for Managing the Academy?
The governing body and the Academy Principal
have responsibility for managing the academy, with the Principal being responsible for the day-to-day running. In order to determine the ethos and leadership of the academy and ensure clear responsibility and accountability, the sponsor appoints the majority of the governors.
