What does the Academies Act 2010 allow for schools?

The Academies Act 2010 allows schools the ability to apply for academy status. This legislation introduced a significant shift in the way schools in England could operate, providing more autonomy from local authority control. Schools that achieve academy status gain the flexibility to set their own curriculum, while also having more control over their finances and governance. By converting to an academy, schools can implement their own policies that may better reflect the needs and priorities of their students and communities.

The other options do not accurately reflect the core purpose of the Academies Act. While mandatory attendance policies, teacher pay regulations, and standard curricula are important aspects of the education system, these elements are not directly enabled or managed through the Academies Act 2010. Instead, the focus of the Act is primarily on granting schools the freedom to operate with greater independence and to innovate in their educational practices.