Welcome to the IAA

IAA is the national association representing Academy Principals and Chairs of Governors.

IAA is an autonomous body. Membership is open to all state-funded independent schools.

IAA seeks to encourage all Academies (both established and "yet to open") to become involved in the association. This aim has the support of DCSF as it reflects the aspiration that Academies will not only transform the work of their own school but also add value to the school system in England by working together as a movement.

IAA is an acknowledged body consulted by government on matters relating to educational change and development. For several years IAA has promoted networking and support for state-funded independent schools and has held 3 Conferences a year for Principals, with Chairs of Governors joining at one of them. Termly meetings are held between the IAA and the Schools Minister Vernon Cooker.

The IAA National Academies Conferences give us the opportunity to share with a wider audience the valuable potential of the Independent Academies Association.

Membership of the association brings with it a number of common commitments that will be used to establish areas of mutual interest, develop internal and interdependent quality assurance, and act as our policy statement for the wider world.

As independent state-funded schools Academies are committed to:

• Making use of our independence for the benefit of the communities we serve;

• maximising the achievement, attainment and progress of all members of our learning communities;

• finding new ways to raise educational standards through our own innovative developments and by taking the best from wherever we find it;

• advancing education for the public good by being outward looking, acting collaboratively and contributing to widespread system leadership;

• working with partners and our sponsors to extend the horizons and ambitions of our community;

• measuring and analysing our progress in a variety of ways to ensure constant improvement;

• upholding these commitments in our work as individual schools and as members of the Independent Academies Association.

Click here to download the Guide to the IAA.