Secure 16 to 19 Academies Act 2026 (2026 c. 5)

1 Secure 16 to 19 Academies (funding, impact and consultation)

(1) The Academies Act 2010 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 2 (payments under Academy agreements), after subsection (2) insert—(2A)Subsection (2) applies to an Academy agreement in respect of a secure 16 to 19 Academy as though the references to 7 years were references to 2 years.

(3) In section 9 (impact: new and expanded educational institutions), in subsection (1), after paragraph (b) (and on a new line) insert—except where the institution, if the arrangements are entered into, is to be a secure 16 to 19 Academy.

(4) In section 10 (consultation: new and expanded educational institutions)—

(a) after subsection (2) insert—(2A)But where the educational institution, if the arrangements are entered into, is to be a secure 16 to 19 Academy—(a)the person is not required to carry out a consultation on that question, and(b)they must instead carry out a consultation on the question of how they should cooperate with potential local partners in connection with the establishment and carrying on of the Academy.(2B)“Potential local partners” in subsection (2A)(b) means—(a)persons exercising functions of a public nature, and(b)so far as not falling within paragraph (a), proprietors of educational institutions,with whom the person carrying out the consultation thinks it appropriate to cooperate.;

(b) in subsection (3), for “The consultation” substitute “A consultation under this section”.

2 Extent, commencement and short title

(1) This Act extends to England and Wales.

(2) This Act comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which it is passed.

(3) This Act may be cited as the Secure 16 to 19 Academies Act 2026.