To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many potential sponsors are in discussion with his Department on the establishment of a new academy; and if he will make a statement. (279930)

The Department is currently in discussion with around 200 individual sponsors for academy projects due to open in September 2009 and beyond. We expect to open the 200^th academy in the upcoming academic year. As part of the National Challenge programme we will open up to a further 100 in September 2010, well on the way to our target of 400.

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many academies have been established in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. (279931)

50 academies have opened since June last year. 47 opened in September 2008 and a further three opened in January 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families which Minister in his Department has lead responsibility for the academies programme; and if he will make a statement. (280006)

I am the new Minister responsible for academies. I am delighted to be taking responsibility for Academies at this important point in the programme.

Academies have been successful in raising standards in areas where they had previously been low and we expect to open the 200^th academy in the upcoming academic year. As part of the National Challenge programme we will open up to a further 100 in September 2010, well on the way to our target of 400.