Previously: Elmhirst school Taken out of special measures in March and placed under “notice to improve”.

Burlington Danes academy, Hammersmith, London Sponsor: Absolute Return for Kids (ARK), education charity.

Previously: Burlington DanesC of E school. Put in special measures in July 2004, came out in May this year. Ofsted said “behaviour and attitudes had improved significantly”.

David Young academy, Leeds Sponsor: Church of England; Intercity Group.

Previously: Agnes Stewart C of E schoolBraim Wood boys’ high.

Agnes Stewart had serious weaknesses and in November last year was judged to still require improvement. Braim Wood rated satisfactory in 2001 and results have risen steadily since.

Gateway academy, Thurrock Sponsor: Ormiston Trust, charity for deprived children and families.

Previously: Gateway community college - an “improving school” with “ambitious vision”.

Grace academy, Solihull Sponsor: Bob Edmiston, founder of IM Group and the charity Christian Vision.

Previously: Whitesmore school.

In June last year, Ofsted said teaching had “improved” and “behaviour was good overall”.

Harris academy Bermondsey, Southwark, south-east London Sponsor: Lord Harris of Peckham, carpet magnate.

Previously: Aylwin girls’ school.

Ofsted said in 2005 it had “every confidence” Aylwin could build on its “considerable strengths”.

Harris girls’ academy, East Dulwich, Southwark, London Sponsor: Lord Harris of Peckham.

Previously: Waverley school - “effective with outstanding features”

(Ofsted, Dec 2005).

Harris academy Merton, Merton, south London Sponsor: Lord Harris of Peckham.

Previously: Tamworth Manor high school. In the past three years, five A*-C GCSE score has jumped from 19 to 31 per cent.

Madejski academy, Reading Sponsor: John Madejski, property and publishing magnate and chairman of Reading FC.

Previously: Thamesbridge college. Not in special measures, but GCSE results and truancy rates are among worst in country.

North Liverpool academy Sponsor: Liverpool university; Granada Learning, an educational trust.

Previously: Anfield comprehensiveBreckfield comprehensive. In 2003, Ofsted said Anfield was “effective” and Breckfield was making “satisfactory progress”.

Paddington academy Westminster, London Sponsor: United Learning Trust.

Previously: North Westminster community school, which will split into two academies (see Westminster, below). Making “good progress - but with “wide inconsistency” (Ofsted, 2005) Petchey academy, Hackney, east London Sponsor: Jack Petchey Foundation, educational trust set up by London entrepreneur.

New school Sandwell academy, Sandwell, West Midlands Sponsors: Mercers’ Company, a livery company; Thomas Telford Online, education resources; HSBC; West Bromwich Albion FC; Tarmac Group Ltd, construction firm. New school Sheffield Park academy Sponsor: United Learning Trust.

Previously: Waltheof comprehensive. Ofsted in November 2004 said it was making “reasonable progress”.

Sheffield Springs academy Sponsor: United Learning Trust.

Previously: Myrtle Springs comprehensive. Last year, Ofsted said it was doing a “difficult job in challenging circumstances”.

St Mark’s C of E academy, Merton, south London Sponsors: Church of England; Toc H, education charity; Centre for British Teachers, non-profit making company.

Previously: Mitcham Vale school. Came out of special measures in May this year and making “sound progress”.

Walthamstow academy, north-east London Sponsor: United Learning Trust.

Previously: McEntee school.

Praised in April 2004 as “a good school”.

Westminster academy, Sponsor: None Previously: North Westminster school (see Paddington academy).