Academies are developed and supported by sponsors from education, business, faith or voluntary groups. Sponsors volunteer or are selected because they believe they can make a difference to the students, their families and local communities by providing opportunities for all learners to achieve their best.

In this case, the current sponsors are; University of Bradford and Bradford Metropolitan District Council; they are committed to making the Academy a great place to learn, work and play.

Academies are funded directly from the Government, not from the Local Authority like other schools. This Academy will work closely with the local community, businesses, schools and the voluntary and community sectors.  

Although independent, the University Academy Keighley will not charge fees and it will not select pupils on the basis of their ability, but being independent does mean that it can do some things differently.