In 2002 the New Labour government launched the Academies programme (known initially as City Academies) with the target of 400, of which 200 are to opened by 2010. The espoused aim has been to tackle underachievement and encourage diversity of provision. However, it continues to be a controversial policy that is being driven by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust with stories of success and commissioned research by the government. In 2007 the authors began the formal case-study stage of a research project, funded by the British Academy, investigating an academy. The study is investigating the origins and development of the academy as a new form of educational organisation, with particular reference to entrepreneurialism and leadership. Prior to the start of the funded case study the authors had undertaken preliminary research in relation to the academy before its opening and examined the emerging literature on academies with its expected emphasis on the policy processes. With this in mind the authors planned two events: first, a seminar to focus on the research evidence and methodologies being used where, with researchers, they could begin to map the field; and second, a one-day conference to focus on their case-study academy project findings and how this relates to the emerging evidence base. In this article, the authors describe the results of their research with regards to the Academies programme in England. The findings of their research was presented in a seminar held on May 21, 2008 at the School of Education, University of Manchester.