Academy boss quits over probe into school finances Academies are funded directly from Whitehall - bypassing local councils - and have complete freedom to alter the curriculum, staff pay and reshape the school day and academic year. It is understood that the chain has been banned from taking on more academies until its financial record improves. A source close to the academies programme said: "This shows the E-ACT board is clearly taking decisive action to renew its leadership." Sir Bruce, a former head teacher, was knighted after turning around Northampton School for Boys. He spent a decade as a senior civil servant working on the academies programme and was latterly appointed as Schools Commissioner. He took over at E-ACT in 2009. Lord Nash, the Schools Minister, said: "Sir Bruce Liddington has contributed greatly to the thinking and development of academies and the department has benefited from his practical experience and hands on knowledge." Ann Limb, chairman of the E-ACT board, said: "On behalf of the board, and speaking for the governors, staff and students in all the schools who have benefitted from his unique energy and expertise, I give thanks to Sir Bruce for his work at E-ACT. I wholeheartedly wish him the very best in his future activities. Sir Bruce will leave E-ACT at the end of his formal notice period at the end of October. Until then, he will be seconded to another post providing advice to the Government on developing academy sponsors.