which had private sponsors, normally returned to voluntary aided status, while others became foundation schools. However schools could choose a different status, and a few became voluntary controlled or community schools. Though funded through local authorities, voluntary aided and foundation schools retain some independence. They own the school buildings and grounds, employ the staff and control their own admissions. After the abolition of grant-maintained status, the only schools still directly funded by central government were the 15 City Technology Colleges. In 2000 the Labour government introduced a new kind of directly funded school, the City Academy, later renamed Academy. Following the 2010 General Election the Academies Act 2010 was enacted, vastly expanding possibilities for schools to become academies. It was described by journalist Mike Baker as "not an extension of the Labour government's academies, but the recreation of the grant-maintained (GM) schools". See also Education in England Education in Wales References State schools in the United Kingdom Defunct schools in England Defunct schools in Wales Public education in the United Kingdom School types 1988 establishments in the United Kingdom 1998 disestablishments in the United Kingdom 1998 disestablishments in England 1998 disestablishments in Wales