Purpose: Academies are semi-autonomous schools set up outside the normal local government structures with sponsors from business and charity groups to create new and innovative ways of creating and sustaining school transformation. The aim of this paper is to assist in a strategic conversation within the academy movement on talent development. Design/methodology/approach: The paper looks at talent identification, talent development and establishing a talent culture. It provides points in the text for readers to reflect on their own talent practice and provides case examples from current academies. Findings: The paper shows that the longer-term sustainability of the academy movement needs to address the key issue of developing leadership talent. Originality/value: The paper provides an original and useful framework for developing talent management in academies. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)