Academy Schools: Setting-Up, Independence & Conversion
The transition from state-controlled schools to independent state-funded Academies is one of huge significance in our educational system.
Once a school has asked and answered the question: Why make the transition? It then has to come to terms with: How?
Becoming an Academy
Following the passing of the Academies Act 2010, it is now possible for publicly-funded schools in England to become Academies, one of the most radical reforms of the English school system for many years.
Academies are state-funded schools which benefit from a greater independence by being able, in addition to other matters, to not be bound by the National Curriculum, to set the level of teachers’ wages and benefits and to determine which suppliers will help run and maintain the school.
After registering an initial interest with the Department of Education, in addition to educational and assessment considerations, there is a substantial amount of red-tape for school Governors and Heads to consider.
Changing the school to a charitable trust means a myriad of new business contracts and funding issues, not to mention commercial land and property concerns and employee transfer requirements. This is a substantial process and in addition to making sure the school has the in-house capability to make and sustain the change, it also has to have the appropriate professional guidance and support.
Brethertons’ Academy Team can help guide your school management board through the initial phases of registering and feasibility, to changing status and implementation.
We are currently discussing the needs of several schools in helping them to achieve their academy status objectives.
To obtain a link to an online recorded webinar which should assist you to be better prepared to consider your options, please email clairethompson@brethertons.co.uk. Alternatively should you require to book onto the next interactive webinar where you will be able to ask questions, raise specific topics and share opinions then please click here for a booking form.
