Academies and the Academies Act 2010?
In 2000, the then Labour Government saw a gap in the country’s educational landscape – the academies programme was born.
Academies are state schools that are directly funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and are outside of local government control. Academies benefit from greater freedoms to make decisions about how they operate and deliver education, allowing them to innovate and raise standards.
The Academies Act (passed in July 2010) was born following the Government’s desire to expand the academies programme, through a simplified and streamlined process. Since then, the Government’s academies programme has made it possible for any school rated by Ofsted as outstanding or good with outstanding features to convert to academy status. Schools not rated as outstanding may also be eligible to benefit from conversion if they work in partnership with a high performing school. At the same time, schools deemed to be underperforming can still transfer to academy status with the help of a sponsor.
Our academies team has significant experience of both types of conversions – guiding schools, their governing bodies and sponsors through the process.
What does the academy conversion process involve?
The conversion process has been made as simple as possible. Schools looking to convert can find a lot of helpful advice on the Department for Education’s (DfE's) website, including a downloadable guidance note and video clips of headteachers talking about their own experiences of the different aspects of conversion.
In summary, the school should:
- Complete the online registation form on the DfE website – at this point, the DfE will provide a named contact who will support you through the process
- Submit an application to convert form – if approved, the Secretary of State will grant an Academy Order
- Obtain and sign a funding agreement
- Set up new financial systems and contractual arrangements
How we can help
Academy status can bring exciting opportunities for schools, but there may be significant legal issues which can hinder the path to a smooth conversion.
Our team of academies experts can help with any problems and guide you with proactive advice, on time and within budget. We have advised on some of the most novel and innovative academy projects, including what is believed to be the first academy to be sponsored by a community school from a neighbouring county as well as the creation of several federated academies.