Introductory presentation for schools Academies

Why become an Academy? Freedoms and Flexibilities –free from local authority control. –become their own admissions authority (not special schools) –ability to set own pay and conditions for staff, –freedom from following the National Curriculum, –able to change the lengths of terms and school days. Finances –Direct from DFE(YPLA) –Exactly as under local authority funding formulae –Plus LACSEG –Plus Vat allowance –Plus Insurance payment –Ability to be more entrepreneurial Local perceptions –Academies being seen in a positive light by parents.

Why not become an academy? Small schools LACSEG is small Impact on LA services and schools remaining with LA. Managing the extra responsibilities. Uncertainty about future funding arrangements. Changing patterns of accountability. The power of the trust in the future. Audited accounts and financial reports that comply with Companies Act. Availability of local support and challenge from LA.

Requirements Currently schools must be: –outstanding or –good with at least one outstanding judgement Satisfactory schools with good capacity to improve and improving results will now be considered but the process is challenging and may not be successful. Satisfactory schools can apply with the help of a sponsor – longer but may be more likely to succeed. Outstanding and Good Schools must agree to support another school to raise its performance. VA and Foundation schools need consent of trustees. Schools with a religious character will need the approval of the local Diocese.

The conversion process 1. Registration –On line form at: –Triggers DfE contact –Start consultation 3. Obtaining Funding Agreement –Set up Trust –Register at Companies House –Complete; land transfer, CTA, bank account, TUPE, etc –Pensions –Loans and outstanding works –Sign funding agreement 4. Pre-opening –Complete odds and ends –Register with exam boards –Transfer contracts –Agree bank balance with Hertfordshire 2. Application to convert –Governors pass resolution - approve proposal to convert. –On line application –TUPE starts requires separate consultation –Support for another school –Academy order issued –Access £25,000

The Trust and Company Register Trust with companies house – ‘Memorandum and Articles of Association’ are needed. Memorandum lists names and signatures of members Articles set out structure and organisation of management etc. Trust enters into funding agreement with DfE At least 3 members – decided upon by current GB Trust members appoint the academy’s Governors. Composition of GB agreed between trust and Sec. of State. Articles of association are attached to funding agreement.

Other opportunities Any school, regardless of their individual Ofsted ratings, can apply to join an existing Academy Trust. Any group of schools can apply in partnership, as long as at least one of the member schools is ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ with one or more outstanding features. –Each application will be considered on its merits, and the Secretary of State will only approve those where he is satisfied there are appropriate accountability mechanisms in place to support the weaker schools to improve. –Each school would need to submit a separate application and their Governing Body would need to pass a resolution to convert to become an Academy. –Conversion can be as separate academies with their own trusts linked under an additional umbrella trust or a multi academy trust. Schools may also sponsor an under-performing school to become an Academy but have to be granted approved sponsor status.

Hertfordshire’s position Will support any school wishing to convert. Will make available any services we can for academies. Will seek to encourage all schools in Hertfordshire to work in partnership for the benefit of local young people.

Useful websites DFE Academies site –Documents available for download including: Guidance for schools becoming academies. Standard lease agreements Memorandum and articles of association Flow Chart Application forms Hertfordshire academy site on TheGrid. –Documents available for download including: Prospects of services Contact details This presentation

Schools becoming academies: conversion process Registration 1. Register your interest using the on-line form. 2. A named contact in Department for Education (DfE) will work with you through the conversion process. 3. Governing body starts the consultation required by legislation with interested parties (can start later but must be completed before Funding Agreement). 1.Your governing body and Foundation (if relevant) pass a resolution in favour of academy conversion. 2.Discuss your plans to support another school to raise standards with your named DfE contact. 3.Local Authority/ governing body start the TUPE process. 4.Secretary of State will be asked to approve your proposal. Application to convert/ pre-approval checks Achieve Funding Agreement 1. Finalise governance documents based on DfE model documents provided. 2. Register the Academy Trust with Companies House. 3. Agree leasing arrangements for the school land and buildings. 4. Local Authority/governing body complete the TUPE process. 5. Governors complete required consultation with interested parties. 6. Submit the Funding Agreement to the Secretary of State for approval. Pre-opening 3 months from registration to opening 1.CRB checks carried out as necessary. 2.Put new financial systems and contracts in place. 3.Complete academy registrations e.g. with exam bodies. Academy Opens