Proposed Academy Consultation

What is an Academy?  Publicly funded independent schools direct from government, not the Local Authority.  Freedoms over curriculum and can set their own term times.  Still follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools.  Run by an academy trust which employs the staff, and the academy trust is registered as a charitable company at Companies House.

When did Academies start?  Established in 2000 by Labour.  The first academies were ‘failing’ schools who had a sponsor responsible for improving the performance of the school. Sponsors can be businesses, universities, other schools, faith groups or voluntary groups.

 By May 2010 there were 203 Sponsored Academies in England.  Under the last coalition government, the Academies Act 2010 enabled all maintained schools to convert to academy status voluntarily and enabled new academies to be created as Free Schools.  As of 1 st April 2015 there are 4994 open academies in England.

What is the future for Academies?  The Academy programme started by Labour was extended under the last coalition Government.  We now know the result of the general election. Whilst uncertain about policy detail, we can be fairly sure that academies are here to stay.

A government commissioned report from Policy Exchange, Primary Focus: The next stage of improvement for primary schools in England, Sep 2014 concluded: “the reorganisation of all primary schools into academy chains by 2020 – as determined by each primary school themselves – presents the only viable opportunity for the sector to mitigate against the risk of mass failure... Existing standalone primary schools should also be required to join chains to ensure they remain solvent and sustainable.”

School types in Cornwall  271 state funded schools  103 Academies: 85 Primary; 17 Secondary and 1 Special School and 1 Free School (Secondary)  167 Local Authority Maintained schools 150 Primary; 14 Secondary and 3 Special Schools As of 03/02/15

Neighbouring Academies and MATs  St Winnow and Lerryn (+3 others) - Saints Way Trust  Fowey River Academy and Tywardreath School (+3 others) - Adventure Learning Academies Trust (ALAT)  Bodmin College: standalone Academy  Carclaze, St Mewan, Penrice and Mevagissey - Peninsula Learning Trust (PLT)  Biscovey, Treverbyn and Sandy Hill (+ 8 others) - Aspire  Charlestown (+10 others) - Kernow Collaborative Trust (KCT)  Bishop Bronescombe (+4 others) - St Piran’s Cross Trust

Case for Change

What is driving us to consider change?  Governors have been investigating various models of working for our future that will benefit our children and staff, including sharing good practice.  Our experience working with Lostwithiel School.  The message from Cornwall Council to become an academy and join a group of other schools.

 The need for public bodies to “do more for less.”  To be pro-active rather than reactive, i.e. at some point being “told” to join a MAT without a choice.

Options considered  Over the past 4 years we have looked at a number of different models, including: informal partnerships, formal partnerships, standalone academy and multi academy trusts (MAT), federations, co-operative trusts and staying as we are.  Governors think the MAT route could give the best outcomes for children.  Three MATs were considered to explore in more detail: ALAT, PLT and Aspire.

 Governor sub-committee established as working group to determine which MAT might be the best fit for our school.  Met with representatives from each MAT individually as well as current headteachers and governors.  Focus was always what we believed would be best for the children at our school now and in the future.  More information about the process can be found in governor minutes and on our website.

Why we propose becoming an academy as part of Peninsula Learning Trust (PLT)  We are taking control of our own destiny when we are in a strong position.  PLT only recently formed (whilst this means unproven) it is also an opportunity to shape the Trust.  To work with a small number of schools in a close geographical location.

 To enable us to share good practice easily and make best use of resources.  Succession planning for schools within the MAT.  Career progression for staff.

 Our own vision resonates with the Trust’s vision: Outstanding Learning, Outstanding Schools, Outstanding Collaboration Believing that learning should be enjoyable, purposeful and a preparation for living in modern Britain Valuing diversity; protecting each individual school’s identity and uniqueness Driving school improvement through collaborating, sharing and challenge A local Trust for the St Austell Bay and Clay region – our community and shared geography.

What next?  Staff, parent, pupil and community consultations.  Governor representative from our school invited to PLT vision day; Headteachers to meet regularly – ‘try before you buy’ as well as collaboration from the start.  Awaiting our Academy Order (delayed due to election).

 Working to the Academy Converter Checklist for Schools provided by the DfE.  This is a big decision for the governors to make. If we convert to an academy, we can't go back to being a Local Authority maintained school.  Under current rules, if we join the Peninsula Learning Trust or any other MAT, we wouldn't be able to leave.

Governors have not reached a final decision yet. The date of intended conversion is 1 st September but this consultation is part of the ongoing investigation into whether this is the best option for us. Consultation period runs until 22 nd May. Representations to governors (via our Chair of Governors) can be made until this date from all interested parties and we welcome your feedback.