Introductory presentation for schools Academies Introductory presentation for schools

Why become an Academy? Freedoms and Flexibilities free from local authority control. become their own admissions authority, ability to set own pay and conditions for staff, freedom from following the National Curriculum, able to change term dates and the lengths of school days. Finances Direct from DFE(YPLA/EFA) Exactly as under local authority funding formulae Plus LACSEG (Per pupil unit 2012/13; £203P, £244S + SEN) 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. E.g. admissions, pensions, etc. Uncertainty about future funding arrangements. Changing patterns of accountability. Audited accounts and financial reports that comply with Companies Act. Office of the schools commissioner’s new responsibility for standards.

Current position in Hertfordshire Number converted % of school type Number in process Primary 5 1.22 11 2.69 Middle 2 33.33 1 16.67 Secondary 39 52.7 12 16.22 Special 4 3 All Through n/a ESC 14.29 Total 46 8.95 29 5.64

Requirements – outstanding and good schools Straight forward conversion under 2010 act 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.

Requirements – satisfactory schools Satisfactory schools with good capacity to improve and improving results will be considered but the process is challenging and may not be successful. Satisfactory schools can apply with the help of a partner school – longer but may be more likely to succeed. Low attaining or category schools can be compelled to convert with a sponsor.

Conversions or sponsored? Uses 2010 Academy Act Quick process Driven entirely by GB Available for Good and Outstanding schools and some satisfactory Sponsored Old style academy More complex and takes longer Driven largely by DfE and sponsor with involvement of GB and LA Required for school below floor targets or in a category

The conversion process 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 Registration On line form at: www.education.gov.uk/academies Triggers DfE contact Start consultation 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 Pre-opening Complete odds and ends Register with exam boards Transfer contracts Agree bank balance with Hertfordshire

The sponsored process Expression of interest Statement of intent Project passed to DfE sponsored academy team. Sponsor, DfE, LA and GB write statement of intent DfE panel assess and sec of state approves Overall Project Management (OPM) team appointed by DfE Statement of intent GB decides to apply Sponsor agreed Office of school commissioner arrange for statement of intent letter to be issued Feasibility Stage Lead by OPM through a project management group (PMG). Closure of existing school Conduct consultation on opening of academy. Trust established and Register at Companies House Complete; land transfer, CTA, bank account, TUPE, etc Sign funding agreement Implementation stage Academy Development plan Complete odds and ends Start up grant bid Register with exam boards Transfer contracts Agree bank balance with Hertfordshire

The Trust and Company – single academy trust model. Established by the current GB in consultation with a Foundation if one exists. “Members” – at least 3. Other members can be appointed once set up. Register Trust with companies house – ‘Memorandum and Articles of Association’ are needed. Available on DfE website. Memorandum - names and signatures of members. Articles - structure and organisation of management etc. Trust (members) appoints a Board of Governors or Directors as described in articles. Trust enters into funding agreement with DfE. Only a maximum of 1 governor can be an LA governor. Up to 20% or 2 governors whichever is the smallest can be LA associated.

Other opportunities – multi-academy trust model Apply to join an existing trust Make a joint application, one of the member schools must be ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ 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 submits a separate application and their Governing Body would need to pass a resolution to convert. 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 and useful websites DFE Academies site www.education.gov.uk/academies 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. www.thegrid.org.uk/leadership/academies Prospects of services Contact details This presentation Hertfordshire’s position and useful websites 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.