 Publicly-funded independent schools.  Don’t have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times. They still have to follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools.  Get money direct from the government, not the local council. They’re run by an academy trust which employs the staff.  Some academies have sponsors such as businesses, universities, other schools, faith or voluntary groups. Sponsors are responsible for improving the performance of their schools. Source: Academies?

 Introduced in 2000 by last Labour government to address the issue of failing schools ◦ Each academy “sponsored” by an individual or organisation and offered freedom, from local authority control and to allocate of resources, in order to stimulate significant improvement  2010 Conservative manifesto included the offer for other schools to take advantage of academy freedoms “Teachers, not politicians know best how to run schools” Michael Gove, May 2010 Background to the Academies Programme

Source: Academies Annual Report 2011/12 Department for Education Growth of Academies

 Pace of academy conversion was initially slower but is now picking up  Over 50% of secondaries have converted; smaller percentage of primaries  Academy chains emerging based around sponsoring schools – largely secondary  The Good Shepherd Trust (GST), the diocesan MAT, sponsors 6 schools from 1 October with several more in train What’s happening in Surrey?

 Academies have all party support and are here to stay  School to school support and collaboration is a critical part of future school improvement picture  Role of LAs will reduce and service offering will diminish with further funding reductions from 2015/16 Key pointers for the future

Guildford Diocesan Educational Trust The Good Shepherd TrustIndividual Schools Structure of GST Academies

 Join a forum of like minded schools to share educational expertise - both giving and receiving – and engage in innovative practice  Secure access to statutory infrastructure services – including financial and other returns, audits – and other services on a ‘best value’ basis including emergency ‘one stop shop’  Receive school effectiveness services and proportional quality assurance, including replicated section 5 inspections and a consistent, highly experienced consultant with recent relevant experience  Operate under ‘devo max’ governance – although GST retains final responsibility for standards and financial performance of academy Joining GST as a convertor, you would ….

 Committed to transforming learning, raising aspirations, increasing opportunities for all our learners: ◦ Enabling learners to know that they are created in the image of God and uniquely valued by him ◦ Modelling Christian community life where all have a place and can contribute What’s unique about GST?

 Every child is valued as an individual  Nuture hope and aspiration  Service to others  Holistic Education  Excellent Leadership and management  Partnerships  Earned autonomy  Long term future of all schools in GST Values and principles

 Staff will be valued for what they bring to the college  Able to access Continuing Professional Development  Clear Pay and Conditions  Celebrated!!  Good resources  Well-supported  Continuing high expectations  Freedoms to do the job and take agreed risks What will it mean for staff?

 A school where they are valued as individuals  Greater opportunities  Quest for excellence  Part of something bigger  Exciting curriculum ………………………………. What will it mean for children?