What are academies? Independent state schools – free from LA control Academies receive same funding as maintained schools with additional funding for services that the LA would have provided As of 1 May 2012 there are 1807 academies (407 January 2011) 48% of all secondary schools

A brief history City Technology Colleges 1988 (Con) Sponsored Academies 2000 (Lab) Convertor academies 2010 (Con/lib Coalition)

What has changed? Transformational ‘v’ Convertor No choiceGovernor choice Sponsorno sponsor Closure of old schoolImprove on good/outstanding ChainsNo chains Church Stretton would be a convertor applicant

Why Consider it? Freedom flexibility Innovateraise standards - QTL

What does this mean? Freedomcontrol of budget pay + conditions curriculum timings Innovateresources facilities Extra revenue - £204k gross per annum

Safeguarding standards Academies are run by a trust subject to company/charitable law Accounts are audited + published annually Non profit making Admissions, exclusions + SEN regulations remain Agreements can confirm pay + conditions Ofsted inspects

Responsibilities Lease holder of land/buildings Employer of staff Outcomes for pupils

A Good School With Outstanding features Broad + balanced curriculum inc. English, Maths + Science Better facilities/class size No branding, name change, uniform ‘Becoming an academy gives professionals greater scope to innovate and raise standards for the pupils in their schools, while remaining clearly accountable for the outcomes they deliver’ Andrew Mc Cully DFE

Locally 22 Secondary Schools in Shropshire 3 converted 8 currently consulting All heads/governing bodies considering status LA ‘neutral’ LA ‘(I predict) that all secondary schools will be academies within 18 months’

Consultation Academy working party – 7 governors formed 2011 reformed 2012 (strategic review) To report to FGB Establish consultation visits to 4 academies meet staff/parents/community

Questions Thank you