1. ACADEMY CONVERSION AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHILTERN LEARNING TRUST

2. Welcome
The Governing Body has taken the strategic decision that it would be in the best interests of our school if we were to join the Chiltern Learning Trust.
They arrived at this decision following a recommendation from the Leadership team, the Local Authority and their own independent research and enquiry.
David Graham, Headteacher, Putteridge High School

3. Background Why we applied to join the CLT Benefits and opportunities
Current situation
Converting to academy status
Bill Pollard – Chair of Governors, Putteridge High School

4. Why we applied to join the CLT?
Very strong reputation for helping students achieve outstanding GCSE results
Currently run two outstanding secondary schools which are some of the highest performing schools in the country
Access to additional capacity and support and a network of valuable partnerships
Secure the future success of the school
David Graham – Headteacher, Putteridge High School

5. Benefits and opportunities
Improvements in teaching, learning and student outcomes
Professional development and career opportunities for our staff
Additional expertise and support for our senior leaders
Additional learning opportunities for our students
Access to central services that provide exceptional HR, Finance, Data, Technology for Learning and Marketing support
The stability that comes from being part of a large, well respected organisation

6. Current situation
Unanimous approval from governors to convert to academy status
Applied to the CLT and they agreed for us to join
Notified Luton Borough Council of our intentions
An application was submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) and the DfE granted our ‘academy order’
We started our public consultation on 31st October and it ends on 28th November
We are working towards an academy conversion date of 1st February 2017 and once we have gained academy status we can join the Chiltern Learning Trust

7. What is an academy?
Academies are independent, state-funded schools, which receive their funding directly from central government, rather than through a local authority
The day-to-day running of the school is with the head teacher or principal, but they are overseen by individual charitable bodies called academy trusts and may be part of an academy chain
These trusts and chains provide advice, support, expertise and a strategic overview
Academies control their own admissions process and have more freedom than other schools to innovate

8. Converting to Academy status
Must become an academy before we are allowed to join the Chiltern Learning Trust – this is required by the Department for Education
Becoming an academy will make no difference to the day-to-day routines of the students – it is just a legal status that we must gain
We must go through a formal evaluation and consultation process with staff, students, parents and the wider community to ensure that becoming an academy is in the best interests of the school before we convert

9. Joining the Trust Trust overview Why we would like you to join us
Benefits
Adrian Rogers – Chief Executive, Chiltern Learning Trust

10. Trust overview
We currently run Denbigh High School, Dallow Primary School and Challney High School for Boys
We recently received approval to open the new Chiltern Academy (secondary school) in the south central area of Luton
Have a very strong reputation for helping students achieve outstanding GCSE results
Our two secondary schools are the highest performing schools in Luton
Adrian Rogers – Chief Executive, Chiltern Learning Trust

11. Trust overview
We run the Chiltern Training Group, a teacher training provider which was judged to be outstanding during its last two Ofsted inspections
We run the Chiltern Teaching School Alliance and use our expertise in this area to ensure that the teachers within our schools and others are the very best that they can be, so that they can achieve outstanding results for their students
Adrian Rogers – Chief Executive, Chiltern Learning Trust

12. Why we would like you to join us
We run successful schools within the local community and we will be in a better position to be able to offer local families a more holistic service
We want to improve the quality of teaching and learning at the school so that the students at Putteridge are able to achieve the same high quality outcomes as our other secondary schools
Adrian Rogers – Chief Executive, Chiltern Learning Trust

13. Benefits
Opportunities for teachers and support staff to share good practice and to benefit from a common professional development programme that adds real value to the education and outcomes of the students
Joining a well established organisation with a significant local and national reputation
Efficiencies in administrative functions and joint procurement
High quality governance with a clear focus on strategic development, teaching and learning and accountability

14. Benefits
Outstanding professional development opportunities for teaching staff so that they are able to improve their practice and student outcomes
A back office support infrastructure to cover the operational aspects of running a school so that teachers and leaders are able to focus on improving the quality of education
A high level of challenge and support for senior leaders – we do not accept any ‘requires improvement’ teaching and put in place effective strategies and support when it is needed

15. How to give us your views
Academy Conversion Consultation
Putteridge High School
Putteridge Road
Luton
Bedfordshire, LU2 8HJ
Or send an to:
Please put ‘Academy conversion consultation’ as the subject of the .
The closing date for comments to be made is Monday 28th November and further information, including answers to some frequently asked questions, can be found on our website:

16. Further information
Further information, including answers to some frequently asked questions, can be found on our website and we will keep these updated.
The web address is:

17. QUESTIONS