1. Consultation on proposed conversion to academy status and the formation of a multi-academy trust

2. What are we proposing to do -
For Fulford School to apply to convert to academy status
For Fulford School to join with a number of our partner primary schools to create a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT)

3. Reasons for this proposed course of action
To strengthen and formalise our current partnership working to benefit our school community
To increase our capacity to improve
To respond to the changing local and national context
To shape the future destiny of our school

4. The Changing National Context
Government proposals envisage all schools becoming academies
All new schools must be free schools with academy status
Over 65 % of secondary schools are now academies
Local Authorities are losing their role in school improvement
Changes to school funding and cuts in council budgets will further erode LA capacity to support schools

5. 2016 The Changing Local Context
There are now three cross phase MATs in the city
Five of the nine mainstream secondary schools are either in MATs or are consulting on MAT status
A growing number of primary schools are in MATs or are consulting on MAT status
York MATs are currently involved in a range of school to school support improvement work both within and beyond the city
Low funding levels create unique pressures on York schools
It is highly likely that York will soon reach a ‘tipping point’ re the pace of conversions
2016
Around 30% of primary schools in York are either in MATs or are formally consulting on joining these. The strong indications are that many more will go out to consultation and will be planning to convert in the near future.
In reality the move to a MAT is the only direction of travel, however we are convinced this will benefit us as a groups of schools and that we need to see this as a positive opportunity to formalise our links and our working together.
Interestingly, the improvement work and CDP in the city is being channelled through the MAT Teaching Schools. This demonstrates that the MATs will still be at the heart of school to school working in the city and that they continue to work closely with CYC.

6. Reasons for seeking to establish a MAT
To get the best outcomes for all of our children
To create a real family of schools and to create a ‘through school’ framework
To work together to improve the standards of teaching and curriculum provision
To drive up standards by sharing best practice

7. Reasons for seeking to establish a MAT
To achieve economies of scale and to improve value for money through pooling resources, services and support
To maintain and develop each school’s individual culture, values, ethos and identity.
To improve recruitment, retention, continuing professional development and succession planning
To shape our own destiny within a changing school system
To future proof our school as far as possible against changes in the legislative and policy framework for education
An example of how this would benefit us would be joint procurement of services such as HR, photocopying and cleaning.
We would also benefit frpm being able to employ staff to work across the MAT e.g. for EAL support as this is very difficult to do at present.

8. Changes under academisation
The MAT would be run as a charitable company
It would have a central Board of Trustees and Members who are responsible for standards and finance in the MAT
School funding would come directly from the Education Funding Agency rather than the local authority
It would be responsible to the Regional Schools Commissioner in addition to other external bodies e.g. OFSTED
The creation of the MAT would create a structure for joint procurement and joint appointments
There is the capacity for the MAT to sponsor other schools
The MAT would function as a mixed MAT with CoE and community status to reflect the status of our schools.
In terms of finance, the details will only be apparent during the conversion process but it is likely to be cost neutral in terms of additional money coming into the school. Additional money is however, available to schools to fund the application and conversion process.

9. Things that would stay the same
There would be no changes to uniform, charges, admissions or SEN support
Staff would be employed by the MAT but would transfer across on existing pay and conditions
Each school would still have its own Headteacher and local governing body
The curriculum and assessment models would stay the same
Existing cluster and feeder schools outside the MAT would still work with it
The MAT would still work closely with the LA and other schools

10. Conversion Timeline
October - November : consultation
November : decision taken by governing body
December – April : Start application process if the proposal is approved
April – September : Conversion process