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’ ConvertorNo choice Governor choiceSponsor no sponsorClosure of old school Improve on good/outstandingChains No chains

Church Stretton would be a convertor applicant

Why Consider it?

Freedom flexibilityInnovate raise standards - QTL

What does this mean?

Freedom control of budgetpay + conditionscurriculumtimings

Innovate resourcesfacilities

Extra revenue - £204k gross per annum

Safeguarding standards

Academies are run by a trust subject to company/charitable lawAccounts are audited + published annuallyNon profit makingAdmissions, exclusions + SEN regulations remainAgreements can confirm pay + conditionsOfsted inspects

Responsibilities

Lease holder of land/buildingsEmployer of staffOutcomes for pupils

A Good School With Outstanding features

Broad + balanced curriculum inc. English, Maths + ScienceBetter facilities/class sizeNo 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

Locally22 Secondary Schools in Shropshire3 converted8 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 governorsformed 2011reformed 2012 (strategic review)

To report to FGB

Establish consultationvisits to 4 academiesmeet staff/parents/community

Questions

www.education.gov/schools/academywww.antiacademies.org.uk

Thank you