The Key for School Leaders An Essential Guide to Academy Conversion
Forewords
Academy conversion is likely to be one of the largest projects you undertake , if you decide it ’ s the right step for your school . The growth of multi-academy trusts and changes in performance measures also mean that becoming an academy is ever-more likely . Conversion means the school becoming a different legal entity , with different responsibilities as well as freedoms , so it is vital that you have a clear understanding of what you need to do and consider at each stage of the process . It might seem daunting , but having the right information at your fingertips will make it that bit easier .
That ’ s why we have created this guide to the academy conversion process , in partnership with NASBM and NAHT . The checklist and supporting guidance on the next pages take you through each stage of the process , and allow you to keep track of when you ’ ve completed each step . From planning with governors , through the sometimes complex process of transferring or ending contracts , to your first steps as a new academy , this guide will help you to be confident in your management of the conversion .
NASBM acknowledges that collaboration comes in numerous forms – informal , formal , soft partnerships and hard federations . It may come in the form of shared practice , group buying and / or the formation of a MAT . As schools increasingly work collaboratively , there is a need for schools and trusts to review the school business management within this new environment and consider how functions and activities will operate as the structure evolves .
Academisation brings autonomy and a greater consideration for financial assurance , therefore planning and careful consideration of roles and responsibilities will be crucial in delivering a smooth transition to academy status and long-term financial sustainability . This guide provides professionals with a useful checklist when contemplating the move to academisation . We would highly recommend that all schools undertake a skills audit and workforce review ahead of the conversion to identify a clear delivery strategy which meets the needs of the new structure .
NAHT believes that the choice to become an academy should always belongs to the school itself and we support the right of every school to choose the governance arrangements which are best for their school , including becoming an academy . It is a choice that should be made for the benefit of current and future pupils and with due regard to the implications for staff .
It is important for schools considering becoming an academy to be clear from the outset about what this will involve , including the importance of consulting with staff and parents at the earliest opportunity . This guide provides useful information about what needs to be considered and what steps need to be followed , and ensures that the focus is on both what teaching and learning will look like in the new structure , and the implications for the business management of the school . Whilst it does not attempt to be a definitive guide , as every academisation journey is slightly different , we know that school leaders will find this very useful in planning theirs .
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