1. ACADEMY STATUS WHAT WOULD IT MEAN FOR THE STUDENTS OF THOMAS LORD AUDLEY SCHOOL? 14/11/11

2. “We trust teachers and head teachers to run their schools.” “We think head teachers know how to run their schools better than bureaucrats or politicians.” “Subject to Parliamentary approval the Government will allow all maintained schools to become an Academy” Tightening budgets for local authorities and schools GOVERNMENT DIRECTION OF TRAVEL 14/11/11

3. WHAT IS AN ACADEMY? An academy is: A state-funded school Independent of the local authority, Required to follow the same regulations and serve its community in the same way as other state-funded schools. Established by a formal funding agreement (or contract) agreed between the school’s Governing Body and the Department for Education (DfE). 14/11/11

4. NORTH EAST ESSEX EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP (NEEEP) The seven schools considering academy conversion are Clacton County High, The Gilberd, Harwich & Dovercourt High, Manningtree High, St Helena, Stanway and Thomas Lord Audley. The Governing Bodies of all seven schools met on 16 th November 2011 and the formal consultation runs for four weeks until December 15, 2011. At the end of the consultation, Governing Bodies will consider the outcome and make a final decision on whether to proceed with the conversion. 14/11/11

5. CHARACTER If The Stanway School becomes an academy there will be no changes to: The character of the school Current coordinated term dates. The school’s admissions criteria. The responsibilities towards students with special needs. The rules on exclusions. The school’s name or logos. 14/11/11

6. CHARACTER (CONTINUED) Whether or not The Stanway School becomes an academy: It would continue to operate as a comprehensive school. Be at the heart of our local community. Provide high quality education for local children of all abilities. Maintain our high profile in the local community, working with other schools and community groups. It will be subject to Ofsted monitoring and inspections. 14/11/11

7. As an Academy The Stanway School would have greater control over how the allocated budget is used. Currently LA retains a large ‘top-slice’ of funding from school budgets LA decide how that money is spent and on what services Individual successful schools may not always benefit from these services ADDITIONAL FUNDING 14/11/11

8. NORTH EAST ESSEX EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP (NEEEP) A partnership of individual academies. Developing and sharing best practice in teaching and learning. Collaborating to recruit, train and develop staff. Working together to make best use of budgets and resources. 14/11/11

9. To help the Governing Body and Leadership decide if Academy status is right for the school Identify any significant objections to the proposals that give reason to re-consider Runs formally Nov 17 – Dec 15 Consultation report presented to Governing Body after Dec 15 and then published on website and submitted to DfE PURPOSE OF ACADEMY CONSULTATION 14/11/11

10. ACADEMY FAQ 1.Will the school change its name? 2.Will the school change its uniform? 3.Will the school get more money as an academy? 4.Will our feeder primary schools change? 5.Will students on the SEN register continue to receive the high level of support they currently enjoy? 6.Will rewards and sanctions remain the same? 7.Will the school still have Ofsted inspections? 8.Will the subjects I study change? 9.Will the length and timings of the school day change? 10.Will we still have the same teachers and support staff? 14/11/11

11. ACADEMY FAQ ANSWERS 1.No. 2.No. 3.Yes. 4.No. 5.Yes. 6.Yes 7.Yes. 8.No. 9.No. 10.Yes. 14/11/11