1. Introductory presentation for schools
Academies
Introductory presentation
for schools

2. Why become an Academy? Freedoms and Flexibilities
free from local authority control.
become their own admissions authority,
ability to set own pay and conditions for staff,
freedom from following the National Curriculum,
able to change term dates and the lengths of school days.
Finances
Direct from DFE(YPLA/EFA)
Exactly as under local authority funding formulae
Plus LACSEG (Per pupil unit 2012/13; £203P, £244S + SEN)
Plus Insurance payment
Ability to be more entrepreneurial
Local perceptions
Academies being seen in a positive light by parents.

3. Why not become an academy?
Small schools LACSEG is small
Impact on LA services and schools remaining with LA.
Managing the extra responsibilities. E.g. admissions, pensions, etc.
Uncertainty about future funding arrangements.
Changing patterns of accountability.
Audited accounts and financial reports that comply with Companies Act.
Office of the schools commissioner’s new responsibility for standards.

4. Current position in Hertfordshire
Number converted
% of school type
Number in process
Primary 5
1.22 11
2.69
Middle 2
33.33 1
16.67
Secondary 39
52.7 12
16.22
Special 4 3
All Through
n/a
ESC
14.29
Total 46
8.95 29
5.64

5. Requirements – outstanding and good schools
Straight forward conversion under 2010 act
Agree to support another school to raise its performance.
VA and Foundation schools need consent of trustees.
Schools with a religious character will need the approval of the local Diocese.

6. Requirements – satisfactory schools
Satisfactory schools with good capacity to improve and improving results will be considered but the process is challenging and may not be successful.
Satisfactory schools can apply with the help of a partner school – longer but may be more likely to succeed.
Low attaining or category schools can be compelled to convert with a sponsor.

7. Conversions or sponsored?
Uses 2010 Academy Act
Quick process
Driven entirely by GB
Available for Good and Outstanding schools and some satisfactory
Sponsored
Old style academy
More complex and takes longer
Driven largely by DfE and sponsor with involvement of GB and LA
Required for school below floor targets or in a category

8. The conversion process
Application to convert
Governors pass resolution -approve proposal to convert.
On line application
TUPE starts requires separate consultation
Support for another school
Academy order issued
Access £25,000
Registration
On line form at:
Triggers DfE contact
Start consultation
Obtaining Funding Agreement
Set up Trust
Register at Companies House
Complete; land transfer, CTA, bank account, TUPE, etc
Pensions
Loans and outstanding works
Sign funding agreement
Pre-opening
Complete odds and ends
Register with exam boards
Transfer contracts
Agree bank balance with Hertfordshire

9. The sponsored process Expression of interest Statement of intent
Project passed to DfE sponsored academy team.
Sponsor, DfE, LA and GB write statement of intent
DfE panel assess and sec of state approves
Overall Project Management (OPM) team appointed by DfE
Statement of intent
GB decides to apply
Sponsor agreed
Office of school commissioner arrange for statement of intent letter to be issued
Feasibility Stage
Lead by OPM through a project management group (PMG).
Closure of existing school
Conduct consultation on opening of academy.
Trust established and Register at Companies House
Complete; land transfer, CTA, bank account, TUPE, etc
Sign funding agreement
Implementation stage
Academy Development plan
Complete odds and ends
Start up grant bid
Register with exam boards
Transfer contracts
Agree bank balance with Hertfordshire

10. The Trust and Company – single academy trust model.
Established by the current GB in consultation with a Foundation if one exists.
“Members” – at least 3. Other members can be appointed once set up.
Register Trust with companies house –
‘Memorandum and Articles of Association’ are needed. Available on DfE website.
Memorandum - names and signatures of members.
Articles - structure and organisation of management etc.
Trust (members) appoints a Board of Governors or Directors as described in articles.
Trust enters into funding agreement with DfE.
Only a maximum of 1 governor can be an LA governor.
Up to 20% or 2 governors whichever is the smallest can be LA associated.

11. Other opportunities – multi-academy trust model
Apply to join an existing trust
Make a joint application, one of the member schools must be ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’
Each application will be considered on its merits, and the Secretary of State will only approve those where he is satisfied there are appropriate accountability mechanisms in place to support the weaker schools to improve.
Each school submits a separate application and their Governing Body would need to pass a resolution to convert.
Conversion can be as separate academies with their own trusts linked under an additional umbrella trust or a multi academy trust.
Schools may also sponsor an under-performing school to become an Academy but have to be granted approved sponsor status.

12. Hertfordshire’s position and useful websites
DFE Academies site
Documents available for download including:
Guidance for schools becoming academies
Standard lease agreements
Memorandum and articles of association
Flow Chart
Application forms
Hertfordshire academy site on TheGrid.
Prospects of services
Contact details
This presentation
Hertfordshire’s position and useful websites
Will support any school wishing to convert.
Will make available any services we can for academies.
Will seek to encourage all schools in Hertfordshire to work in partnership for the benefit of local young people.