Frequently Asked Questions about Academy Conversion Does this mean we are being taken over by another organisation? No. The previous government introduced Academies which at the time were usually associated with so-called ‘failing schools’ which then sought a sponsor. The new government expects Academy status to become ‘the norm’ for all high-performing schools who convert under their own governance.
Will there be changes to the name, uniform or other policies? We have no plans to change the school’s name, uniform or any of the current policies.
What happens to admissions and exclusions? Academies are required to follow the law and guidance as if they were maintained schools. This includes reporting their exclusions to the local authority (LA). We will not be altering our Admissions Policy.
Do academies have to follow the new National Curriculum when it is announced? The National Curriculum is currently under review. When a new National Curriculum is announced Academies will not be required to follow it; they will however have to offer a “balanced and broadly based curriculum” including English, maths and science and “provision for the teaching of religious education”.
What happens to SEN provision? This provision is a key part of the ethos of the school and will continue. We will benefit from the same funding for statemented students as now and we continue to be held to the requirements on non-Academy schools in terms of provision. In fact, the increased funding and freedom available to us as an Academy may allow us to improve this provision in ways that we could not do currently.
What about child protection? All Academies are registered as independent schools and as such the governors and staff must have received an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. The Chair of Governors is responsible for ensuring that appropriate checks are carried out on all personnel who could potentially come into contact with children, young people and vulnerable groups.
Can the new Academy alter teachers' pay and conditions or support staff pay &and conditions Staff would be entitled to transfer to the Academy in the same jobs under the same employment terms and conditions. We have no plans to make any changes to pay and conditions.