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Academy Conversion
All schools now have the opportunity to convert to become an Academy. Those that can demonstrate they are "performing well" can apply to convert alone. Other schools are required to find a partner. The process of conversion can be time consuming with a considerable amount to do – and requiring some key decisions.
This page sets out the support that Apsidea Ltd can provide to schools converting to Academy status. Our focus, based on experience with the schools sector over 27 years, is on enabling Governors and senior managers to understand the process and to build school capacity for the requirements that Academy status brings.
The conversion process is described in some detail on the DfE website. In principle it is not complicated, though it does introduce new structures and practical requirements – and without support is likely to be time consuming – in particular for senior managers, including the school business manager. We offer bespoke support to manage the process, steering the school through each stage – identifying key decisions required and supporting governors and senior managers in making them. We will support the school in resolving any issues that arise, including in particular, but not exclusively:
v Advising on the application to the DfE – and maintaining contact with DfE staff through the conversion process; based on familiarity with DfE systems and requirements.
v Drafting a consultation document and managing the consultation process with stakeholders – staff, parents, pupils, other local schools, the local authority and the local community – about the proposal to convert to Academy status. This is a “formative” consultation seeking views on whether to convert. A more specific consultation with staff about transferring terms and conditions is also required at a later stage – and Adrian will work with the school’s HR provider to ensure this is completed effectively.
v Advising the Governors on the establishment of the Academy Company and preparing all the relevant documents for registration. We will also edit and advise on the terms of the Funding Agreement and lead on negotiating change with the DfE.
v The school may need to remodel the governing body, though in most cases the existing GB continues in place – we will advise on requirements and produce guidance for governors on their roles as Company Directors and Charity Trustees.
v We will support the school as necessary in:
o appointing additional professional advisers – particularly an auditor;
o procuring necessary additional contracts – particularly for insurance;
o reviewing how to deliver services currently provided by the LA; and
o securing transfer of pension responsibility to the school.
v The school will need to produce a list of existing contracts and contractors, and at least inform them of the change of status. In other cases this has been relatively straightforward, particularly if the school is not changing its name. We will support that process and produce a Commercial Transfer Agreement for signature by the existing school, the LA and the Academy Trust.
v The school will need to identify schools that it proposes to work with. The nature of the relationship expected appears to vary – and will need to develop in line with DfE requirements at the time of conversion.
v A report on title will be required to support the land transfer – depending on the complexities this may require some legal input. Effecting the land transfer is likely to require legal input at a small cost.
v We will advise on and prepare necessary registration documents once the funding agreement is in place.
Cost
Throughout the process Adrian Smith is available for discussion and to attend meetings with school staff, with governors and with other stakeholders.
Apsidea Ltd offers support to secure successful conversion to Academy status for a fixed fee. Please contact us for a firm proposal for your school. The school should also budget expect to commit further funding to legal and other advice, depending on complexity.
Support for parts of the process, are also available – please contact Adrian for further details. Apsidea Ltd can provide further support, if required, as the school adapts to its new status.
Conversion costs
The DfE provides a fixed sum grant of £25,000 towards the costs of conversion, any balance from which transfers to the Academy. Our fee can be claimed against that grant. In addition, there will also be some small additional costs for legal services; Companies House and land registry fees; and possibly from the school’s HR provider to support the TUPE process – in particular to ensure all staff are included and the appropriate organisations are consulted.
Other costs will vary from school to school, but you can expect to be charged for a new individual license for your information management system. There may also be some rebranding costs.
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Apsidea Ltd is a small consultancy undertaking projects in education and interim management in central and local government.
This page describes the support that we can provide once schools have decided to go ahead and convert to Academy status.
In order to assist that decision, our consultant, Adrian Smith, is happy to talk to head teachers, governors or others about this opportunity.
Apsidea Ltd.
A company registered in England and Wales.
Number: 7286494
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