Changing status
This section provides information for Church of England schools in the Diocese of Chester about the process of becoming an academy.
Schools may choose to become academies, or under certain circumstances the Secretary of State can require them to become academies. If a schools wishes to convert and the DfE judges the school capable of converting alone, schools must have the consent of the DBE before applying. If the Secretary of State requires the school to become an academy, it will require a sponsor and the DBE will seek to be that sponsor. Other schools may wish the DBE to be their sponsor. Some schools may decide to work together and form either a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) or and Umbrella or Local Collaboration Trust. DBE officers can provide more details of these.
A Church School which converts to an academy will automatically maintain its religious designation. The appropriate documents for church schools which guarantee their ethos and protect the position of trustees are available on the DfE website. Before making an application to convert to academy status, school governing bodies and headteachers should thoroughly consider a number of issues and be prepared to discuss these in detail with relevant stakeholders and the DBE (through the Diocesan Director of Education). Before supporting a church school wishing to obtain academy status, the DBE will need to be satisfied that:
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Converting to an academy is in the best interest of the school, its pupils and the wider context in which the school operates;
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It is represented on the academy trust which is established by the existing governing body;
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The academy agreement, Memorandum and Articles of Association and land agreement will be those appropriate for Church of England schools;
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The consultation processes demonstrates widespread support for the proposal, including from any other body who appoints governors.
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There is a viable business plan, a due diligence exercise has been carried out and all risks arising mitigated;
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The school can demonstrate its commitment to collaborative working, particularly with the DBE and the wider school family;
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The proposed admissions policy complies with the DBE's guidance;
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The school agrees that any extra costs incurred by the DBE in establishing the academy will be borne by the school, using its own funds and the £25k set up grant available from DfE.
Our full latest guidance for schools wishing to convert can be downloaded by clicking here.
A useful paper to help primary governors discuss academy status indicating possible positive and negative features can be downloaded by clicking here for aided schools and here for controlled schools. High schools should contact the DBE office if they require advice.