What is an Academy?

An Academy is essentially an independent school which is funded by the state.  It is independent of the Local Authority and receives its funding direct from Central Government.  Previously, Academies have tended to replace schools which have poor results or otherwise needed to improve significantly.  However, under the Academies Act 2010, all schools are able to become Academies.  We can choose to apply without being supported by another school and without a sponsor from industry or elsewhere, but we must consider carefully whether converting would be in the best interests of our pupils – both present and future.

What are the benefits of being an Academy?

• Academies are free from Local Authority control – this means that Academies have more freedom over how they conduct themselves.
• The ethos and identity of the school would be preserved.
• Academies receive their funding from Central Government.
• Academies have (currently) more freedom over the curriculum taught – this means that, if they wish, academies do not need to teach parts of the National Curriculum which they do not consider appropriate for their students.
• Academies that are part of a trust work closely with other academies to develop the curriculum, receive support to improve, and improve the experiences of pupils.
• As part of a trust, we will receive additional support for services such as finance, IT and HR.
• Academies (through a MAT) have access to funding to support capital projects to improve the school buildings.
• As part of a larger group of schools, St Anne’s would have the potential to achieve economies of scale and contracts for services that are better value for money.

Other issues regarding becoming an Academy

As an Academy, we would be directly liable for matters such as insurance, employment liabilities, pensions, health and safety and property maintenance.  As mentioned above, Academies receive more funding from Central Government to help them to meet these additional costs, which would allow us to buy services from the very best providers, including the Local Authority.

Will admissions arrangements change?

As an Academy, we would deal with our own admissions but would still be bound by the National Admissions Code.  If, in the future, the Academy wished to change its admission arrangements, consultation would be required.  As a Church of England voluntary aided school, our current offer of places to students on the grounds of faith will not be affected by academy status.

Will the staff terms and conditions change?

If the school converts to an Academy, all staff currently employed will transfer to the new Academy on their current pay and conditions.  Although Academies have more freedom to adapt pay and conditions, the MITRE Board of Trustees is supportive of current pay and conditions.

Will the school change?

Any school is constantly looking at how it can improve, and we are no different.  However, in terms of our ethos, values and character, I can assure you that nothing would change. We would not be looking to change our name, uniform or logo.  Our school holiday patterns and school year would remain unaffected.  For the pupils and staff, it is unlikely that they would see much, if any, change to their daily routines.

What is an Academy?

An Academy is essentially an independent school which is funded by the state.  It is independent of the Local Authority and receives its funding direct from Central Government.  Previously, Academies have tended to replace schools which have poor results or otherwise needed to improve significantly.  However, under the Academies Act 2010, all schools are able to become Academies.  We can choose to apply without being supported by another school and without a sponsor from industry or elsewhere, but we must consider carefully whether converting would be in the best interests of our pupils – both present and future.

What are the benefits of being an Academy?

• Academies are free from Local Authority control – this means that Academies have more freedom over how they conduct themselves.
• The ethos and identity of the school would be preserved.
• Academies receive their funding from Central Government.
• Academies have (currently) more freedom over the curriculum taught – this means that, if they wish, academies do not need to teach parts of the National Curriculum which they do not consider appropriate for their students.
• Academies that are part of a trust work closely with other academies to develop the curriculum, receive support to improve, and improve the experiences of pupils.
• As part of a trust, we will receive additional support for services such as finance, IT and HR.
• Academies (through a MAT) have access to funding to support capital projects to improve the school buildings.
• As part of a larger group of schools, St Anne’s would have the potential to achieve economies of scale and contracts for services that are better value for money.

Other issues regarding becoming an Academy

As an Academy, we would be directly liable for matters such as insurance, employment liabilities, pensions, health and safety and property maintenance.  As mentioned above, Academies receive more funding from Central Government to help them to meet these additional costs, which would allow us to buy services from the very best providers, including the Local Authority.

Will admissions arrangements change?

As an Academy, we would deal with our own admissions but would still be bound by the National Admissions Code.  If, in the future, the Academy wished to change its admission arrangements, consultation would be required.  As a Church of England voluntary aided school, our current offer of places to students on the grounds of faith will not be affected by academy status.

Will the staff terms and conditions change?

If the school converts to an Academy, all staff currently employed will transfer to the new Academy on their current pay and conditions.  Although Academies have more freedom to adapt pay and conditions, the MITRE Board of Trustees is supportive of current pay and conditions.

Will the school change?

Any school is constantly looking at how it can improve, and we are no different.  However, in terms of our ethos, values and character, I can assure you that nothing would change. We would not be looking to change our name, uniform or logo.  Our school holiday patterns and school year would remain unaffected.  For the pupils and staff, it is unlikely that they would see much, if any, change to their daily routines.