Why convert?
Schools that convert to Academy status are able to benefit from greater flexibility and freedoms.
- The freedom from Local Authority control. The budget for Academies comes directly from the Government, in contrast to maintained schools where a proportion of the school’s budget is held back by the Local Authority to provide certain services. Academies will now benefit from ultimate control of their finances, and may allocate the budget and target resources in the most appropriate and effective manner as determined by the relevant Academy.
- The freedom to set pay and conditions for staff. Academies have the freedom to decide the salaries paid to their staff, such as teachers and teaching assistants. This can be seen as a real opportunity to enhance standards in Academies by rewarding members of staff whom deserve financial recognition for their efforts.
- The freedom around the delivery of the curriculum. Academies have the autonomy to adapt, deviate and even depart from the National Curriculum. This provides the opportunity for each Academy to determine the scope of the education provided, as well as setting its own targets for excellence.
- The freedom to change the lengths of terms and school days. Academies are now free to adapt the lengths of terms and school days if and when they feel it is appropriate to do so. This may assist Academies to achieve changing goals and targets, for example, to enhance participation and performance in identified extra curricular activities.
"The service was excellent – the team is always accessible and is prepared to go the extra mile. Howes Percival led us through the process from start to finish. The team was on hand to resolve any complications immediately and ensure that the conversion process was as painless as possible." Colin Hinds – Sir Christopher Hatton Academy
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