Academy Conversion - one school

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Academy Conversion- one schools experience
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Why we converted

• Desire to convert at a time of our choosing, from
  a position of strength. Sense of inevitability.
  DfE stated intention that all schools will become
  academies.
• Issues with the LA resource base, frustration
  with services provided. Worries about possible
  declining effectiveness of LA key staff taking
  redundancy, secondary school conversions
  shrinking LA capacity.
• Financial past experience with GM status
  financial benefits likely to evaporate in the
  longer term. Worrying messages from the LA about
  budget cuts.
• Friends thinking the same way
• Curriculum freedom from new national
  curriculum, expectation of innovation.
• Diocesan preparedness protection of church
  school status.

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Our experience so-far
The conversion process involved extra work and
there is additional office administration. It
takes time getting your head around everything
that has to be done and the new requirements of
the DfE EFA. More so for non-VA schools. The
financial freedoms and ability to shape your own
destiny are well worth it. Speech therapist.
Better service. Would not go back. Closer ties
with the diocese have been very helpful and
productive. Our support school has taken a lot
of work, but all of it very worthwhile.
Excellent professional development for our staff.
Unexpected boosted sense of pride in the school.
Feeling of independence and that we are masters
of our own destiny.