Application to convert to an Academy

Following a unanimous decision by the Governing Body the school has initiated the process of applying to become an Academy. The objective of the Governors is to act in the very best interests of the pupils by having greater determination over the control of the resources available to the school and to use these to improve the educational outcomes for our pupils.

At the moment the Governing Body do not have the full financial and legal details for the conversion and these can only be gained by going through the application process. When Governors have this greater detail they will arrange meetings to discuss the school's position and any future educational gain for our pupils.

The first part of the application process is to obtain approval from the Secretary of State for Education, determining that it is appropriate for the school to become an Academy. This process takes around 4-6 weeks, it is only after this that the more detailed work can take place.

There is information on the Department for Education (DfE) website ( www.education.gov.uk ) about Special Schools converting to Academy status including a list of Frequently Asked Questions. You can find it through the DfE homepage wiith a search for 'Special Academies' or simply 'Google' (or other search engine) the phrase "Special School Academy" and follow the links.

I will keep this website updated with news on the conversion process but the next key steps are not likely to take place until the new year.

David