Academies
Our specialist Academies Conversion team supports schools considering a conversion to academy status under the Academies Act 2010. Drawing on their substantial experience in the education sector, specialists from the firm's Corporate, Commercial, Commercial Property and Development and Employment teams are able to advise schools and their governing bodies at every step of the academies conversion process, and to manage the conversion process itself.
In particular, they are able to:
- assist governing bodies in reaching a decision whether to convert at all
- explain the alternatives available to schools wishing to convert as part of a federation of schools
- advise converting schools in relation to consultations with staff, pupils and parents
- undertake the incorporation of the academy trust
- deal with the transfer or lease of land and buildings, and the transfer of other school property, to the academy trust
- negotiate the assignment or renewal of the school's existing contracts
- provide day-to-day support in connection with the post-conversion management of the academy, including contracting with third party suppliers, disputes with staff and issues relating to the school's premises.
We understand the importance to schools of being able to continue with their day to day task of educating children. Our Academies Conversion team has been praised by clients for providing a meticulous and professional service which gives school leadership teams the reassurance they need to do just that. We don't have a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, the team invests time in getting to know the culture and organisation of each school it works with. This approach helps to ensure that our clients receive the very best service available and that the conversion of a school to academy status marks the beginning of a lasting relationship.
Read more about the academy conversion process and the documents involved or visit the Department for Education to find out about the academies programme.
Click here to see a map showing schools in Kent that have applied to become academies as well as those that have already converted.
For further information please contact the team.