Creating a Church Academy by Conversion of an Existing School

 

The Process

1.    Online Registration

2.    Application to convert and eligibility checks

3.    Funding Agreement

4.    Pre-Opening

 

1.    Online Registration

 

The school registers an interest using the online form.

The named contact for the school replies from the Department for Education (DfE) and provides further guidance and documentation.

 

2.    Application to convert and eligibility checks

 

The school submits the application to convert form to the named DfE contact.

The application has to be made at least three months before the proposed opening date.

The application includes:

• Confirmation of the governing body resolution to apply for conversion;

• The Agreement of the Foundation, where relevant; and

• Confirmation of the school’s outstanding status from OfSTED.

The school is required to discuss with its named contact its agreement in principle to support another school in the raising of standards.

 Secretary of State then confirms whether he is content for the school to processed to the next stage.  If so, he will make an Academy Order.

The current employer of the school staff then begins the TUPE process. 

 

3.    Funding Agreement

 

The DfE supports the school to ensure that all legal documents, relating to governance, land, property and staff transfer and company registration, are completed.

The Governing Body must ensure that the consultation with interested parties is completed.  The Academy Trust and the Secretary of State sign the Funding Agreement for the academy.  This agreement sets out when the academy will open.

The current employer of the school staff continues the consultation on the transfer of staff under TUPE.  This process should ideally be completed at this stage.

 

4.    Pre-Opening

 

The school sets up new financial systems and contractual arrangements, completes registrations and ensures that all necessary CRB checks are carried out.