The Department for Education has confirmed that it intends to widen its traditional approach to academisation.
During a meeting involving a cross-party group of MPs recently, DfE Permanent Secretary, Susan Acland-Hood, said: “One of the things we will be looking at as part of the schools’ white paper is whether there are other options we should be looking at for other groups of schools who might want to be taking up this opportunity but also holding on to some of the relationships they’ve already got.”
A number of reports have suggested that the Government is considering ‘different models of partnership’ which could involve local authorities running their own MATs, meaning that maintained schools would become academies but still have a link to their LA.
Education ministers have already made it clear that, going forward, they wish to see fewer standalone academies, with more focus on developing MATs, and an emphasis on creating strong “families of schools”.
Stakeholders now await, with interest, detailed plans regarding the Government’s proposals to develop additional academy partnership models although no date for publication of the White Paper has as yet been confirmed.
Former National Schools Commissioner, Sir David Carter, said: “In principle, I think it could be a policy shift that is of the moment. If the Government wants to get more schools into academy trusts, the reality is that many primary schools in particular would look differently at this model to joining an existing trust.”
Palmers Solicitors’ Director, BJ Chong, commented: “Recent comments from the DfE suggest a continued push to convert existing local authority-maintained schools towards academisation and to encourage stand-alone academy schools to join forces with MATs.
“A key aspect both for schools wishing to become academies and for existing trusts looking to grow their MAT is due diligence.
“Trustees and CEOs need to be fully aware of any potential issues which may make for a less than harmonious partnership.
“Although due diligence can be a lengthy, it is critical to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises which could jeopardise the success of all concerned.”
Palmers Solicitors’ education team specialises in legal issues relating to academy conversion. For help and advice on all aspects of academy conversion and due diligence, please contact us.