We continue to see large numbers of maintained schools converting to academy status across the sector. The reasons for this might be political, financial, as a result of judged underperformance or simply due to a desire to collaborate and build on each others' strength as part of a multi academy trust.
The Schools White Paper articulates the Government's desire that all state schools become academies ("a fully trust led system") and that they be in or joining a strong trust by 2030. Whilst the Schools Bill, which included powers intended to help facilitate this process, was aborted, we are still seeing movement in the sector in this direction.
Our lawyers understand the challenges facing MATs which are looking to grow and schools looking to convert to academy status and have wide ranging expertise. We offer a cost effective, fixed fee approach with expert support to make the conversion to academy status a smooth and hassle free process.
While some MATs are increasingly embedding experience in this area, we know that for some, dealing with the legal side can feel like uncharted territory. There can be a long list of unfamiliar hurdles to negotiate when converting to or transferring an academy. Finding the right model for your school or group, the consultation process, staff transfers, the establishment of the Academy Trust, funding agreement, transfer agreement and land transfers - and crucial deadlines to meet.
While academy conversion and transfer is a 'well trodden path' for our lawyers, we appreciate that it may be new to you and that every school has its own individual - and sometimes complex - legal considerations to address. Please see our top 10 tips for academy conversion.
If you are looking to grow your MAT or convert your school or schools to academy status, and would like to discuss the process and how we can help you, please take advantage of a free academy consultation with one of our experts.
We offer fixed fees and discounted hourly rates ensuring you get the best legal advice at the best value for your school or trust. For details of our fees and how we add value to your project, please contact Chloe Brunton.
No two academy projects are identical, but we’ve learnt that the process runs most smoothly when the school or trust works closely with one dedicated project lead, with the back up of a large team with wide ranging legal expertise. It means our lawyers can get to know you and work to protect your best interests, making life easier for you.
We understand the pressures on your time - meeting the needs of the DfE, local authority, parents, students and other stakeholders while running busy schools - so we work hard to make the process as straightforward as possible. Our experience makes us well placed to advise, guide and reassure you every step of the way. We’re available to talk whenever you need us, and can provide onsite help with consultations, briefings and training.
For many of our clients, academy conversion is just the start of the relationship with us. We’re delighted to continue as trusted advisors to many converting academies, providing quality legal advice through our HR & legal services retainer scheme.
Don't just take our word for it that we know what we are doing and that you are in safe hands for your academy conversion - see what our clients say.
VWV is a ‘leading light’ in the sector and has acted on many high profile academy conversions
Our lawyers understand the challenges facing schools and groups of schools converting to academies and have wide ranging expertise.
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