What is an Academy?
An Academy is a school that is outside Local Authority control. It receives the same amount of funding as a Local Authority school, but that funding comes directly from Government. If a school wishes to become an academy, it must join a Multi academy trust (MAT) at the same time.
A Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) is a group of Academies that have joined together to form one company (or Trust). Schools in the MAT maintain their own identity but are accountable to their MAT’s Trust Board. The funding for all the schools in the MAT is given to the Trust which then divides it up between the schools within it according to the Government’s rules for each school. Church of England Schools must join a MAT which has a majority church appointed board of trustees/directors.
The Board of Education's strategy is attached here.
How does our school become an Academy?
Church of England schools need to have the permission of their Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) to become an Academy. We have produced a number of documents to help with this process.
If you are thinking about academisation, in the first instance please approach the Diocesan Director of Education, or contact any member of the Education team, for help and advice.