Academies

The Academies Act 2010, which allows publicly funded schools in England to become independent schools funded directly by the Department for Education (DfE), has been described as the most radical reform of the English school system in years.

Our Academies Team comprises of specialists from the firms Corporate/Commercial Department, Commercial Property Department and Employment Department and we are therefore well equipped to offer the range of services you will need when making the transition to an Academy School.

Why convert to an Academy?

The policy behind the Academies Act 2010 was to implement the Government’s intention to both reform the schooling system and make it easier for parents, community groups and others to “come together” and provide a new school outside of local authority maintenance. The Secretary of State wrote to schools in May 2010 confirming that the Government’s key priorities in improving schools included:

Reducing bureaucracy;

Allowing Head teachers and teachers more autonomy in respect of issues such as the curriculum and the power to ensure good behaviour; and

 Providing all schools the opportunity to:

- Have freedom from local authority control;

- Set staff pay and conditions;

- Alter the length of school days and terms; and

- Have greater control over budgets.

The Academies Act 2010 enables more schools to benefit from Academy “freedoms and flexibilities” and it is expected that this will help schools to innovate, raise standards and help students achieve more.
How can we help?

Our Academies Team understands that what remains of paramount importance to schools during the conversion process is their ability to continue providing an education to their pupils. We work in partnership with schools to remove the everyday anxieties caused by the legal complexities of this process, ensuring that they remain informed of progress each step of the way.

In particular out Academies Team are able to advise you on the following:

Key issues to consider when converting to an Academy.

Assisting with the process of conversion including dealing with the commercial transfer agreement and transfer of land issues;

Managing the process of transferring all employees in accordance the Transfer of Undertakings Regulations (TUPE) and all other employment law issues;

Advising on consultation obligations with staff, pupils and parents;

Negotiating assignments and/or renewals of existing supplier contracts and ensuring that new business contracts are agreed where appropriate; and

Undertaking the incorporation of the Academy trust.

Following the conversion, we continue working with schools in providing advice on day-to-day post-conversion management issues. Our employment team offers an HR retainer service to assist schools in managing the myriad of employment issues that often arise with staff following the conversion.

For more information contact Emma Thompson on 020 8290 0440 or by email: emma.thompson@thackraywilliams.com