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New survey reveals where academies seek advice

Wed, 15/02/2012 - 16:33

A survey of schools by Capita last month revealed that 77% sought information from other schools when converting or considering converting to an academy.

The survey was undertaken to mark the launch of a series of nationwide free events, where school leaders and senior figures in the education landscape – such as Sir David Bell, the former permanent secretary at the DfE – discuss the opportunities and realities associated with the switch to academy status and the changing education scene.

The survey, conducted at an academies conference, also revealed that over 60% of respondents had been informed that support services from their local authority will either be scaled down or withdrawn.

Steve Smith, education business development team, Capita, said: “Many schools see the switch to academy status as an opportunity to take control; to shape their future and more importantly, create an academic environment which gets the very best out of both teachers and pupils.

“But change can be difficult. Schools want advice on whether the switch is right for them and how best to manage the change. With the nature of services from the local authority altering, schools are more likely to seek help from other schools than ever before.

“Our free seminars will give members of school management teams across the country the opportunity to learn from other schools that have already undergone the process. It will provide them with a chance to ask open and honest questions and get straight answers.”

Each of the seven events will be hosted by schools with knowledge of academy conversion and will feature four head teachers talking about their own experiences of the conversion process. A keynote speaker will then discuss strategic issues such as accountability and funding. The free events are open for any member of the senior leadership team from any school to attend.

The first seminar will be held at Coopers Company & Coburn Academy, Essex, on 1 March with a further six events taking place across England. Among the keynote speakers already confirmed are Sir David Bell and Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).

The events will take place as follows:
• 1 March – Coopers Company & Coburn Academy, Essex
• 7 March – King’s Oak Academy, Bristol
• 8 March – Colmers School, Birmingham
• 12 March – St Lawrence Academy, Scunthorpe
• 15 March – The Hayesbrook School, Kent
• 21 March – Hodgson Academy, Lancashire
• 30 March – Sharnbrook Upper School, Bedfordshire

To reserve a place, delegates should visit www.academymatters.co.uk/seminars

Capita has also launched a new web site www.academymatters.co.uk to support the events and provide schools with an online focus for sharing advice, and for resources relating to conversion. The site already contains helpful checklists for the governing body, and sample letters to parents and staff which have been provided by schools that have already gone through the conversion process.

Steve Smith said: “Converting to academy status may appear daunting, but with a little help from those who have successfully completed the journey, you can be assured that you have access to all the information you need in one place.”