But what does it actually mean to have academy status? What freedom and opportunities can the status bring and what are the benefits and possible drawbacks of converting?
With great freedom comes great responsibility, so the saying goes. And this expression is none so relevant for those schools seeking academy status. Academies are outside of local authority control, although this assertion is actually rather misleading as councils no longer ‘control’ schools. There are other constraints which come from government legislation, and academies still fall under the Ofsted regime for example, however the academy status does bring with it autonomy and a certain sense of independence.
One of the key differences for an academy is having the opportunity to refresh the approach to learning and enrich the ethos of a school. With this comes a transformation in the attitudes and aspirations of students, teachers and parents, and the potential to make a positive impact on the ‘extended school’, the community surrounding an academy.
However, with this autonomy also comes responsibility, which lies completely with the academy and its governing body. The buck literally stops with the head teacher and an academy’s governance, and there is a huge pressure and expectation for an academy to continue to improve learning and raise standards.
The benefits of this greater level of freedom however equate to possibilities of greater innovation, and this is what is hoped the academy status will encourage. Knowledge sharing and innovation is vital for those academies wanting to go from being good to outstanding, and ensuring that an academy continues to work with thought-leaders within the industry to develop and increase skills that will undoubtedly keep them there. Having recently held our first annual conference, we worked with our academies to explore student aspiration and engagement, how to realise opportunities for the future and how to maintain an outstanding status.
For any would-be academy it is vital to completely understand the difficulties and challenges that come with this new level of independence. When in the cradle of the state-funded school system, a school is offered support and networks in the locality. An independent academy loses these connections and structured support system and is at risk of becoming isolated. Finding a way to connect with external support is imperative if an academy is going to continue to prosper and flourish. There are several ways that this can be achieved. For example, an academy can independently make these connections, networking with other local schools to share best practice, knowledge and advice. This can be informally or through some form of federation.
Another way of ensuring this support system is not lost, and a way of maintaining contact with a body that is aware of the challenges and responsibilities academies face, is to find a sponsor and become part of its network. An academy sponsor will be aware of the pressures and additional responsibilities placed on academies and what an academy needs to do to ensure its continued progression and development. It’s difficult and hard work to build a school up so it receives ‘outstanding’ status but it’s a lot quicker to lose this honour. Therefore, it is vital that an academy has a support network that can do its best to ensure this doesn’t happen.
The lure of freedom, and ultimately power, is quite seductive and up until recently the incentive of large accompanying funds to convert to academy status were very alluring. The promise of new buildings and refurbishments meant that many jumped at the chance to convert without fully understanding the implications. However, with the substantial financial cushion that academy conversion used to offer drastically cut, those looking at changing really have to ensure that they opt to convert for all of the right reasons, and that should ultimately be about making sure pupils receive the best and most appropriate education.
Although outside of local authority control, one of the things we at Ormiston Academies Trust do, is ensure we develop and maintain relationships with the local authorities and importantly the community. This year we see our 16th academy open, and we’ve found that making the most of the connections and network within the local community proves invaluable for the development of an academy. Whatever status the school is, the end result always needs to be what is most beneficial for the students. After all – it takes a whole community to raise a child.
