Academies

The trade unions wrote to the chairs of governors of primary schools in May 2011.  The joint trade union letter (PDF, 113KB) can be downloaded.

Lord Hill, the Parliamentary Undersecretary for Schools, wrote to all Chairs of Governors to update them on academy arrangements on 5th November 2010.  His letter to Chairs (PDF, 39KB) can be downloaded here.  His previous  letter to Chairs (PDF, 587KB) (September 2010) is also available to download.

The Academies Act received Royal Assent on Tuesday 27th July 2010.  The Act can be accessed by following the link to the parliament website.

Additional information regarding the Act can be found on the Department for Education's Academies webpages.

The Government's 'Frequently Asked Questions' are regularly updated and can be accessed by following the link.

Academy Conversion Toolkit

Governing Bodies are strongly advised to make use of the Academy Toolkit, created by the National Co-ordinators of Governor Services, when considering converting to an academy.  This best-practice guide has been designed to support Governing Bodies in giving full consideration to all the implications of conversion, and to whether it is an appropriate step for the school.

• Decision Making Process and Consultation Document (MS Word, 129KB )
• Considering the Differences and Implications (MS Word,  117KB)
• Academy Law - Summary of the Legal Position (PDF, 447KB)

Additional Information

The Schools Minister wrote to all Chairs of Governors on 2nd July 2010 to update them on the progress of the Academies Bill.  His letter to Chairs (PDF, 884KB) can be downloaded here.

Lorraine Butcher, Head of Children and Family Services, wrote to all Headteachers and Chairs of Governors on 24th June 2010. Her letter to All Cheshire East Headteachers and Chairs of Governors (PDF, 103KB) is available to download here.

Governing Bodies who are members can log on to the National Governors' Association website and view their latest advice and 'Frequently Asked Questions'. 

Three teaching unions (NUT, NASUWT, ATL) wrote a combined letter to all Chairs of Governors (PDF, 113KB) and to all Headteachers (PDF, 112KB) with comments on the Academies Bill, and have also provided a briefing for governors (PDF, 116KB).  These can be downloaded by following the links.

The National Society and Association of Anglican Diocesan Directors of Education has issued advice to its schools (PDF, 173KB) which can be downloaded here.

The Catholic Education Service's advice can be accessed by following the link.

Free Schools

The latest information regarding the Government's plans for Free Schools can be accessed here.