How to avoid common pitfalls in academy conversion
Find out how to avoid making the most common mistakes when converting to an academy, so you can make sure the process runs smoothly.
Contents
- Be clear on why you’re converting
- Make sure school leaders delegate conversion responsibilities fairly
- Don’t let your school leaders leave complicated issues to the last minute
- Conduct your own research and understand what will change when you convert
- Face tough governance questions head-on
- Check that your scheme of delegation is adapted for your school
Be clear on why you’re converting
You and your school leaders need to be clear on:
- Why your school is converting to an academy
- What your school wants to change, and
- Where your school sees itself heading when it becomes an academy
If your school tries to convert without this clarity, it may be harder for the Department for Education (DfE) to accept your school’s application.
Make sure school leaders delegate conversion responsibilities fairly
The conversion process shouldn’t fall to just 1 person. Responsibilities should be delegated between:
- The headteacher
- The school business manager (SBM)
- Other senior staff
This will help to make sure that conversion doesn’t distract staff from providing the best education for pupils, as they’ll still have time to keep on top of their normal duties.