Your governing board must consult if the conversion is voluntary
You don't need to consult if your school has received an academy order.
However, before the secretary of state issues an academy order for a foundation school or voluntary school that has a foundation, they must consult:
- The trustees of the school
- The person or persons by whom the foundation governors are appointed
- The appropriate religious body (if your school has a religious character)
See sections 8 and 9 of the Education and Adoption Act 2016.
Who to consult
You must seek views from everyone who will have an interest in your school changing its status, including:
- Staff members
- Parents and carers
This is explained in the DfE's guidance on academy conversion (section 3, under the heading 'prepare to set up your academy').
Your local authority (LA) Unions Other local schools The foundation or trust (if you're a foundation or trust school) The diocese