Introduction
The decision to become an Academy or set up a Free School can be a challenging and daunting experience and with focus on the ‘levelling up agenda’, emphasis on conversion has never been greater. Our independent advice and guidance, with the support of our professional associates walks you through the benefits and considerations of becoming an Academy, or setting up your Free School, helping to clarify the process and support you in all the key aspects throughout.
Our experience and the extensive network of Multi-Academy Trusts we work with means we are ideally placed to support your school in connecting you with a variety of trusts to help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right Trust for you.
We can also support you in the following areas;
- Legal Support
- Due Diligence
- Project Management
- Governance
- Finance, Systems & Compliance
- Data Management & SIMS Support
- Human Resources
Call us now on 0333 772 1272 Option 2, for more information, or Click here to request further details or a call back.
Legal Support
Comprehensive and high quality legal support delivered by our expert partners who have significant experience of Academy conversions and setting up of Free Schools and who specialise in the range of legal disciplines involved in the conversion process.
Project Management Service
We have found that no two conversions are identical, but we know that the process runs smoothly when the schools work closely with a dedicated project manager. Our experience makes us well placed to advise, guide and reassure you every step of the way. Support includes the creation of an individual plan for your conversion timeline, highlighting key dates, activities and deadlines, to help you along every step of the journey.
Human Resources Support
Conversion to Academy status requires staff to transfer to the Academy Trust under regulations referred to as ‘TUPE’. These regulations place legal and statutory responsibilities on the Trust and the current employer.
Our HR conversion package includes:
- All aspects of the TUPE process to ensure the smooth transfer of your staff
- Support with the Due Diligence process
- Transfer of personnel data for payroll providers
Finance and Business Management
Our Finance support is completely bespoke to each school to ensure the support matches the individual requirements of your school/trust. Support can include:
- Undertaking Due diligence
- Liaising with legal advisor for the completion of the Commercial/financial agreements, Articles and memorandum of Association and the funding agreements
- Liaising with Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
- Preparation of the academy budget forecasts and reporting in the ESFA budget format
- Training/mentoring of staff for the conversion to academy status
- Advice on the Academy Trust Handbook and Charitable status
- Assistance with pensions registration and advise on the LGPS liability
- Financial Returns to ESFA
- Advice on VAT, Banking and insurance
- Through our procurement service offer we can provide procurement advice and also assist you in analysing school contracts and preparing the commercial transfer agreement in preparation for Academy Status
Data Management & SIMs Support Conversion Service
A complete information management solution, ensuring essential school data is available throughout the conversion process.
We will liaise with your Leadership team, Academy sponsors, administration staff, ICT support providers and software suppliers, to ensure the conversion process runs smoothly. We can also advise on the re-licensing of management information systems with your software supplier and the associate ongoing support services.