Overview

The Academies Act 2010 allows the conversion of state-funded schools in England into independent academies, funded directly by the government. It outlines the arrangements for establishing and running academies, including funding, governance, and property transfers.

Description

This act details the process for converting maintained schools (community, foundation, and voluntary schools) into academies. It enables governing bodies to apply for an Academy order, requiring consultation with relevant stakeholders (including foundations and local authorities). Once an order is granted, the local authority ceases to maintain the school, and the academy becomes independently run. The act also covers:

Funding and Agreements:

The Secretary of State enters into agreements with academy proprietors, providing funding for both capital and recurrent expenditure. These agreements guarantee funding for at least 7 years or indefinitely with 7 years’ notice for termination. The act specifies that academies must not charge fees for admission or attendance.

Property Transfer:

The act details the transfer of school property, including surpluses and other assets from the local authority to the academy proprietor. Specific provisions manage land transfers, including those from governing bodies and foundations. The Secretary of State has the power to make schemes to facilitate these transfers.

Additional Schools and Reporting:

The act addresses the establishment of new academies, requiring the Secretary of State to consider the impact on existing schools. Annual reports on academy arrangements and performance are mandated. Qualifying academy proprietors are designated as charities.

Government Spending

The act leads to a shift in government spending on education, with direct funding to academies replacing funding channeled through local authorities. Exact figures are not specified in the act itself, but it represents a significant reallocation of educational resources.

Groups Affected

• Schools: Maintained schools can become independent academies, altering their funding and governance structures.
• Governing Bodies: Governing bodies have a key role in the application process and undergo changes in their responsibilities and dissolution upon conversion.
• Local Authorities: Local authorities lose responsibility for maintaining converted academies, affecting their budgets and oversight of education.
• Academy Proprietors: These entities become responsible for running academies and managing the funding and resources provided through the agreements with the Secretary of State.
• Pupils and Parents: While tuition fees remain prohibited, changes in governance and educational priorities may affect the student experience.
• Foundations and Trusts: These bodies are involved in the consultation process for the conversion of foundation and voluntary schools.

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