Becoming an Academy

74% of secondary schools nationally are now academies and 31% of primary schools are academies.  Church schools in this diocese have the choice of joining the Diocesan Multi Academy Trust (MAT) or joining or forming their own local church school-led MAT. There are currently three such MATs in the diocese. Schools considering academy status are encouraged to discuss their plans with Jane Sheat, Diocesan Director of Education in the first instance.

For information on the Diocesan Multi Academy Trust please click here.

For a list of schools already in an Academy Trust, please see schools sorted alphabetically by Academy Trust | PDF

Converting to Academy status

Governing Bodies considering conversion to Academy status are encouraged to refer to the documents listed below:

Memorandum of Understanding | Weblink

DBE Academy Strategy | PDF

A template declaration for Diocesan MAT August 2019 | Word | PDF

A template declaration for local MAT August 2019 | Word | PDF

Church schools are also advised to make early contact with the Diocesan Director of Education, Jane Sheat so that appropriate support and guidance can be offered.  Schools seeking Diocesan Board of Education consent (a statutory requirement for VC and VA schools alike) are advised that DBE Meetings are scheduled to take place on the following dates in 2021:

• Tuesday 9 February 2021, 1.30pm
• Tuesday 4 May 2021, 6.00pm
• Wednesday 15 September 2021, 6pm
• Tuesday 23 November 2021, 1.30pm

In addition Governors may seek consent outside these scheduled meetings from a Committee of the DBE established with delegated powers. Please contact the Diocesan Director of Education, Jane Sheat in the first instance.

Additional resources

Memorandum of Understanding | Weblink

Church academies: model documents | Weblink

Education and Adoption Act 2016 | Weblink

Education Excellence Everywhere White Paper | Weblink

Academies Financial Handbook | Weblink