Academy Status - Guidance for Schools
Copy of the letter from the Diocesan Director of Education sent to Heads and Chairs of Aided and Controlled Schools on 7th March 2011
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to convey and commend to you the attached guidance (see below) on Academy status. This sets out the policy for the time being of both the Durham and the Newcastle Diocesan Education Boards on this important matter, and is addressed equally to Headteachers and Chairs.
As you know, this is a fast-moving subject, and there is little doubt that the guidance will need to be updated and/or amplified in due course. Meanwhile, however, our two Education Boards are concerned to bring to your notice their joint stance on the issue of academy conversion as it relates to all Aided and Controlled schools in both Dioceses.
The two Boards are insistent that
• No proposals for academy conversion should be considered by governors without prior discussion with the Joint Education Team ;
• Any proposals which do come forward are subject to approval by the appropriate Education Board on a case by case basis.
I should stress that there is no presumption or expectation whatsoever that every governing body should, or needs to, consider this matter. However, if you feel it is appropriate to place this matter on the agenda, if only for information, we trust that you and your colleagues will find it helpful to have the Boards’ position and advice available to you.
With all good wishes
Jeremy Fitt
Interim Director of Education
CE Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle
Guidance attachment:
Guidance for Church Schools proposing to apply to their Diocesan Education Board for approval to convert to Academy Status.