Academy conversion: FAQs
Get answers to frequently asked questions about academy conversion, with advice from the DfE and Forbes Solicitors.
Contents
- What's the process to convert to an academy?
- Which schools can convert?
- Can we change our mind about converting to an academy after consulting?
- If we change our mind and decide to join a MAT, do we need to consult again?
- How can we convert to a co-operative MAT?
- Does an academy joining a MAT keep its company registration number?
- Does a VC school need to gain consent from its trust?
- Will Ofsted downgrade my school for not converting?
- How can we estimate our budget until our conversion date?
- What if my school has a budget deficit?
- What if my school has a budget surplus?
- Can we bring forward the academy conversion date?
- What happens to a federation when schools convert?
- What are the implications of academisation on nursery provision?
What's the process to convert to an academy?
You can find the step-by-step process for academy conversion in another of our articles. It includes a checklist of all the tasks you will need to complete.
Which schools can convert?
- Mainstream primary and secondary schools: apply using the DfE's online services (this includes sixth form colleges who are applying to become 16 to 19 academies - see more information from the DfE here)
- Special schools: use the paper application form for special schools
- Pupil referral units: use the form for PRUs wishing to convert to alternative provision academies
Stand-alone nursery schools cannot currently convert to an academy.
For more support, see the DfE's document pack for academy conversion.
If you apply to become an academy, but then change your mind mind after the consultation period, you can pull out of the process. You should contact your project
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