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Academy conversion: step-by-step process

Be clear on the academy conversion process, including information on preparing to convert, submitting the application form and setting up an academy trust. Use our checklist to keep track of the tasks you need to complete.

Last reviewed on 10 February 2026See updates
School types: Maintained•School phases: All•Ref: 1147
Contents
  1. Download our checklist 
  2. Step 1: before you apply
  3. Step 2: apply to convert
  4. Step 3: set up or join an academy trust
  5. Step 4: transfer responsibilities to the academy trust 
  6. Step 5: prepare to open as an academy 
  7. Step 6: open as an academy
  8. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

This article is based on the Department for Education (DfE)'s guide to academy conversion.

Please note: the DfE’s guide still makes references to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). This agency closed in March 2025, so you should refer any matters to the DfE instead.

Download our checklist 

Download our checklist for the conversion process so you've got all of the steps you need to follow at your fingertips, and you can tick them off as you go:

KeyDoc: academy conversion checklist DOCX, 138.6 KB
Download

The rest of this article details what we've included in the checklist – so we'd suggest reading the article before using the checklist. Plus, there are some FAQs at the end.

Engage with Regions Group by contacting your relevant Regional Director's Office Read the:  Academy Trust Handbook Guidance for academy trusts and prospective joiners Consider the different types of academy (see the sub-section on this directly below) Get consent (see the sub-section on this