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Apply to become an academy

Application processes for mainstream and special schools applying to convert to academy status.

Updates to this page

From:
Department for Education
Published:
18 September 2013
Last updated:
10 March 2025
Show all updates

  1. Updated with latest version of the 'Special school application to convert to academy status' form.

  2. Added a link to the new digital 'apply to become an academy' service, and information about what to do if you've already started an application using a downloaded form or via the previous online application process.

  3. Uploaded new application form which allows more than 1 school to apply to form a multi-academy trust on the same form.

  4. Updated application forms to explain that DfE expects most new academies to join or form a multi-academy trust.

  5. Added link to advice and an application form for sixth-form colleges considering becoming a 16 to 19 academy.

  6. Updated academy conversion forms to make it clear that federation schools applying for academy status must follow relevant regulations. Also removed references to umbrella trusts to reflect policy changes.

  7. Updated 'Primary school academy conversion' and 'Secondary school academy conversion' documents to reflect the addition of email addresses.

  8. Updated primary and secondary school 'application to convert to academy status' forms.

  9. Added link to online application form for schools wishing to convert to academy status

  10. Updated email address on 'Primary school application to convert to academy status' form.

  11. First published.

Documents

Mainstream primary or secondary school application to convert to academy status

https://apply-convert-academy.service.gov.uk/

Special school application to convert to academy status

MS Word Document, 94.2 KB

Details

To start the process of converting your mainstream primary or secondary school to academy status, use the online apply to become an academy service.

Special schools converting to academy status can use the form on this page to apply. Special schools are schools for children with special educational needs.

Read more guidance on the process for converting to academy status.

Other guidance is available for:

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