Convert to an academy: guide for schools

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 26 November 2015
• Updated: 11 August 2021, see all updates

How maintained schools can apply to convert to academy status.

If you are the headteacher or chair of governors of a local-authority-maintained school converting to an academy, you must complete the following steps.

• 1. Before you apply

  How to prepare for your school's application to convert to an academy.

• 2. Apply to become an academy

  Links to the apply to become an academy service for mainstream schools, the application process for special schools and PRUs, and information about notifying your local authority.

• 3. Set up or join an academy trust

  What actions to take following approval of your academy conversion application.

• 4. Transfer responsibilities to the academy trust

  What responsibilities you should transfer to your academy trust as part of your school's conversion to academy status.

• 5. Prepare to open as an academy

  What final preparations you should complete before your school can open as an academy.

• 6. Open as an academy

  What actions you should take in the first few months after your school opens as an academy.