Updates: Convert to an academy: guide for schools

2024

21 March 2024

3. Set up or join an academy trust

Updated to reflect the new eligibility criteria for the voluntary conversion grant.

5. Prepare to open as an academy

Updated to reflect the new eligibility criteria for the voluntary conversion grant.

6. Open as an academy

Updated to reflect the new eligibility criteria for the voluntary conversion grant.

2021

11 August 2021

5. Prepare to open as an academy

Updated the insurance section to reflect that you are automatically signed up for RPA on conversion.

2020

22 June 2020

2. Apply to become an academy

Added a link to the new apply to become an academy service, and information about the deadline for completing applications started using the previous online form and paper forms.

15 June 2020

1. Before you apply

Updating manual to include the new Apply to Become an Academy digital service.

2. Apply to convert

Update the manual with a link to the new apply to become an academy digital service.

2019

10 October 2019

2. Apply to convert

Added contact details for schools wishing to try the new service.

2016

9 December 2016

1. Before you apply

Added a link to good practice guidance for multi-academy trusts.

7 September 2016

1. Before you apply

Added information about the academies financial handbook and running a statutory consultation.

3. Set up or join an academy trust

Updated information about running a statutory consultation, and appointing your academy’s local governing body if you’re establishing or joining a multi-academy trust.

5. Prepare to open as an academy

Updated information about accounting officers and chief finance officers.

6. Open as an academy

Added a new section on financial returns.

11 May 2016

3. Set up or join an academy trust

Removed information about the primary academy chain development grant and small school supplement, as these stopped being available on 30 April 2016.

3 February 2016

2. Apply to convert

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

6. Open as an academy

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

2015

26 November 2015

3. Set up or join an academy trust

Added information about applying for a primary academy chain development grant and small school supplement.

24 August 2015

3. Set up or join an academy trust

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

1. Before you apply

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

4. Transfer responsibilities to the academy trust

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

5. Prepare to open as an academy

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

17 August 2015

1. Before you apply

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

2. Apply to convert

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

3. Set up or join an academy trust

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

4. Transfer responsibilities to the academy trust

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

5. Prepare to open as an academy

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

6. Open as an academy

Updated section to clarify the process schools converting to academies should follow.

7 August 2015

5. Prepare to reopen as an academy

Correction to fee for registering with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

9 January 2015

4. Transfer responsibilities to the academy trust

New section added.

5. Prepare to reopen as an academy

New section added.

1. Before you apply

New section added.

3. Prepare for conversion

New section added.

6. Reopen as an academy

New section added.

2. Apply to convert

New section added.