Transcript GREEN OAK CoE PRIMARY SCHOOL ACADEMIES PRESENTATION

Academies?

Publicly-funded independent schools.

Don’t have to follow the national curriculum and can
set their own term times. They still have to follow the
same rules on admissions, special educational needs
and exclusions as other state schools.

Get money direct from the government, not the local
council. They’re run by an academy trust which
employs the staff.

Some academies have sponsors such as businesses,
universities, other schools, faith or voluntary groups.
Sponsors are responsible for improving the
performance of their schools.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school/academies
Background to the Academies Programme

Introduced in 2000 by last Labour government to address
the issue of failing schools
◦ Each academy “sponsored” by an individual or
organisation and offered freedom, from local authority
control and to allocate of resources, in order to
stimulate significant improvement

2010 Conservative manifesto included the offer for other
schools to take advantage of academy freedoms
“Teachers, not politicians know best how to run schools”
Michael Gove, May 2010
Growth of Academies
Source: Academies Annual Report 2011/12 Department for Education
What’s happening in Surrey?

Pace of academy conversion was initially slower but is
now picking up

Over 50% of secondaries have converted; smaller
percentage of primaries

Academy chains emerging based around sponsoring
schools – largely secondary

The Good Shepherd Trust (GST), the diocesan MAT,
sponsors 6 schools from 1 October with several more in
train
Key pointers for the future

Academies have all party support and are here to
stay

School to school support and collaboration is a
critical part of future school improvement picture

Role of LAs will reduce and service offering will
diminish with further funding reductions from
2015/16
Structure of GST Academies
• Guildford Diocesan
Educational Trust
• The Good Shepherd Trust
• Individual Schools
Joining GST as a convertor, you would ….

Join a forum of like minded schools to share
educational expertise - both giving and receiving – and
engage in innovative practice

Secure access to statutory infrastructure services –
including financial and other returns, audits – and
other services on a ‘best value’ basis including
emergency ‘one stop shop’

Receive school effectiveness services and proportional
quality assurance, including replicated section 5
inspections and a consistent, highly experienced
consultant with recent relevant experience

Operate under ‘devo max’ governance – although GST
retains final responsibility for standards and financial
performance of academy
What’s unique about GST?

Committed to transforming learning, raising
aspirations, increasing opportunities for all our
learners:
◦ Enabling learners to know that they are created in the image
of God and uniquely valued by him
◦ Modelling Christian community life where all have a place
and can contribute
Values and principles








Every child is valued as an individual
Nuture hope and aspiration
Service to others
Holistic Education
Excellent Leadership and management
Partnerships
Earned autonomy
Long term future of all schools in GST
What will it mean for staff?








Staff will be valued for what they bring to the college
Able to access Continuing Professional Development
Clear Pay and Conditions
Celebrated!!
Good resources
Well-supported
Continuing high expectations
Freedoms to do the job and take agreed risks
What will it mean for children?
A school where they are valued as individuals
 Greater opportunities
 Quest for excellence
 Part of something bigger
 Exciting curriculum
……………………………….
