- Conversions update (xlsm format, 194Kb) - updated September 2020
- Map of open academies in Oxfordshire and their academy trust groupings (pdf format, 4Mb) - updated March 2020
Academies programme
If your Governing Body has already taken a decision to convert you will find useful information about the conversion process in the box on the right-hand side titled Conversion Guides.
The first three academies were established in Oxfordshire between 2007- 2010. ‘Conversions Update’ document above shows which schools have converted and those which are in the process of converting.
The Education and Adoption Bill 2015 sets out a continued commitment to the academies programme. It includes increased powers to convert schools which are deemed to be ‘coasting’, delegation of school improvement powers to the Regional Schools Commissioner and a commitment to provide 500 Free Schools (the term now covers any new school, including those required through house building programmes).
In this context the county council recognises that the diversity of educational provision in the county will continue to expand and has taken the opportunity to review its position on academy status. In October 2015 the county council cabinet agreed the following points:
- Adopt a more assertive policy in identifying appropriate sponsors for schools required to convert to academy status;
- Promote appropriate groupings to form new Multi-Academy Trusts and encourage the growth of existing Multi-Academy Trusts based in the county;
- Further develop and promote the collaborative company model both to incorporate more schools in these and to extend the scope of their pooling of resources and responsibility.
And
- Use collaborative companies as a ‘stepping stone’ to the formation of Multi-Academy Trusts.
The full document - Cabinet paper Strategic Groupings of Academies 2015-20
Further information
- Oxfordshire County Council Academies Programme end of year report 2019 (pdf format, 835Kb) - updated June 2020
- The March 2016 white paper setting out the government's vision for schools in England
- The role of Regional Schools Commissioners
- Good estate management – a guide for schools DfE guidance published April 2018 (updated March 2019)
- TUPE guidance has been published by the Advisory, Concilliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) - which aims to support employers dealing with TUPE law, including advice on when TUPE applies and how to correctly approach process and information requirements - June 2014. Although this information is dated June 2014 it is currently still relevant as of August 2020
- Academies admissions appeals - Details the academy admission appeals process.
- Academies can apply for funding for energy efficient projects from Salix
- Browne Jacobson guidance for senior leaders considering whether to form or join federations or multi academy trusts
- National College for School Leadership academies online resource
Contact details
Graham Garner
Academies Manager
07551 680559
Justine Miniken
Academies Officer
Mobile: 07920 084517