The academies programme - frequently asked questions

Will pupils from a school replaced by an academy be guaranteed a place there?

Most pupils are expected to have the option to transfer to the academy.

Are academies selective schools?

Academies are all-ability schools. In line with other schools with a specialism they can admit up to 10% of pupils each year on the basis of their aptitude for the specialism concerned, where the specialism is covered by the relevant regulations. These are physical education, or sports, the performing arts, the visual arts, modern foreign languages, design and technology and information technology.

My child is currently at a local primary school, will they get a place at one the academies if they want one?

If you live close to the school then it is likely that your child will be admitted under the 'home to school distance' criterion. It is also anticipated that the 'sibling' criterion and the 'linked primary school criterion' will continue for at least the first few years of the academies. The academies will, in due course, be able to set their own admission arrangements, but it is not anticipated that the oversubscription criteria will change significantly, if at all, and like all other schools, they will be subject to the rules set out in the Government's School Admissions Code.

Are academies inspected?

Yes, they are inspected by Ofsted, as with other schools. Ofsted carries out inspections of new academies in the fifth or sixth term of their existence and publishes a full inspection  report within the third academic year.

What role will the local authority have?

The Council intends to be co-sponsor of each academy, which will mean that we will continue to play an important role in the way the academies are managed and the quality of education provided.  We will also have at least one place on each governing body. We will ensure that the academies remain within the Richmond upon Thames family of schools.

What about children with Special Education Needs?

Academies must have regard to the Special Educational Needs (SEN) code of practice and statutory guidance on inclusion. An academy’s independent status does not affect parents’ rights to appeal to the SEN and disability Tribunal.  We are discussing with the sponsors how we will manage the two SEN Units at HCC and Whitton School.

How is the governing body constituted?

It is usual for an academy to have around 13 governors and typically the sponsor appoints around seven of these. The governing body is also made up of the principal, a local authority representative and at least one elected parent representative. Most academies also have a teacher governor (either elected or appointed); staff governor (either elected or appointed) and many include community representatives.

How is the governing body accountable?

The governing body is accountable to the Secretary of State and must publish procedures of its meetings. As charitable companies academies must prepare and file annual accounts with the Charity Commission, prepare an annual report for the Charity Commissioners and ensure that their accounts are properly audited.

How is an academy governing body different?

The governing body has wider responsibilities including the employment of academy staff, the appointment of the principal and approval of personnel policies and procedures.

How will local people be able to influence and work with the academy when it has opened?

Academies must set out their proposals for working with other schools and the wider community in their annual development plan.  The sponsors have assured us that they want to work with the local communities and they will set out their proposals as the process progresses.

Will current school staff transfer to the academies?

In most cases it is expected that staff would transfer under the Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment Regulations 1981. This protects the existing employment terms and conditions of staff who transfer.

Will there be completely new buildings?

Some of the existing buildings will be retained and some new ones will be built. Planning permission will be required for the new buildings. They will be built by the local authority (with DCFS funding) and when completed passed to the Academy Trust.

Will the sponsors be able to sell the school land?

No. The Academy Trust will have a long lease (usually 125 years) and would not be able to sell the land.