Ministers widen eligibility for academy status as numbers surge
The government is to dramatically increase the range of schools that can apply to become academies, ministers have announced.
Until now, the Department for Education has only allowed schools which Ofsted judged to be outstanding or good with outstanding features to apply to convert. Other schools had to apply as part of wider chains, working with strong schools.
The DfE has now said it will consider applications from any school, including special schools, that “can make a compelling case” for academy status.
This will look at:
- “exam performance over the last three years;
- comparison with local and national exam performance;
- latest Ofsted reports with a specific focus on ‘capacity to improve’, ‘outcomes’, and ‘leadership and management’;
- for special schools, in addition to the above, other success in supporting the learning of pupils with special educational needs;
- any other matters that the school may rely on in order to demonstrate that it is performing well.”
The DfE also revealed that there are now 629 academies, up from 203 in May 2010. It said a further 473 are “in the pipeline”.
Some 16.5% of secondary schools are academies. In six local authorities – Southwark, Rutland, Bromley, Plymouth, North East Lincolnshire, and Reading – academies represent the majority of schools.
Minister for Schools Lord Hill said: “I am delighted that so many schools have decided to become Academies. As Academies they can decide what is best for their pupils, parents and the local community, free from red-tape and politicians.
"By setting good schools free and improving performance in weak schools we will raise standards for all children no matter their background.”
