This document gives some background on Kings possible conversion to an academy and is a first pass at answering peoples questions. Discussions are at an early stage and there is no certainty that Kings would become an Academy or that any particular provider would be chosen. It is however worthwhile to point out to all interested parties that this is not idle speculation it is a very real possibility and very credible alternative. Thanks to Barbara for putting this together.
As far as I'm aware, Academy status can only be applied for or agreed to by school Governors. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Kings have any?
ReplyDeleteKings have an IEB until the secretary of State for Education says that a new governing body can be put in place
ReplyDeleteSorry what is an IEB and do you know if they have the power to pursue the Academy idea?
ReplyDeleteCurrently Kings does not have a board of govenors, but an Interim Executive Board (IEB) appointed by County.
ReplyDeleteIn law SCC has to consider an academy option when closing a school, and the Department for Education have appointed a broker to discuss this.
I am trying to get confirmation as to who makes the final decision, but I have been told that the wishes of the community will be taken into consideration. So if you do support this idea, please let us know!
Thank you Barbara. The Academy idea is an excellent alternative, let's hope the decision is not left to PJ!!
ReplyDeleteOn the Kings Ofsted Monitoring Report it says the governors will be back in action december 2011
ReplyDeleteBeware academies may look attractive but make sure that nobody is making money at the cost to your children. Especially be ware of special needs policies and make sure that your academiy has a remit to accept SEN because you wil have to pay for services for these children., the county will no longer be responsible for them.
ReplyDeleteFunding
ReplyDeleteAcademies receive the same level of per-pupil funding as they would receive from the local authority as a maintained school, plus additions to cover the services that are no longer provided for them by the local authority. However, academies have greater freedom over how they use their budgets to best benefit their students.
Academies receive their funding directly from the Young People’s Learning Agency (an agency of the Department for Education) rather than from local authorities.
Governance
The principles of governance are the same in academies as in maintained schools, but the governing body has greater autonomy. Academies are required to have at least two parent governors.
… and what’s the same
Admissions, special educational needs and exclusions
Academies are required to follow the law and guidance on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as if they were maintained schools.
Thank you very much for your comment. Can you please tell me where you got this information? It would be very useful .
ReplyDeleteI like kings what is wrong with it, why are you saying not to merge with it?
ReplyDeleteThe article you are referring to was written by a group of Kings parents who do not wish to merge with Tomlinscote. They believe that the disruption caused by the merger will affect Kings as well as Tomlinscote students and feel that they wish Kings to continue as a school in its own right. They like Kings because it is NOT Tomlinscote and celebrate its difference to Tomlinscote.
ReplyDeleteCAM is a group of parents from BOTH schools that is "working together to remain separate".
See keepkings.org
ReplyDeleteThe information on academies comes from the department of education
ReplyDeletehttp://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/academies/whatisanacademy/a0061252/about-academies