As some of you may have seen recently in the press and through television coverage, the new coalition government has announced a new scheme of Academies, targeted at schools which have demonstrated an excellent track record and have been graded by Ofsted as 'Outstanding.'  As an 'Outstanding' school Southfields Community college has been invited to apply for Academy Status.

Southfields Community College's Governing Body, which includes the Parent Governors who represent parents and carers, is currently considering this proposal.  If you would like further information about Academy Status please consult the Department for Education website: http://www.education.gov.uk

What are Academies?

An Academy is a state funded school which is indpendent of the Local Authority and is set up by a Governing Body.  Like Local Authority schools, Academies provide a free education for pupils of all abilities and are inspected by Ofsted.  Each Academy specialises in one or more area of the curriculum.

Other freedoms include,

• freedom from following the National Curriculum
• having greater control over their own school budget
• freedom to spend the money that the Local Authority currently spends on their behalf
• liberation from bureaucracy
• the ability to change the lengths of their terms and school days

The government are also making plans for further freedoms for Academies in the way they engage in local partnerships and deliver 14-19 education.

Only schools (primary, secondary and special schools) that have been rated 'Outstanding' overall in their most recent Ofsted inspection are eligible to convert to Academies.  Unlike existing Academies, no external sponsor will be required where an 'Outstanding' school converts to Academy Status.  Schools will be expected to sign up in principle to support another school to raise attainment.

All Academies are bound by the same School Admissions Code, SEN (Special Educational Need) Code of Practice and exclusions guidance as all other state-funded schools.  Each Academy is unique.