The smaller scale and more limited capacity of most primary schools raise particular issues for governors considering whether to convert to academy status.

Without a dedicated business manager to carry out the work involved in the conversion, the bulk of the work will fall to the head, deputy head and chair of governors. Some schools may be lucky to have governors with legal and HR skills who can assist in the process, however nonetheless, the management team will benefit greatly from clear and user-friendly documents and advice, to guide them through the process.

A key consideration for smaller schools is ensuring that all the costs of conversion can be met from the £25,000 DfE grant, as there is very rarely any surplus budget to meet additional costs. Our CTA App can help schools substantially reduce the time and cost involved in preparing an appropriate commercial transfer agreement.

A popular option amongst primary schools is to join existing Academy Trusts and/or chains; the extent of power devolved to the local governing body from the AT board can vary very widely depending on the circumstances of each chain of schools, so it may be easier than you think to find an existing Academy Trust with a similar outlook and “fit” to your school.

Post-conversion, schools may still continue to purchase services from the local authority – so there is every opportunity for good relationships with the local authority and other local schools to continue.

Back to top tips.