Pates - Academy Status

[tigger]

Denmark Road are not pursuing the Academy route for now. Isn't it just the 'outstanding' schools that can go for Academy status at this stage? Not all Glos grammars are 'outstanding'.

[Milla]

Was there any new information gleaned at the Pates evening meeting about Academy status on Monday good or bad?

Milla, did you go and pick up any useful info there?

Sorry, didn't go. Really struggle to understand all the differences - foundation etc. Just don't get it and of course won't know the difference since won't have a before and after to compare it to at Pate's as will just get the after.

[EmeraldE]

This link gives all the schools who have/or are intending to apply for academy status (e.g. those who have registered an interest) The forms for consideration have to be in by the end of June...so all a big rush. Perhaps some schools are holding fire to see how Round One plays out.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/10413492.stm

[Tessiebear]

Very interesting EmeraldD thanks and see that the following senior schools for Gloucestershire are on there (need to scroll right through to find them not just in first Gloucestershire block)

Pates
Sir Thomas Rich's
The Cotswold School
St Peter's High

I think someone said Balcarras was interested but don't see them on there but it did say they couldn't name all the schools who had applied if they hadn't been able to get hold of a school contact to advise they were publishing their name or something like this in the article so perhaps that's why it is not appearing.

Also interesting to see the Primary school applying or at rather "registering an interest".

[Weaver]

Isn't Denmark Road 'Outstanding' in their last OFSTED? Or is that not the kind of 'outstanding' they are working to when deciding on Academy status?

In fact, the last OFSTED for the High School was 2006 - they must be due a new one soon, surely? [edit - the website showed they had one in 2001, then 2006, so I guess the next one is 2011 if they stick to the 5-year cycle]

Weaver

[EmeraldE]

Isn't Denmark Road 'Outstanding' in their last OFSTED? Or is that not the kind of 'outstanding' they are working to when deciding on Academy status?

Any school can apply for academy status. It is not up to the government but the school itself. If Denmark Road wanted to apply they can. Even schools which are not outstanding can apply but they do not automatically get it, they have to be assessed, whereas 'Outstanding' schools get it as a matter of course.

My guess is that some schools are cautious. The government seems to have given schools an almost impossible timeline to discuss, consult, gain approval etc. from the governers, parents, teachers and so forth before getting in the forms by the end of June.

From what I understand (and I am no expert!) it comes down to money primarily. Budgets are to be cut and academy status will allow greater autonomy and more money. There will be pay offs and many schools are waiting to see the 'devil in the detail' before signing finally on the dotted line. At any point up until signing the school can opt out. Therefore if they do not like the final documentation then they are under no obligation.