Academy Conversion Timeline

Example Time Line for Academies Conversion

Initial Preparation

5 MONTHS BEFORE

• Register your interest on the Government website 
• Your DfE project lead will be allocated to assist with the conversion process
• Meeting of Governing Body - obtain resolution to convert
• Prepare for your application: discuss finances with DfE project lead, consider legal advisors, obtain actuarial assessment and land registration documents 

Consultation

• Start statutory consultation with interested parties – staff, parents, pupils, the local authority and the wider community
• Can start informal employment consultation with staff

Application

• Submit application to convert to DfE
• Academy Order issued approving application
• Appoint a solicitor if you have not already done so

4 MONTHS BEFORE

The paperwork

• Apply for £25,000 conversion support grant and any other applicable grants
• Start opening bank account

Instruct your solicitors to:

• Set up the Trust by drafting the memorandum and articles of association;
• Draft the commercial transfer agreement (CTA);
• Draft the funding agreement;
• Complete the land questionnaire and agree leasing arrangement for school land and buildings;
• Advise on the formal TUPE process with staff

Start TUPE consultation

2 MONTHS BEFORE

The final countdown

• Submit to DfE lead fully completed land questionnaire; draft memorandum and articles of association; and draft funding agreement. 
• Register new academy trust with Companies House.
• Complete TUPE consultation.
• Complete statutory consultation (must be done before funding agreement signed). 
• EFA provides school with indicative funding letter   
• Meeting of Governing Body - to give final approval to conversion (including approval of the draft CTA and funding agreement)  

ONE MONTH BEFORE

• Confirm to DfE lead that CTA between local authority and academy trust has been agreed.
• Submit to DfE lead signed but not dated funding agreement and memorandum and articles of association and confirmation that leases and CTA signed by all parties.
• Send academy bank details to EFA and copy to project lead.
• DfE signs and seals academy funding agreement.
• Register Trust with the Information Commissioner’s office.
• Take out insurance.
• Carry out DBS checks.
• Notify exam boards.
• School opens officially as an academy.

AFTER OPENING

• EFA sends welcome letter and information pack  
• Submit support grant expenditure certificate 
• Publish final funding agreement on website
• Complete land and buildings valuation (within 6 weeks of opening)

This time line needs to be tailored to your specific circumstances. It can be achieved in a shorter time period or may require a longer time period, depending on the circumstances.