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Academy Trusts

Explore why multi-academy trusts are important in this Diocese and how schools can work towards being a part of one.

The vision of the Board of Education is to facilitate the further development of multi academy trusts (MATs) across the diocese that stand the test of time.

Why are MATs important?

The Board of Education is concerned that without belonging within an established and effective MAT, any church school’s long-term future is potentially at risk.

Our commitment to growing MATs is rooted in the belief that MAT accountability for local communities of schools is shaping a strong school-led education system. We believe this paves the way for a sustainable future of church schools where children flourish and lives are transformed.

How can a school become part of a MAT?

The Church of England Education Office (CEEO or National Society) has worked with the government to ensure key principles and a legal framework for the conversion of church schools to academy status.

This legal framework is proving to be highly effective in protecting the Anglican foundation and the day by day flourishing of church schools in this diocese.

Documents to help

Below are the key documents and the contact details of staff who will be able to help schools consider and progress into a MAT. Follow each link to see and download the document.

Documents to help while considering conversion to academy status.

• SDBE Academy Policy

• Doc 1 Process for considering conversion and the next steps.

• National Government Department for Education Academy Conversion Application Form

• Document 1a – Governors decision to convert – send to Dan Roberts [a]

•Doc 2 Academy conversion cost

•Doc 3 Academy conversion legal costs

•Doc 4a Due diligence for matching to MATs (that already have Church Articles) [a]

•Doc 4b Due diligence for matching to MATs (that do not already have Church Articles) [b]

•Doc 5 – Application of conditional consent to convert to academy status as part of a MAT

•Doc 6a Agreement for an existing MAT to adopt Church Articles [a]

•Doc 6b Agreement for a newly forming MAT to adopt Church Articles