Converting to Academy Status
Converting to academy status is a significant step that brings new freedoms, responsibilities and opportunities for your school. Whether your governing body is exploring the idea, you’re joining a multi-academy trust or forming one, our specialist education lawyers guide schools converting to academy status through every stage with clear, practical advice.
Choosing the right legal partner matters. We are known for proactive project management, straightforward communication and collaborative working that keeps your conversion on track. You will feel informed at every stage, with trusted advice and workable solutions.
Why choose Geldards for your academy conversion
- Extensive experience advising schools and trusts across England and Wales on academy projects
- Clear scopes, timelines and pricing so you can plan with confidence
- A dedicated senior solicitor as your relationship lead, coordinating commercial, corporate, property, employment, governance and regulatory workstreams
- Sector-aware guidance that reflects how schools operate day to day
Benefits of converting to academy status
- Greater control over budgets and procurement
- Governance structures tailored to your school or trust
- Direct funding arrangements with clearer accountability
- Flexibility to develop partnerships within a multi-academy trust
- Strategic estate and asset planning aligned to your objectives
Application to convert to academy status
The application to convert to academy status involves careful planning and engagement with the Department for Education and local stakeholders. We help you prepare the resolution to apply, manage consultation requirements, assemble the supporting information and align the legal documents that underpin conversion, including Articles of Association, funding agreements, property arrangements and the Commercial Transfer Agreement.
What is included in our conversion support?
Strategy planning and project management
We liaise with key stakeholders including the Department for Education, the local authority, landowners and trustees. We prepare a roadmap that meets your proposed timetable so responsibilities and milestones are understood from the outset.
Land and property
We manage lease arrangements, land transfers, site sharing agreements and title reviews. We identify issues early and agree solutions that protect your long-term estate strategy.
Commercial Transfer Agreement
We draft and negotiate the Commercial Transfer Agreement to secure a smooth transfer of staff, assets and contracts.
TUPE and staff transition
We advise on staff consultation and compliance with employment law, including pension considerations for LGPS and TPS. We support communications so your workforce understands the process and its implications.
Governance, company law and Department for Education documents
We prepare or update the Trust’s Articles of Association, help trustees understand their duties and responsibilities, and negotiate funding agreements and related documentation required for conversion.
Faith school or diocesan liaison
Where applicable, we coordinate with diocesan authorities and relevant land or foundation trustees to ensure consents, site arrangements and governance requirements are satisfied.
Ready to begin?
Whether you are gathering information or ready to submit your application to convert to academy status, our education law team can help. Contact us for an initial conversation about the benefits of converting to academy status and how we can support your conversion journey.
