If you are considering new academy status, how do you do it? Headteachers from two schools, one that became an academy in 2010, one that will become an academy in 2011 share their thought processes to help you avoid pitfalls. The first step is to open up the consultation process, talk to staff and to parents. Andrew Carter says 'the secret to any consultation is to tell the plain unvarnished truth'. Jon Whitcombe, says that when they consulted their parent body they didn?t get a single negative response. The next stage is to think about money, you will be given an enhanced budget, but you have to consider insurances and services that you will now be responsible for. You also have to make sure you have asked yourself all the tough questions, have you considered maternity arrangements, pensions, vat, tuping arrangements. You will need a good solicitor and a good accountant.

Video Series: Becoming an Academy
Release Date 2010