Steps to becoming an academy

Schools that are performing well that want to convert to become an academy will need to follow the process outlined in the guidance document, which is available for download below.

When a schools governing body and foundation (where relevant) pass a resolution in favour of academy conversion they should submit an application to convert which is available to download from the associated resources section at the bottom of this page.  

The steps are summarised in the flowchart available to download.

Click on the links in the left-hand menu to see more information and a video of headteachers giving their experience of the process.

Schools can complete the conversion process at their chosen pace. We expect the four steps to take a minimum of three to four months, but it may take longer if there are complicated issues to resolve.

Schools can convert on the first day of the month.

It is not necessary to follow these steps in sequence. Depending on how quickly schools wish to convert, they may need to undertake some steps in parallel to ensure that the necessary work is complete before a school converts to an academy.

Next steps

If your school is interested in converting to an academy, your immediate next steps to begin this process should be to:

  • complete the online registration form;
  • convene a meeting of the governing body to agree the intention to convert; and
  • notify your LA of your intention to become an academy.

You can also:

  • ask the LA to gather land ownership and land registration documentation and information;
  • begin compiling lists of contracts, service level agreements and licences held that will need to be transferred; and
  • consider how you might wish to inform staff, pupils and parents of the intended conversion.

Interviews with academy heads

Associated pages feature videos of academy heads discussing the process of converting to an academy.