The sections which can be navigated to from this page provide model documents, forms and guidance schools need to use to convert to an academy when their application to convert has been approved in principle.
Please note that the Department does not expect schools to deviate from these model documents unless there are exceptional circumstances. If that is the case, we ask solicitors to complete the schedule of changes, outlining the changes made and rationale for doing so.
New model documents have been introduced in December 2012 and January 2013. These have been updated to reflect recent changes in policy and legislation. The model funding agreements and articles should be used for all schools opening as academies from 1 April 2013.
We expect that schools converting before or on 1 March 2012 will already be using the previous model funding agreement dated 27 July 2012 and articles dated 11 August 2010. However, where this is not the case it is possible for these schools to use the new models if they wish to.
Please note that all new academies which use the new models must use both the new funding agreement and articles.
We have created a series of timelines, which set out the deadlines by which the Department requires the model documents to be submitted, in order for a school to convert on its chosen date.
