Yes, there is no reason why such a visit could not be organised for a group from student council to go to a Multi-Academy Trust school to find out more about it. The headteacher will organise this
The decision to allow schools to become academies was made by the Diocese of Leeds through the Trustees. The decision to allow schools to become academies was discussed for a long time, and the decision was that in order to avoid any Catholic school in the Diocese feeling isolated, that the way forward would be to form Multi-Academy trusts across the Diocese. There are already two Multi-Academy trusts formed in Leeds Diocese.
No, not necessarily. We were considering looking at badged skirts and trousers for Year 7 next year but this has been put on hold. Uniform changes could come about without academy status. Students would be consulted on any proposals before any decisions would be made.
Each school will remain their own school but staff and students may come together for specific joint projects, training or other special occasions. It is not about all becoming one school.
It will be possible to look at new courses but at KS4 core subjects will still remain important for progression.
If the conversion takes place in the next academic year, as Year 11 students you will not see a great difference in the last few months of your time at All Saints. Younger students will see more impact later as schools in the Multi-Academy Trust start working together.
Schools can trigger £25,000 to go through the conversion process. If a school decides to withdraw at a later stage this money will not be taken back, but likewise, the £25,000 cannot be triggered again if the school changes its mind again further down the line.
Change is inevitable but we must not lose what makes All Saints distinctive. It is important that we move from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ by the next Ofsted inspection. It has to be about continuing to improve the schools. The school feels that the extra freedom regarding curriculum and budget will help develop the vision for the school and ultimately improve the lives and learning of the students.
It could be the way to closer and stronger relationships, especially for Catholic schools in this area. It is essential to approach conversion with this continued and close relationship in mind. The school will have no additional money. It will be allocated its share of the money that is currently held by the local authority and receive 100% of its funding direct from the Dfe.
The change to a Multi-Academy Trust will not impact immediately. Our Catholic heritage is essential and it is important that we strengthen that. This will benefit all our staff and students. However, as the group of schools start working closely together and exerting the element of choice about how money is spent, we will see developments in resources bought, services used and potential capital bids.