Q. What is an academy?

A. An academy is an independent school funded by the state.

Q. Is the school required to consult parents about becoming an academy?

No – but it is recommended that parents are invited to a meeting during which the reasons for conversion can be put forward.  We have decided to do this so that parents can see exactly what our intentions are.

Q. How can parents make their views known about the school becoming an academy?

You will have an opportunity to ask questions after the initial presentation.  If you have major concerns, you can also speak to the Headteacher who will be happy to discuss them with you.

Q. Will becoming an academy mean that educational standards will be raised?

There are no statistics to say that Academies generally do any worse or any better than LA-maintained schools.  However, the statistics include Academies which were forcibly converted by the Government because they were failing.  These Academies were sponsored by private businesses and educational groups.

Thornhill will become an Academy because it is officially recognized by the Government as a school that is “performing well”.  Thornhill will become an Academy in its own right, will not be supported by a sponsor or another school and will be expected to share its expertise and specialist skillset with other schools, locally, regionally or even nationally.

Q. Will there be more money for my child’s education if the school becomes an academy?

The overall budget for the Academy will not be any different.  However, the Academy will have complete control on how the money is spent.  Currently, schools are required to spend portions of their budgets on services that are not required.  As an Academy, it is permissible to decide which services to keep and which ones to let go.  This will, in turn, generate more income for investment in facilities and learning.

Q. Does becoming an academy mean that the school will get new buildings and facilities?

No.  The BSF programme which would have given schools new builds and renovations has been cancelled, and this is a major disappointment.  However, as an Academy, we will be able to formulate our own plans to make sure that the building and the facilities at Thornhill are fit for purpose and conducive to achievement and happiness.

Q. How will parents be represented on the Academy Board (Governors)?

There is no intention for Thornhill to remove parent representation from the current Governing Body or future Academy Trust.  Indeed, I have already asked for volunteer parents to form part of a separate Consultation Forum so that important issues can be discussed with parents and carers.

Q. Once a school becomes an academy what can parents do if they are not happy with any decisions made?

A. In the first instance, as now, parents can complain to the school. However, academies are not part of the local authority family of schools and, therefore, if you are not satisfied or are unhappy with the outcome, parents cannot complain, as they can now, to the local authority or their local councillor to ask them to intervene on your behalf.  Any complaints about the Academy would have to be raised with the Secretary of State for Education in London.

Q. If a school becomes an academy and wants to change back, is that possible?

A. No. A decision to become an academy is irreversible.

Q. Will the academy still work with the local council?

A. Academies are independent schools and not maintained by the local authority. However, the Local Authority and the Academy would still wish to work together closely to ensure that the life chances of all young people are improved.