James’s School currently provides would be further enhanced. Funding is likely to be increased and also its Trustees would have complete freedom over the school budget. Further information is available on the school website, www.kingjames.org.uk,
and there is also a wealth of information at www.education.gov.uk/academies. The Governors have initiated a consultation process and views or questions may be submitted in writing, either by post to the school or by e-mail to consultation@kingjames.org.uk.
Should the school become an Academy? Academy status means that the school would become a state school funded directly by the Department for Education rather than through the Local Authority Under legislation Academies have certain additional ‘freedoms’: The school would be its own Admissions authority and would be able to set its own Pupil Admission Number and admission criteria within the legal framework. [This would not affect the admission of Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Looked After Children (LAC)] The school would have greater freedom over the curriculum There would be discretion to vary the school day and set holiday dates The school would employ its own staff although TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings [Protection of Employment] Regulations) would mean that staff would have their pay and conditions protected The school would have control over all funding and how it is spent.
able to have greater control over our funding and be able to invest in those areas that would enhance the quality of education that we provide. In particular: We would have the opportunity to develop more creativity and innovation across all areas of our curriculum We would have extra funding to invest in ICT and capital equipment across the school We would be able to provide further pastoral support for our most vulnerable students We would provide more specialist support for students with special needs or disabilities We would continue to develop our work with partner secondary schools to support and develop mutually beneficial links We would further develop our already outstanding links with our Pyramid Primary schools We would maintain our strong links with our local Further Education providers We would continue to ensure that the aspirations of all our students are realised We would continue to work closely with the Local Authority although we would have greater freedom and autonomy on how to run our affairs on a daily basis
Key points from the Consultation Document
Why change? By converting to an Academy we would secure the long term future of King James’s School. We would gain more autonomy and greater opportunity to do what is best for our school.We would be
6