Eligibility Guide

The Academies Act passed in July 2010 enables all schools to become academies.

Those schools which are judged by Ofsted to be outstanding or good are automatically eligible to apply for academy status. All other schools are able to apply if they are in partnership with an Outstanding or Good school.

There are, however, issues that apply to specific types of schools converting to academy status. The aim of this guide is to provide a brief overview of these issues as they apply to four different types of schools:

1. Voluntary Aided Schools

2. Voluntary Controlled Schools

3. Trust Schools

4. PFI Schools