As you may be aware the Governing Body has been looking into the possible benefits of becoming an Academy for some months now. All schools are permitted to convert if they feel it is the right decision for the school and all who use it. The Governing Body has agreed to proceed to the second stage (‘Application to Convert’) of the four-stage conversion process, and would now like to consult with local schools formally on any views or concerns they may have.

The Governing Body considers that converting to an Academy will benefit the school, its staff and pupils alike. The principal advantage of conversion is that of enhanced flexibility. As an Academy, the school will have freedom from following the National Curriculum and budgetary responsibility previously vested in the local authority will be transferred to the school.  This will give the school further freedom to control its budget and to focus its spending in those areas which matter most to the school and its staff. Most importantly it will also allow the school to continue to provide its pupils with high standards of education, ensuring high levels of academic and personal achievement. The school would retain its status as a primary school, and its name would be unchanged.

The proposed date for this transfer would be 1st April 2012. If High Halstow Primary School were to go ahead with the conversion, we would join The Williamson Trust, which is a company limited by guarantee. The Williamson Trust currently consists of Sir Joseph Williamson Mathematical School and The Hundred of Hoo Comprehensive School. The Executive Principal of The Williamson Trust is Dr Gary Holden, who is a National Leader of Education. However, High Halstow Primary School  would  continue to retain its own identity and autonomy and own Head Teacher.

More information about Academy status can be found at www.education.gov.uk/academies

Your thoughts and recommendations are important to the Governors and Leadership Team at the school and we do hope that you will feel able to raise any questions or concerns. The school consultation period will end on 10th December 2011.