In the field of education, academies have become an increasingly popular form of school governance in many countries. In the United Kingdom, two common types of academies are sponsored academies and converter academies. While they may share some similarities, there are key differences between these two types of academies. This article aims to outline and explain these differences.
Definition of Sponsored Academies
Sponsored academies are schools that have been taken out of local authority control and are funded by central government. They are typically established in areas with low educational attainment or underperforming schools. These academies are sponsored by external organizations, such as businesses, charities, or educational trusts, which provide additional support and resources.
Definition of Converter Academies
Converter academies, on the other hand, are existing schools that have chosen to convert to academy status. They are typically high-performing schools that have demonstrated success and have the autonomy to convert to academy status without the need for external sponsorship. Converter academies retain their existing governing bodies and have more control over their finances and curriculum.
Funding
One of the key differences between sponsored academies and converter academies lies in their funding. Sponsored academies receive funding directly from central government, while converter academies receive their funding through the local authority. This means that sponsored academies have a greater degree of financial independence and can allocate their funding according to their specific needs. Converter academies, on the other hand, may have less financial autonomy as they are still tied to the local authority’s funding mechanisms.
External Support
As mentioned earlier, sponsored academies have external sponsors that provide additional support and resources. These sponsors may offer expertise, financial backing, or access to networks and partnerships. This external support can help sponsored academies improve their educational outcomes and provide unique opportunities for their students. In contrast, converter academies do not have external sponsors. However, they may still seek partnerships and collaborations with other schools or organizations to enhance their educational provision.
Conversion Process
The process of becoming an academy differs for sponsored academies and converter academies. Sponsored academies are identified as underperforming schools or schools in disadvantaged areas and are approached by potential sponsors. The sponsor and the school work together to develop a plan for improvement, and once approved by the government, the school converts to academy status. Converter academies, on the other hand, have the freedom to choose to convert to academy status. They may decide to do so based on their existing success and the desire for increased autonomy.
Governing Bodies
Another significant difference between sponsored academies and converter academies is their governing bodies. Sponsored academies have a new governing body appointed by the sponsor, which may include representatives from the sponsor organization. This new governing body takes over the responsibility for the strategic management of the academy. In contrast, converter academies retain their existing governing bodies, although they may choose to make changes or adapt their structure to better align with their new academy status.
Conclusion
In summary, sponsored academies and converter academies differ in their funding, external support, conversion process, and governing bodies. Sponsored academies receive funding directly from the government and have external sponsors, while converter academies receive funding through the local authority and do not have external sponsors. The conversion process for sponsored academies involves collaboration with sponsors, while converter academies have the autonomy to choose to convert. Lastly, sponsored academies have new governing bodies appointed by sponsors, while converter academies retain their existing governing bodies. Understanding these key differences is essential for policymakers, educators, and parents to make informed decisions about the type of academy that best suits their needs and goals.
