ACADEMY CONVERSION
Frequently Asked Questions
The main reason for the school wanting to convert to an Academy with Priory Fields is to
maintain the ethos of each individual school and the community. If, in future years, the
school became part of a larger Academy Trust, the individual ethos could diminish. A group
of parents attended the Parent Consultation meeting and the Coffee Morning to discuss the
questions below.
1. Why can’t St Martin’s stay as it is? It can but for how long is unknown. We want to
maintain the ethos of the community.
2. Will I still be able to choose St Martin’s for my child or will it have be Whinless Down? St
Martin’s.
3. If my child comes to, or is currently at St Martin’s, might they be moved to Priory Fields
for any reason? No
4. Why is the academy to be called Whinless Down? Because of the area both schools are in.
It supports maintaining the ethos of each school.
5. Will the school teach the National Curriculum? Yes.
6. What will be different about the day to day running of St Martin’s? Very little. More
money will support more resources.
7. Why was the new Executive Head’s post not advertised? It is restructured. The Head of
Priory Fields is remaining in post and will be the Executive Head. As both schools are
strong, if both Heads had remained in post they would have had to take turns in leading the
Academy.
8. How will the new Executive Head divide her time? Through the number of children – we
are one third. However, if the school needed extra time then Mrs Siggins would spend
longer here.
9. Will the salary bill be higher because of the new senior structure? No
10. Will staff have to change between schools if directed? No.
11. How will the budget be issued and how will it be shared and managed? Both schools
remain separate schools with an individual budget. The Academy can have a budget. The
decision has not yet been made.
12. Will the academy be forced to take other schools, especially one that might be failing?
The Academy cannot be forced to take over another school.
13. Why has it been left until now to consult with parents? The consultation period is set. We
cannot consult with parents until the form for academsation is submitted. The maximum
consultation period is a month which gives people the opportunity to ask questions and
raise any valid concerns that may be a barrier to the Academy conversion having a negative
impact.
14. If St Martin’s and Priory Fields become a multi academy trust, what changes will we see
at the start of the academic year? Parents and children are unlikely to see any changes at
the start of the year. Staff will take part in joint training and share strengths.
15. What difference will this all make to my child’s education? It will have a positive impact as
staff expertise are shared, resources will cost less across 2 schools (e.g. assessment
program) and the school ethos will be maintained.
16. How will the community of St Martin’s be affected? The community will not be affected at
all.
17. What kind of influence will the Executive Head have in St Martin’s? Mrs Siggins will
support the development of the school in line with the standards for Executive Heads.
18. Will the governing body be the same or will it merge with Priory Fields? The Governing
Body will remain independent with parent Governors still on board.
19. Who are the trustees? The trustees will initially be Governors and maybe replaced overtime
by external people with areas of expertise. Mrs Wratten will be a trustee to support both
schools moving forwards.
20. What happens if the performance of one school dips? If the performance dips the school
will be supported by all staff. The Executive Head is responsible for both schools.
21. Will St Martin’s still be inspected by Ofsted? Yes
22. What’s in it for St Martin’s….isn’t it just money influenced? It is to maintain the ethos that
St Martin’s already has. If a large business academy were to take over the school it could
lose its independence.
23. What part will the LA have to play? Will St Martin’s be accountable to them? The Local
Authority will be responsible for admissions, attendance and safeguarding. St Martins’ will
be accountable to the Department for Education which the Local Authority is currently
accountable to.
24. Who will be the Head of School? Miss Appleby will the Head of School as part of the
restructure. We are currently advertising for an Assistant Headteacher. This will have a
positive impact as Miss Appleby is very familiar with the school.
25. How can we share our views in the future with Governors? A parent has suggested an
annual meeting should take place with Governors and parents – at different times. This will
build relationships and help everyone have a shared understanding of the role of
Governors. We will also ask Governors to be on the playground and gates when they take
part in visits.
26. How can we ensure all new parents know who the staff are? We will make sure that staff
drop in regularly during transition mornings and are available to speak to parents on the
gate.