Seat of learning

September’s announcement by children’s secretary Ed Balls, withdrawing the requirement for potential academy sponsors to contribute initial funding of £2 million, has provided an opportunity for social landlords to consider a different route to transforming their communities.

Housing associations New Charter, Willow Park and Gentoo have already become involved with academies.

To be involved, housing associations should approach their local authority or the Office of the Schools Commissioner, part of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Once the vision for a potential academy is agreed by the department, funding is released and legal support provided to establish the charitable company that will govern the academy and sign up to the funding agreement with the DCSF. This document sets out the framework for running the academy and how it will be funded.

Sponsors also get support to obtain the land for the academy and for the creation of the new academy buildings - the focal point for transforming education and potentially the wider community.

While the potential advantage to the young people and the community is obvious, sponsorship of an academy can also assist the housing association with its wider aims.

The co-location of health or youth services within the academy campus can assist with other community issues and the academy may be able to access new funding in those areas.

The academy concept retains significant cross-party support and is likely to remain pivotal, whichever party is in power.

Richard Freeth is an associate at Anthony Collins Solicitors.
Richard.Freeth@anthonycollins.com

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