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How to become an academy

Becoming part of a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) and gaining access to a collaborative network of schools is a simple process that brings with it a wide variety of short- and long-term benefits.

Step by step

Follow the steps to below to start your journey towards becoming a Vine Academy Trust School

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Step 1

Start by registering your school’s interest in becoming an academy within our MAT using our online form.

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Step 2

After registering your interest, we will support you through a consultation with key stakeholders to get the process up and running. This consultation is designed to explore the practicalities of your school joining the Trust, giving governors the opportunity to seek advice and map out the next steps in the process.

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Step 3

Following the consultation, the Governing Body of your school will meet to reflect on the key outcomes of joining the Trust. If your Governing Body choose to proceed with its MAT application, we will seek conditional consent from the Diocese of Chelmsford.

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Step 4

Pending approval from the Diocese, the Secretary of State will evaluate your school’s proposal and make an Academy Order.

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Step 5

At this stage, the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) consultation process begins. Our MAT is more than happy to provide support for your schools throughout this time.

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Step 6

Legal documentation marking your school’s conversion to an academy in our MAT would then be drafted and finalised. This will include a comprehensive due diligence process, wherein existing strengths and areas for development with be identified in key areas. Our MAT will work closely with you during this stage and support you wherever possible.

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Step 7

The Local Authority, the Governing Body of your school and our MAT will all sign a Commercial Transfer Agreement and essential land documentation.

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Step 8

Both the Secretary of State and our MAT will sign the Supplemental Funding Agreement for your school.

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Step 9

Before your school can open up as an academy in our MAT, we will collaborate with your staff to ensure that all enhanced DBS checks are up-to-date and that adequate financial systems and insurance are in place.

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Step 10

Your school is now ready to start its journey as an academy in our MAT!

The benefits

Join the Vine family of academy trust schools

When you join the Vine Schools Trust your school becomes a part of our family. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and collaborative environment where schools can grow, learn, and thrive. Together, we can create new opportunities for our pupils and strengthen their education experience.

  • Our dedicated team have built our MAT from the ground up
  • We have extensive experience in the academy conversion process
  • We have built relationships and a reputation with the DFE, DBE, EFA and Teaching Schools
  • Our Trust has the benefit of economies of scale in procurement of goods and services
  • The Vine Schools Trust has a skilled professional central team who care

Our core offer

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Stability and protection in a fast-changing educational landscape, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Access to a collaboration network between schools to share best practice

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Decisive operational guidance and advice whilst maintaining the integrity and independence of your school

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Dedicated School Improvement Leader to work directly with and support headteacher

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Diocese of Chelmsford SLA high quality school improvement support for those requiring rapid improvement and those aspiring to become ‘Outstanding’

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Financial support including strategic planning, compliance, VAT returns and helpdesk services

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Legal, human resources, facilities and health and safety services

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Training and development opportunities for headteachers and their staff

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A wide range of innovative curriculum opportunities including the development of excellent RE teaching

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And much more – fill in our contact form to receive information about our full offer

Vine Schools Trust ensures that everyone is supported and valued within our Vine Family. We have access to high-quality CPD opportunities, excellent school-improvement resources and a strong network between local Vine schools as well as within the wider trust.

As a Headteacher, it is great to be part of an academy where the CEO knows our schools and is in touch with us regularly – it adds a personal touch. As a Church of England academy trust, the vision for education is central to the values of Vine Schools Trust. It is wonderful to be part of a Trust where children are firmly at the heart of all that we do.”

Karen Jones

Assistant CEO and Executive Headteacher

Register your interest with us today

    Join our Multi-Academy Trust

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