Funding and Governance

Who will run the Academy?
The sponsors will appoint the majority of the governing body, which will also include elected parent and staff governors together with members by the Local Authority and the Academy Partners, such as:

University of Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire County Council
The Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Dean Close School
Gloucestershire College
National Star College
Pate’s Grammar School
University and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS)
A Principal and Vice Principal, both of who are active members of each of the sponsoring Churches, will lead the Academy.

What will be the influence of the Churches on the Academy?
As sponsors, the two Dioceses will expect the Academy to provide education underpinned by Christian teaching and values. Christian acts of worship will form a part of the Academy’s daily life and there will be regular opportunities to attend denominational services. Religious Education will form part of the core curriculum and be in accordance with a syllabus approved by both Bishops. Catholic and Anglican teaching will be highlighted in the syllabus but pupils will also explore the teaching of other world faiths.

Will the Academy charge fees?
No, there are no fees charged to attend an Academy – this is forbidden by legislation.

Will the Academy receive more funding than maintained schools?
No, the Academy will be funded on the same basis as maintained schools using the same per-pupil funding formulas. The Academy will receive a substantial capital investment to first establish it and for new building work. This new start is important to create an environment for pupils which will inspire and which reflects the value that is placed upon their education.

What is the impact of the recent reduction in budget?
The Government allocate an indicative budget based on visiting the proposed site and applying a formula: £19.6m was the original figure for Cheltenham and it was acknowledged that this would not fund a whole new site. We are now at the stage where a detailed analysis of this site and buildings is being carried out to assess whether it is worth refurbishing current stock on the Kingsmead site. If the analysis shows that this cannot take place then there is evidence to go back to the funding organisation (Partnerships for Schools) and the figure would be reviewed.