Sixth-form colleges have welcomed new guidance by the government allowing them to pursue academisation. The guidance, published today, sets out how sixth-form colleges can return to the schools sector by becoming 16 to 19 academies. 

This comes after months of uncertainty for institutions looking to make that move, following the end of the area review process earlier this year. 

Background: One in four sixth-form colleges converting to become academies

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Move to academise

In his 2015 autumn budget speech, George Osborne announced sixth-form colleges would be allowed to give up their status as incorporated colleges to return to the schools sector by becoming academies. It was seen as a major incentive for cash-strapped colleges, and many in the sector predicted a wave of conversions after Mr Osborne’s announcement.

However, it later transpired colleges would only be able to academise as part of the area review process, which concluded in March of this year. Today’s announcement confirms colleges will continue to be able to pursue conversion to academy status. 

Mr Kewin said: “We are pleased that the Department for Education has updated its guidance on academy conversion for sixth-form colleges. We had asked the government to keep the door to academy status open beyond the area review process, and are delighted that from today, sixth-form colleges will once again have the option to academise.”

To date, 23 sixth-form colleges have become 16-19 academies and according to Mr Kewin, it is likely that more will join them in this post-area review wave.

“Conversion will not be right for every sixth-form college, but it is important that institutions have the option to change their status when it is right for them, their students, and their local community.”