A case study describing the formation of an academy partnership between a college and high school, to raise aspirations and achievement at the school, and widen the college's recruitment.
The main focus of the project was on identifying the benefits of a partnership between institutions in the context of 'new freedoms' and an emphasis on local accountability, as well as the effects of such a partnership on college governance. As part of this process, the college became directly accountable to the Department for Education for the academy's success, which would impact the college's own governing body. Management consultants were brought in to oversee the change and offer their advice.
Operating two sets of governing bodies for both institutions placed pressure on staff members who were involved with both the academy and college governing bodies. Time commitment for the people involved, and the possibility that this might lead to fatigue and falling attendance at governance meetings, were two key risks identified. Reliance on the chair and principal of the college board for exploring opportunities led to tension by failing to keep members fully informed and engaged. Governor training and this case study were to be used to inform discussions and planning. The authors also concluded that awareness needed to be increased for all governors at an early stage for the implications of sponsoring an academy, and other bodies should be made aware of potential accountability issues and the importance of the leadership of the board. Data was gathered through document analysis.