School types
NGA's position statement on school types
The NGA welcomes all state funded schools into its membership: local authority maintained schools, academies, free schools and university technical colleges.
The NGA is not of the view that any one school structure is better than another in bringing about school improvement. Where schools are underperforming governing boards need to be honest and realistic about their own performance and ensure that an appropriate plan to improve the school is put in place. This will almost certainly involve assistance from outside agencies, including in many cases a successful local school. The NGA does not think that sponsored academy conversion is the only route to school improvement.
The NGA is of the firm view that it is right that the decision to convert to academy status should rest solely with the governing body. Any decision should be taken after full consideration of what academy status entails and with a clear vision as to how the conversion will improve teaching and learning in the school.