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Ofsted inspection

Academy orders

Understand what an academy order is and what boards who are subject to one need to know.

Guidance
04/11/2025

An academy order is a legal instruction that will ultimately lead to a maintained school academising and joining a multi academy trust (MAT). In most cases, an academy order is triggered by an Ofsted inspection judging a school as being in a ‘category of concern’ - more information can be found in our Ofsted guidance.

The governing board will be expected to work constructively with their local authority and RG to implement the academy order and facilitate academisation.

Our guidance will help governing boards who are subject to an academy order know what to expect from the process.

The guide covers:

  • What is an academy order?
  • What does an academy order mean for the governing board?
  • Interim support available
  • Working with the trust

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