Becoming an Academy

The Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Education (CDBE) supports governing boards in considering the long-term future and sustainability of their Church school. Governing Boards are encouraged to engage proactively in strategic planning and to seek early advice from the Diocese when considering academy conversion.

Church of England schools must obtain written diocesan consent before applying for an Academy Order or transferring between Multi Academy Trusts (MATs). Early engagement with the Diocese helps ensure that governing boards have access to appropriate guidance, support and information throughout the process.

Key Documents

CDBE Academisation Strategy

Sets out the Diocese’s approach to academisation, strategic planning and the long-term flourishing of Church schools.

Diocesan Academisation Strategy 2026

Academisation Conversion Toolkit

Provides practical guidance for governing boards considering academy conversion, including strategic planning, due diligence and the diocesan approval process.

Academisation Conversion Toolkit 2026

In Principle Consent Process

Explains how schools seek diocesan consent before applying for an Academy Order. The guidance includes information about the diocesan approval process and application requirements. All applications must be presented to the Schools Organisation and Resources Committee - Academisation (SORCA).

Dates for 2026-2027: 17 November 2026 | 09 February 2027 | 23 June 2027

In Principle Consent Process 2026

Where to start

If your governing board is beginning to consider academy conversion:

Read the CDBE Academisation Strategy
Engage in early conversation with the Director of Education
Use the Academisation Conversion Toolkit to support discussion and due diligence
Review the In-Principle Consent Process before submitting an application

MATs Approved to Support Growth

The CDBE is committed to supporting a coherent and sustainable diocesan system of Church Schools. Informed by the Trust Readiness Criteria for Growth, the following MATs are identified as having the capacity, capability and strategic alignment to support the admission of additional Church Schools.

These MATs:

operate within the CDBE Memorandum of Understanding
engage actively with diocesan processes and strategic planning
have demonstrated readiness to support additional Church schools
are currently being prioritised as potential homes for schools considering academisation

List of MATs:

Other Approved MAT Partners

The Diocese values all MATs serving Church Schools. The MATs listed below continue to provide strong support for their existing Church schools and remain important partners within the Diocesan family of schools.

These MATs are not currently being actively prioritised for further Church school growth. The CDBE would only consider proposals involving these Trusts in exceptional circumstances, where it is satisfied that the proposal represents the best long-term outcome for the school.