Are you considering converting to an academy?
We have helped over 3,000 schools convert to academy status. Academy status removes the school from local authority control. Academies are, in effect, state funded independent schools. They have more responsibility, particularly for teaching, budgets and staffing. For more information on how to apply to convert to an academy, please refer to the DfE website.
Steps to converting to an academy
Whether you’re currently using SIMS, or you’re considering moving from an admin-focused management information system (MIS) to a school improvement system like ours, we are here to support you along the way.
Step 1
If you’re considering converting to an academy, contact our team as soon as possible. Email info-sims@educationsoftwaresolutions.co.uk or call 0800 170 7005
Step 2
An initial telephone call will establish how you’re using your current MIS, your timelines for conversion and the level of support that you require.
Step 3
As an academy you will want a complete financial management solution that gives you a clear consolidated view of your financial position and SIMS Finance has been purpose built for academies and MATS. See an overview of SIMS Finance here.
Step 4
You will be assigned a dedicated account manager who will contact you for a telephone consultation to establish your requirements in more detail and schedule your SIMS and SIMS Finance conversion with full support every step of the way.
Step 5
We have a range of training courses on offer to help you continually progress your knowledge and help your staff use SIMS more effectively.
Step 6
Once you have converted to an academy, you’ll be assigned a customer service manager who will work with you to help you get the most out of SIMS.
As an academy you will work directly with SIMS. You’ll have access to our service desk for technical support and our customer service portal with numerous forums, top tips and other guidance documents to help you get the most from SIMS.
Effective financial management for Academies and Trusts
When you become an academy, you’ll need a financial management system that can meet all your new requirements. SIMS Finance has been purpose built for academies and MATs. It gives you a real-time, clear, consolidated view of your financial position, helps streamline your financial processes for accurate reporting and automates your ESFA Academies Accounts return submission to save you time and money.
The full power of SIMS
In addition to our support services, SIMS offers bespoke consultancy services can help you release the full potential of SIMS quickly, so you can start making an impact where you need to immediately. We also offer scheduled training courses at venues across the country, that are tailored specifically to the needs of academies academies.
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Find out more
Get in touch to find out more about our solutions for MATs. In addition, you can browse our library of resources offering best practice and hints and tips for driving efficiency and improvement across your trust.