§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the effect is of a city technology college becoming a city academy, with1386W particular reference to the impact on (a) funding and (b) the institution's relationship with (i) the local education authority and (ii) his Department. [179900]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeIn becoming an academy, a CTC would be funded on the basis of the local education authority formula where it is located, in line with other local schools. A CTC, is funded by taking an average of the school funding in all of the LEAs from which CTCs draw pupils.
The relationship between the Department and a CTC on becoming an academy would remain unchanged. Both academies and CTCs are independent schools funded by the Department through a funding agreement between the school and the Secretary of State. When a CTC becomes an academy a new funding agreement is put in place.
Academies are required by their funding agreement to share facilities with other schools and the wider community. They are required to be members of their local admissions forum and to take part in locally coordinated admission arrangements. They play a full part in local collaborative arrangements such Excellence in Cities. Academies are also required to consult the LEA and the holder of my office about the targets they set. CTCs are not required to do any of these.
§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent discussions he has had with city technology colleges about becoming city academies. [179901]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeNone, but my hon. Friend the Minister of State for School Standards spoke recently at a conference of CTC and academy principals. My officials are holding on-going conversations with individual CTCs about becoming academies.