Few private schools successfully convert to state-funded academies

The Private Education Policy Forum (PEPF) analyzed 27 private schools—out of roughly 2,500—between 2007 and 2017 that sought to become either academies or free schools. Of these, nine became academies and 18 became free schools, though three of the free schools have since closed. The last recorded conversion occurred in 2016–17, reported by School Week.

The study highlights the lack of clear guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) as a major obstacle, leaving many schools “in the dark” about critical aspects of the process. Despite these challenges, nearly all schools that converted had received “outstanding” or “good” ratings from Ofsted, and students generally outperformed peers in local state schools.

Financial sustainability was a key motivator for conversion, while social mission considerations were also cited. PEPF’s analysis of the 27 conversions, including interviews with school leaders, found overall success: former private schools now report higher proportions of students meeting expected standards in reading, writing, and math, as well as improved GCSE results in English and Maths.

However, nine of the 24 schools inspected post-conversion initially received “requires improvement” ratings; all but one now hold “good” or “outstanding” evaluations. The proportion of students eligible for free school meals rose by roughly 70%, and in more than half of the schools, the share of students achieving average-level qualifications increased by 10%.

The report calls for a permanent, structured pathway for private schools to convert to state funding, including mentorship networks where established converted schools can guide newcomers through the process.