Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what criteria will be used to assess the quality of new providers that take over schools that convert to academy status; and whether they plan to publish the criteria.

To be approved as an academy sponsor, applicants go through a rigorous assessment process and are required to demonstrate that they have the skills and expertise to help under-performing schools improve rapidly. Outcomes of all applications are determined by the relevant Regional Schools Commissioner, advised by their Head Teacher Board of outstanding school leaders.