The Law of Unintended Consequences: Why More Schools Are Converting to Academy Status in 2025

The Law of Unintended Consequences: Why More Schools Are Converting to Academy Status in 2025

 

In a move intended to slow down the rate of academisation, the government recently removed the conversion grant — the funding previously provided to support schools through the process of becoming academies. It was a bold political statement designed to reduce the number of conversions, halt perceived fragmentation, and bring more central control back to Local Authorities.

 

But it’s had exactly the opposite effect.

 

More Conversions Than Ever

 

Far from putting the brakes on, the number of schools converting to academy status is now higher than at any point since 2017. Why?

 

Because schools won’t be told what to do by a Secretary of State who’s never visited their classrooms, doesn’t understand their LA, and knows nothing about the school’s future needs.

 

Headteachers and governors are making the decision that’s right for their communities — and refusing to let short-term politics dictate long-term strategy.

 

Beyond the Legalities

 

With the grant gone, schools are watching budgets more closely — and rightly asking, what are we actually paying for? We are being contacted every week now by Trusts looking to reduce conversion costs and to move away from a traditional law firm.

 

Most traditional law firms offer just one element of the conversion: the legal paperwork. They don’t support project management. They don’t coordinate with stakeholders. They don’t help navigate which finance system is best for the Trust, what SLAs the Trust will need or find the right accountants or even the complex practicalities that come with becoming an academy.

 

And yet — they often charge more.

 

Which leads to the obvious question:

Why pay more for less when you can pay less for more?

 

The Smarter Alternative: J&G Marshall Ltd

 

At J&G Marshall Ltd, we provide a complete end-to-end service:

 

✅ Legal expertise – all the formalities covered

✅ Project management – so you’re never left wondering what comes next

✅ Practical, step-by-step support – from application to post conversion

✅ Expert guidance for governors and senior leaders

✅ One fixed, transparent fee – that’s typically cheaper than a law firm offering just legal work

 

We’ve helped over 300 schools convert with confidence. We understand the process, the pressures, and most importantly — the priorities of real school leaders.

 

Final Thought

 

The government may have tried to slow down conversion by removing the grant, but schools across the country are moving faster than ever. Because autonomy matters. Because local knowledge matters. And because decisions about your school should be made by you — not dictated from Whitehall.

 

So if you’re planning to convert, choose a team that offers real value, real expertise, and real support.

 

J&G Marshall Ltd — why pay more for less, when you can pay less for more?