Rochdale Sixth Form College launches formal consultation to convert to academy status

Julian Appleyard OBE, Principal of Rochdale Sixth Form College

Rochdale Sixth Form College (RSFC) has launched a formal consultation to convert to academy status.

The move by RSFC follows former Chancellor George Osborne’s announcement last year that sixth form colleges could apply for academy status.

Julian Appleyard OBE, Principal of RSFC, said: “A move to academy status will move RSFC from the margins to the mainstream.

"The College has been a DfE approved academy sponsor for nearly two years and is also a National Support School. As an approved sponsor we have had the approval to set up a Multi Academy Trust since December 2014.

"The College is now planning on driving on with this and this would allow us to establish formal links with schools to develop shared approaches to quality assurance, professional development and resources.

"In addition, the conversion to academy status allows the College to reclaim VAT payments. The reclaiming of VAT will provide additional funding of around £340,000 annually – which can be used to improve provision for students.”