Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) school in Lancaster, information for academy sponsors

11. Assessment criteria

The county council will consider the evidence provided by the proposer to satisfy itself that the sponsor has the capacity and intention to meet the following criteria:

• The capacity to establish a new school based on high expectations and high performance to continue to drive up practice and outcomes for pupils with SEND.
• A strong desire and vision to work closely with other education providers and associated agencies for SEND in the locality and further afield to promote partnership working, inclusion, and community cohesion.
• Evidence of a proven track record of school improvement or sustained high standards and how the proposed governance model will drive and support successful outcomes.

The county council will submit all assessment information to the Secretary of State (via the Regional Schools Director) who will in turn appoint a sponsor. The Secretary of State will then enter into a funding agreement with the academy sponsor.

The DfE will focus on the following criteria:

• The capacity and quality of the new sponsor will be assessed on their strategic vision, educational capacity and performance, financial planning and operational capacity and governance. The focus for existing sponsors will be on their track record and credibility, capacity to deliver a new project and their local infrastructure to support their proposal.
• The ability of the sponsor to deliver on time, to secure best value for money and maintain financial viability. This will need to be made clear in a comprehensive financial plan based on realistic assumptions.
• The sponsor’s ability to promote high standards as set out in a clear and coherent education plan, and which demonstrates innovation to drive system change. The proposal should give strong, credible evidence that the new school will raise the overall standard of education for those pupils with SEND and adding high quality places to the system.