Purpose

This report
confirms the intention of ST STEPHENS CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY
SCHOOL, to convert to an Academy and seeks approval from the
decision taker to a transfer and to enter into a Commercial
Transfer Agreement, which addresses how matters such as staffing,
and assets will be transferred to the new legal entity.

Content

(i)    
The
Director of Legal and Democratic Services is authorised to enter
into a 125-year Lease in respect to the school site with the
Forward as One Church of England Multi Academy Trust.

(ii)  
The
Director of Legal and Democratic Services is authorised to enter
into the Commercial Transfer Agreement. which takes into account
the principle that risk and liability does not transfer back to the
Council and in respect of which the funds and reserves to manage
the risks/liabilities will transfer to the Academy and consequently
the Council should be in no worse position because of the
transfer.

(iii)
The
Council does not offer to pool with the Academy, in respect of the
pension fund liabilities in the Greater Manchester Pension
Fund.

(iv)
Delegation
of authority to the Strategic Director of Finance or their
nominated representative to execute any necessary Greater
Manchester Pension Fund for Transferee Admission Bodies
documentation

(v)  
The
conversion of St Stephens Church of England Primary School to take
place on or around 1 March 2026, or as soon as possible
thereafter.

Reasons for the decision

To support Tameside schools to
convert to Academy status.

 

Alternative options considered

None Considered.