Firs Farm has taken the decision to consult on converting to an academy and joining the Edact Academy Trust Group.  The consultation will run from Monday 8th October 2025 to Friday 14th November 2025. 

The Governing Body will make the final decision on this but wish to know the views of staff and families at Firs Farm.  It is not a decision that the Governing Body have taken likely and we created a special panel comprising staff and Governors to look at a number of academies before deciding to move forward with Edact. 

Below you will find copies of our letters and a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions document and link to the consultation form. 

Some initial questions you may have are:

What is an Academy and who are Edact?

At present, Firs Farm is a local authority-maintained school. Our budget comes from Enfield Council. Academies receive their money directly from the Department of Education and are not-for-profit organisations. There are many academies in Enfield and England. 

As an Enfield school, we will still work closely with the borough and they will continue to be responsible for key areas such as admissions and SEND. 

Edact are an established local (Enfield) trust that includes a range of secondary and primary schools including Edmonton County secondary and Edmonton Country Primary. 

Is Firs Farm being forced to become an academy?

No, we are doing this voluntarily! We have had a very successful last few years with an impressive Ofsted (2024) and above national results! We have a stable staff and manage our budgets well.  We believe that this will enable us to build on our success and secure the future of the school. 

What will change for children?

We will still be Firs Farm! Our uniform, curriculum, staff and everything that makes us unique will remain the same.  Our intention is that by being able to collaborate with other schools and, hopefully, make financial savings, we will be able to offer even more opportunities to our children.  We will follow the same term dates as the Local Authority. 

What will change for staff?

Staff will be paid by Edact. However, their terms and conditions (including pensions) remain the same.  

What happens in Year 7? 

You will still be able to choose the secondary school you feel is right for your child. Many children already go to Edmonton County, but many equally go to other schools as well – that won't change!

What next...?

The school and governing body wish to find our your views.  There are opportunities for you to speak to the Governors, Headteacher and CEO of Edact. These are:

INFORMAL DROP-INS DURING OCTOBER PARENT CONSULTATION EVENINGS: Corinne David, governor and Nuala Husband will be available during our forthcoming parent consultation evenings in the small hall. These are Wednesday 22nd October 6pm-8pm and Thurs 23 October 3.30pm to 6pm . These are an opportunity to find out more details. 

PARENT PRESENTATIONS: A more formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. These will be held in person in the large hall on Thursday 6th November at 9.10am and again in the evening via Teams at 5pm (the same information will be presented at both you need only attend one).

Staff will be having separate presentations.

COMPLETE THE CONSULTATION FORM TO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Please complete the consultation form by following this link https://forms.office.com/e/Q40h9h0rVR or using the QR Code: