Following the government’s recent announcement that all schools will become academies by 2022, there will be a lot of parents and a lot of headteachers wondering what exactly lies ahead for them, their school and their children. Turning Neale-Wade College into Neale-Wade Academy was a big decision. Three years later though, I can safely say that my experience of the whole process has been hugely positive. The key benefit is, without doubt, the support of the academy’s sponsor, The Active Learning Trust. This support manifests itself in numerous ways. Having readily available guidance from highly experienced individuals, who I know and who know me, has made the process of converting a great deal easier.