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<p>When community schools convert to academies, the freehold is retained by the local
authority and a lease is granted to the academy trust. In some circumstances, where
the school governors or supporting foundation already hold the freehold, my Rt hon.
Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, may allow publicly-funded school land
to be transferred to an academy trust, which will have satisfied the Secretary of
State as to its ability to operate a state-funded school.</p><p> </p><p>There are
strict rules protecting publicly funded land used by academies, regardless of who
holds the freehold. This is set out in published guidance, which is available online:</p><p><a
href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protection-of-school-playing-fields-and-public-land-advice"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/publications/protection-of-school-playing-fields-and-public-land-advice</a></p><p>
</p><p>A copy of the guidance has been placed in the House Library.</p><p> </p><p>The
Department does not hold information about the average value of land used for academies
on a freehold or leasehold basis. Information about the number of academies that occupy
land on a leasehold and freehold basis is not held centrally.</p>
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