(1)The governing body of a maintained school in England may apply to the Secretary of State for an Academy order to be made in respect of the school.
(2)In the case of a foundation or voluntary school that has a foundation, this is subject to subsections (3) and (4).
(3)The governing body of a foundation or voluntary school that has a foundation must consult the foundation before making an application under this section.
(4)The governing body of a foundation or voluntary school that has a foundation may make an application under this section only with the consent of—
(a)the trustees of the school, and
(b)the person or persons by whom the foundation governors are appointed.
(5)Expressions used in subsections (2) to (4) and SSFA 1998 have the same meaning as in that Act.