The advent of the government's academy programme has opened a new market sector for building consultancies. Powell Williams has recently completed its first high school academy project, an acquisition survey for Stratford upon Avon School. The national consultancy firm has identified a range of services which will need to be considered by the new academies, including the development of a planned programme of maintenance and implementation of improvement works.

The instruction involved a survey of the condition of the school buildings, both internal and external structures. This also included elements of roof, windows and plant equipment at the former Stratford upon Avon High School.

Michael Clarke the Schools Facilities Manager, said: "It was necessary that the school, prior to its successful Academy conversion in August 2011, had an independent survey carried out to identify short to long term property liabilities. This is important because, as an Academy and therefore independent of the local authority, we need to take such matters into account in order that we can make the sound strategic decisions necessary to implement our planned maintenance programmes, and direct appropriate funds accordingly. The comprehensive report submitted will prove to be a sound investment and an invaluable 'tool' for years to come."

The transfer of responsibilities from local authorities to the individual academy trusts will make it vital for all such schools to commission their own, independent reports, says Michael Jones, Powell Williams lead partner in Birmingham. He said: "For most schools, their building maintenance is looked after by the local authority which holds responsibility for the estate and the budget. Under the academy programme the school's board and trustees take over responsibility not only for the curriculum, staffing and students, but also for the properties themselves and the budgets they require from central government.

"As specialists in education rather than property management, it will be important for these organisations to approach their building requirements with a much more commercial eye. The school building will become an academy's most valuable and costly asset and will demand careful management to ensure it does not become a liability. Consultants with commercial property experience will be in a good position to advise these new academies through their initial negotiations and budget planning, to the development of planned maintenance and refurbishment programmes. Equally, it will be interesting to be working with organisations where it will be vital to recognise the very particular timescale, legislative and budget constraints, and provide appropriate advice accordingly. Having worked closely with Stratford upon Avon School prior to its conversion to an academy has given us an insight into the particular requirements of this sector."