BBC News - Today - Academy status 'grossly unfair' Hundreds of primary schools across England that are not doing as well as they should be are being put under pressure to convert to academy status. The Department for Education says that is the best way to improve results fast, but while many are reluctant, one has put its head above the parapet and said no publicly. Governors at Downhills primary school in Tottenham, London, have taken the first steps towards possible legal action against the Department for Education. Last night a meeting organised by campaigners attracted several hundred people and Sanchia Berg was there.