Just three outstanding schools in Devon and Cornwall will convert to academy status when the new term begins next week.

Critics say the low number signals a poor start to the Government scheme, which will give some of the country's best schools independence from the curriculum and from local authority funding.

In Devon, eight schools have applied to convert to academies, but only three have had the funding approved in time to set the wheels in motion on Monday. A further three have had academy orders confirmed, meaning they are likely to change over later in the academic year.

The successful schools are Broadclyst Community Primary, near Exeter, Uffculme School, near Crediton, and St Buryan Primary, Penzance. They are among 32 schools from across the country to be making the switch at the start of the academic year.

Yesterday, unions who opposed the move were quick to criticise the low uptake.

Christine Blower, the general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "For a policy that was supposed to be a flagship change for education, it is something of a failure to have so few schools opening at this stage. The Government has been given a clear message: the break-up of the state education system in England is not wanted." The Academies Bill was one of the first pieces of legislation passed by the new Government, and led to accusations that ministers rushed the reforms through.

It meant all schools could seek academy status, and those rated "outstanding" by Ofsted were pre-approved.

Initially, more than 120 Westcountry schools signalled a desire to break away from council control, but the number to proceed through the process is far lower.

In Cornwall, the Sandy Hill Community Primary, near St Austell, and Trenance Infants in Newquay have both applied. In Devon, further applicants are Ivybridge Community College and Torquay Boys' Grammar. They are all expected to be granted academy status later in the year. Additionally, Bodmin College has not yet been told whether its application has been successful.

Yesterday, Paul Gazzard, headteacher at St Buryan School, said the prospect of Academy status had already meant that class sizes could be reduced from around 25 to 18 this year. The school now plans to focus more on a creative agenda, forging stronger links with Tate St Ives, and introducing an "eco-school" and a local studies programme.

Mr Gazzard said the status would mean more flexibility on teaching and management. He said: "We're very happy to be able to make the change to time in with the beginning of the academic year.

"The sooner you get into these things, while everyone's enthusiastic, the better."