10
Accepted
We asked the Department about the rise in primary schools converting to academies and whether...
Conclusion
We asked the Department about the rise in primary schools converting to academies and whether existing secondary trusts have sufficient experience and skills to take on primary schools. The Department responded that it did not have a set view on the make- up of a MAT, but that in such a scenario the secondary trust would need to demonstrate that it understood the effective running of primary schools. The Department told us that it had seen a variety of successful MAT models, with some linking together primary and secondary schools, and others choosing to specialise. The Department attributed the success of these trusts on the clear vision of the MAT.21 As such, there was no one-size- fits-all approach to the structure of a MAT, or to a make-up of a strong family of schools. It explained that further details on the next steps to achieving full academisation were expected in the Schools White Paper.22 17 Qq 31, 33 18 Q 31 19 Department for Education Schools financial benchmarking service, United Learning Trust [accessed 14 February 2022] 20 Qq 15–16 21 Q 20 22 Q 117 12 Academies Sector Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20 2 Financial performance and management of the academy estate Financial health of the academy school sector
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the implicit recommendation on MAT structure and growth, detailing plans from the Schools White Paper to achieve a fully trust-led system by 2030. This involves growing strong trusts, a new regulatory review, and investment to develop a strong trust landscape.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
1.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2022 1.2 The Department for Education (the department) published the Schools White Paper, Opportunity for all, on 28 March 2022. The fourth chapter sets out a clear timeframe to achieve a fully trust-led system, with all schools to be in or joining a strong multi-academy trust (MAT) by 2030. 1.3 This will be achieved through growth of strong trusts and the establishment of new ones, including trusts established by local authorities (LAs). The department will take a single regulatory approach, launching a regulatory review in May 2022 and, for the first time, setting out the definition of a strong trust. The success of MATs in delivering against the definition of a strong trust as set out in the Schools White Paper will be the basis for transparent assessments of their potential for growth. 1.4 The department will set out plans which will provide further detail on the pathway to a fully trust-led system, after further engagement with the sector. 1.5 The department is working with Falcon Education Academies Trust and St Joseph’s Catholic MAT to pilot a new approach for schools that, for various reasons, cannot be placed with a strong MAT sponsor. The White Paper sets out policies to remove barriers that are preventing schools from benefiting from the support of a strong trust. LAs will be able to establish new strong trusts, and church and faith schools will have their unique ethos protected as they join or form trusts. Regional Directors will engage local partners to determine the best way to develop a strong trust landscape that suits their area – investing up to £86 million over the next three areas in building trust capacity, focused particularly in Education Investment Areas.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
Forty-Seventh Report - Academies Sector Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20
25 Mar 2022
HC 994
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
4.3 yrs
Report published
25 Mar 2022