- Government introduces new trust inspections to recognise
excellence and spread what works across the school system
- Measures to boost outcomes for children and strengthen
confidence for parents while backing strong, community-focused
trusts
- Delivers on manifesto commitment to inspect trusts as part of
drive to raise standards and renew public services
Millions of children will benefit from a stronger, fairer and
more transparent school system as the Government sets out plans
to introduce inspection of multi-academy trusts.
The Education Secretary has today (Wednesday 7th Jan)
tabled an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill,
to give parents and communities greater confidence that schools
are part of strong, supportive trusts focused on improving
outcomes for every child.
The measure delivers on the commitment made in the government's
manifesto to bring multi academy trusts into the inspection
system.
High-quality academy trusts play a vital role in raising
standards and widening opportunity for children. Educating most
pupils in England, they oversee key decisions that shape
children's education - from curriculum to staffing.
Trust inspection will ensure those decisions are subject to
clear, independent scrutiny, while recognising, celebrating and
backing strong trusts so every child benefits from the highest
standards, wherever they live or go to school.
Education Secretary said:
“Every child no matter their background should be able to achieve
and thrive, and strong schools working together through high
quality trusts help make that possible.
“That collaboration must be matched by clear, fair
accountability. Trust inspection will recognise excellence,
support improvement and ensure no child is overlooked, especially
those with the greatest needs.
“This is national renewal in action – public services working
together, rooted in communities and focused on improving outcomes
so every child, wherever they grow up, is set up for success.”
Trust inspections will focus on leadership, governance and impact
– including how effectively trusts improve schools, provide high
quality education, support staff, use resources and promote pupil
wellbeing. The approach will celebrate excellence, support
improvement and recognise trusts that play a wider system role by
helping all children and schools across communities to succeed.
The Bill will also introduce new powers of intervention to step
in when trusts are not meeting acceptable standards including
moving academies to stronger trusts, whilst also offering a route
of recognition and celebration of those that are transforming
outcomes for pupils.
These reforms are part of the Government's drive to raise
standards and renew public services. Groups of schools working
together in strong, community-centred partnerships are one of the
most effective and sustainable ways to secure better outcomes for
children.
That is why strong collaboration between schools, in particular
high quality school trusts, will play a pivotal role in
delivering our vision in the forthcoming Schools White Paper -
helping to raise standards across the system and ensuring every
child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their
background, needs or where they live.
Notes to editors:
- The department will work closely with Ofsted and trust
leaders on the details and regulations including piloting any
proposed approach. This will include engaging with leaders on the
format and delivery of published inspection reports with more
details to be shared in due course.
- Inspections will not start before the 2027/28 academic year
- In line with school accountability measures these measures
will allow the Education Secretary the power to terminate funding
agreements and move academies to stronger trusts
Supportive stakeholders:
Pat Murden, Chair of The CMAT Network said:
“The Catholic Multi-Academy Trust Network welcomes the intention
to inspect MATs as a key element of the school system in England.
“We look forward to working with colleagues, the DfE, the CES and
Ofsted in developing an approach that supports a flourishing
network of accountable and successful MATs nationwide. And
one which maintains the parallel inspection system ensuring
the distinctive Catholic ethos of CMATs.”
Cathie Paine, CEO of REach2 said:
“We welcome the move toward trust‑level inspections. Trusts play
a huge role in improving education and driving greater equity, so
it makes sense to look at how they work as a whole.
The key will be making sure this is done proportionately and in a
way that reflects the different sizes and approaches across the
system. If we get that balance right, it won't just strengthen
accountability - it will give a clearer picture of how trusts
support schools, add value and, most importantly, how we can make
things better for every child.
“It's also a great chance for trusts to learn from each other and
share what works, which can only make the system stronger.”
Sam Henson, National Governance Association
said:
“NGA has consistently called for a wider inspection system to
reflect the reality of the sector which should include inspection
at trust level. A MAT is more than the sum of its individual
schools, with trust-wide governance, executive leadership,
workforce, budgets and more which shape children's futures.
“With MATs playing such an undisputable role in raising standards
and breaking down barriers to opportunity, it is right for them
to be both subject to robust scrutiny for key areas of
improvement and equally celebrated for their innovation and
success.”
