Commenting on the report of the House of Commons Committee of
Public Accounts (PAC) on the finances of academy trusts, Geoff
Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and
College Leaders, said:
“We agree with the PAC’s recommendations that the Department for
Education should provide better information about the variation
in the financial health of academies, the criteria it uses to
support the financial recovery of trusts, and instances of failed
leadership. We also agree that the DfE should be clear about its
plans for full academisation in its forthcoming schools white
paper. These are all important steps in a robust system.
“However, we would emphasise that the vast majority of academy
trusts are financially very well run and fully comply with the
vast number of requirements which already exist in terms of
reporting financial information. Furthermore, trustees think very
carefully about the appropriate level of pay for trust leaders
and recognise the importance of being able to demonstrate value
for money against rigorous performance targets.
“We understand the concern raised by the PAC about the need for
greater transparency over the financial information that
multi-academy trusts are required to publish for each school in
their trust. But it is also important that any further accounting
requirements are proportionate and not unduly excessive in terms
of time and bureaucracy.
“The PAC is right to voice concerns about the condition of the
school estate and the continuing threat posed by asbestos in
school buildings. Much of the school estate is relatively old and
is in urgent need of significant remedial work which includes the
phased removal of asbestos. The funding made available by the
government for capital spending is nowhere near enough, and the
longer this is not addressed the greater the problems will
become. Children, young people, and the staff who teach and
support them deserve better.”
