Government to introduce inspection of multi-academy trusts through amendment to Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

According to the Government, 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 Bill will also introduce new powers of intervention to step in when trusts are not meeting acceptable standards - including moving academies to stronger trusts.

The Department for Education (DfE) noted: “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.”

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is in the Report stage in the House of Lords.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson 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.”

Responding to the announcement, Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, said: "It is right that multi-academy trusts are subject to inspection that both highlights the work of the best trusts and to ensure that all children are receiving an excellent education, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

"Inspections and greater transparency will support improvement in educational standards, the identification and resolution of patterns of concern, and enable greater learning between trusts.”

Lottie Winson