Millions of children across England will benefit from a stronger, fairer and more transparent school system as the Government sets out plans to introduce inspection of multi-academy trusts for the first time.
The Education Secretary has tabled an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, delivering on a manifesto commitment to bring MATs into the inspection system. The move aims to give parents and communities greater confidence that schools are part of strong, supportive trusts focused on improving outcomes for every child.
High-quality academy trusts oversee key decisions shaping children’s education – from curriculum design to staffing – and educate the majority of pupils in England. Introducing inspections will ensure these decisions are subject to clear, independent scrutiny, while recognising and celebrating trusts that deliver excellence.
Trust inspections will focus on:
- Leadership and governance
- Impact on school improvement
- Quality of education and pupil wellbeing
- Support for staff and resource management
The approach will celebrate excellence, support improvement, and recognise trusts that play a wider role in helping all schools and pupils succeed.
The Bill also introduces powers to intervene when trusts fail to meet acceptable standards, including moving academies to stronger trusts. At the same time, it creates a route for recognising and celebrating trusts that are transforming outcomes for pupils.
Bridget Philipson, Secretary of State for Education, 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.”
These reforms form part of the Government’s drive to raise standards and renew public services, with strong collaboration between schools – particularly through high-quality trusts – seen as one of the most effective ways to secure better outcomes for children.
The forthcoming Schools White Paper will set out the Government’s vision for a system where every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or location.
Image credit: iStock
