Government to introduce academy trust inspections

The Government has set out plans to introduce inspection of multi-academy trusts.

The measure, added to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, 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 Bridget Phillipson said: "Trust inspection will recognise excellence, support improvement and ensure no child is overlooked, especially those with the greatest needs."

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.

Cathie Paine, CEO of REach2, said: "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."