Shrinking council support has prompted primary schools to band together and launch academy trusts, as experts warn local authorities are reaching a “tipping point”.
Prospective chains with as many as 13 schools have cited “diminishing” town hall help as a factor in their moves to academise, Schools Week analysis has found.
A consultant who works on conversions also said maintained schools had opted to shop around for support from existing trusts – rather than local authorities – leaving them feeling like academies in all but name.
Jeff Marshall added many maintained schools had been left wondering “what’s the point of being with a local authority if they don’t offer the support we need?”
