High-performing multi-academy trusts (MATs) would not want to take on schools in the 55 education investment areas identified by the levelling up paper because the areas are too risky, a leading economist has said.
Lord Jim O’Neill, vice-chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, told an event held by the Education Policy Institute and Teach First on levelling up at the Houses of Parliament: “Some of the best MATs would not dream of going anywhere in the North, because it’s too hot.
“It’s a bit like venture capital – people that invest go into venture capital, where you might risk losing all your money.”
He said that only three of the 30 local authorities with the smallest disadvantage gaps were outside London.
