The cost-of-living crisis has had a profound impact on academy trust operations. Almost one in three respondents to a survey of 84 trust leaders in May by The Key and Forum Strategy said they were confident that their trust will be able to weather the cost-of-living crisis while delivering an offer that aligns with their trust’s vision.
When asked to rank the challenges arising from the crisis according to the significance of their impact on their trust, leaders identified “staffing costs, including supply” (51 per cent) and “rising energy costs” (42 per cent) as the highest-impact hurdles.
Some mentioned the unknowns of pay increments and lack of investment to pay for increments as challenges that have added to the complexities they face.
In the face of these challenges, trust leaders have found innovative solutions to support their schools.
