Leaders fear smaller academy trusts “aren’t being allowed to grow” in England’s left-behind areas as MATs bulge in size and standalone academies tumble.
Since the government unveiled its blueprint to expand, merge or create multi-academy trusts in 55 priority areas, single-trust declines in these towns and counties have outstripped national falls, Schools Week analysis shows.
Some leaders have argued the push for larger academy chains has helped protect the most “vulnerable” schools from financial peril.
But others worry smaller MATs have been side-lined over England’s largest trusts instead of expanding into new areas.
