On 29 June, the DfE launched a review of how it works with academy trusts to ensure children in schools within trusts get the right support to fulfil their potential. The review – expected to be concluded by the end of 2022 – is intended to give clarity about how the powers in the Schools Bill will be applied. It will explore the standards which academy trusts are held to and how the government supports the growth of existing trusts and the creation of new strong ones, in line with its vision for all schools to be in or joining strong academy trusts by 2030.
But while the Department has set out its intended destination, the journey to it is still largely up to individual schools and academy trusts. And with so much uncertainty and furore surrounding the schools bill, schools may understandably be reluctant to start considering the changes they need to make to reach this goal.
