Local authorities hoping to form spin-off academy trusts say they can boost conversion rates, standards and financial viability – especially among small, rural schools.
Council plans seen by Schools Week will boost ministers’ hopes for “orphan” schools. But one expert warned councils might still lack capacity to turn some around.
This year’s schools white paper included piloting local authority-established trusts, breaking from the initial academy vision of schools outside council control.
The 29 councils – one in five – that applied are currently awaiting Department for Education approval, according to two applicants.
