Expanding MATs subject to ‘rigurous’ health checks, says National Schools Commissioner
National Schools Commissioner Sir David Carter and Ofsted Chief Sir Michael Wilshaw gave evidence on Multi-Academy Trusts during a much anticipated Education Select Committee session.
Sir David discussed his plans to perform ‘health checks’ on MATs that want to take on more schools, saying they will focus on standards and improvement. The five points in the checks will also look at how much trusts improve the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.
The National Schools Commissioner also told MPs he will require proof that trusts know “exactly how strong their great schools are and how weak their weakest ones are”. More on the National Schools Commissioner’s comments on MATs health checks here .
Sir Michael Wilshaw added that some trusts have been allowed to go “too far, too quickly without the capacity”, a comment echoed by Sir David who suggested that rapid expansion was a great factor in the underperformance of some MATs.
Sir David Carter will be giving a keynote speech at the SCHOOLS NorthEast Annual Summit on 13 October 2016. To book your place, please call 0191 204 8866 or email info@schoolsnortheast.com .
Further reading
Sir David Carter: I don’t want to go to war with councils over academies (Schools Week)
Few multi-academy trusts good enough to improve schools, says Wilshaw (The Guardian)