How does a multi academy trust work?

Multi-academy trusts (MATs) are groups of academies that have come together to form a charitable company, with a single group of ‘members’ (who have an overview of the governance arrangements) and a single board of trustees.

What are the benefits of multi academy trusts?

Joining a multi academy trust remains a positive choice for schools. They enable the strongest leaders to take responsibility for supporting more schools, develop great teachers and allow schools to focus on what really matters – teaching, learning and a curriculum that is based on what works.

How big should a multi academy trust be?

Over half of the trusts with one to five schools saw six to ten as the ideal size. And over a third in the six to ten bracket saw 11 to 15 schools as ideal (and a further quarter were seeking to grow to 16 to 20).

How are multi academy trusts funded?

They are funded by central government but remain autonomous in running their schools. Boards of academy trusts have more wide-ranging duties than governing bodies of maintained schools because they include overseeing admissions, the curriculum and financial matters which are delegated to different people on the board.

Does a multi-academy trust need a CEO?

In an academy trust with multiple academies, the Executive Leader will be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or equivalent. 8 The academy trust must also appoint an accounting officer, who should be the Executive Leader.

Who regulates multi-academy trusts?

The board of trustees
The board of trustees has responsibility for all of the academies operated by the MAT. The MAT board can also establish a ‘local governing body’ for each academy (or to oversee two or more academies).

What are the disadvantages of academy schools?

The disadvantages of the school academy system Academisation – the flagship of marketisation – is mired in corruption, cronyism and outright failure. The exam-factory system is failing our children and the recruitment and retention of teachers and other school staff is reaching crisis point.

Why do schools join multi academy trusts?

The government recommends joining a multi-academy trust or MAT as it provides the support that a school needs to thrive as well as more power when it comes to negotiating services and getting better value.

Does a multi academy trust need a CEO?

Who regulates multi academy trusts?

How many trustees should a multi academy trust have?

There must be at least three signatory members. The CEO is a trustee, unless they themselves choose not to be. There will be two elected parent trustees or representatives, either on the board of the MAT or on each of the local governing bodies.

How many members should an academy trust have?

three members
1.3 The academy trust must have at least three members, although the Department’s strong preference is that trusts should have at least five members. Having more members: provides for a more diverse range of perspectives. ensures members can take decisions via special resolution without requiring unanimity.

Where can I get legal advice for a multi academy trust?

For specialist legal advice for multi academy trusts, ranging from fixed fee legal support to academy conversion, please contact Chloe Brunton on 0117 3145301. Who is the employer of the staff in academies operated within a MAT?

Can We have two academies in one mat?

Not necessarily. For some time, the DfE model Articles of Association have allowed the MAT board to establish a local governing body which oversees two or more academies. If your schools are joining an existing MAT, you should talk to the MAT about the expectations around local governing bodies at an early stage.

Who receives the funding for an academy within a mat?

Who receives the funding for an academy within a MAT? Under a MAT structure, the general annual grant (GAG) in respect of each academy would be received by the MAT and would be under the control of the trustees.

What does the chair of lead academy trust look for?

This responsibility is a two-way street, says Mark Blois, chair of LEAD Academy Trust in Nottingham.“We ask potential joiners what they are bringing,” he says. “We are not just here to join, we want a collaboration with meaning. If a school is underperforming, we look at the issue of political capital.