MATs ‘more likely’ to be approved to run council-proposed special schools DfE introduces expectation that bids via the ‘free school presumption route’ demonstrate ‘resilience’ in face of falling rolls and funding crisis
Regional directors push growing MATs to mentors Bosses of trusts wanting to expand are now being told by regional directors to get mentoring from experienced CEOs
Regional director鈥檚 merger mission after 鈥榣andgrabs鈥� Academy commissioner reveals ‘countless’ merger discussions with CEOs, as he defends DfE’s ‘coasting’ policy
鈥楾rust quality descriptors miss community focus鈥� CEO of one of England’s biggest MATs calls for sixth ‘pillar’ of trust quality to be added to guidance
DfE considers drawing up GAG pooling guidance Move would give leaders ‘more support’ over how to handle academy cash, says official
Code words and ‘grab kits’: new anti-terror advice for schools Schools advised to appoint ‘security leads’ to reduce terror risks in first sector-specific guidance
Academy staff could strike over 鈥榚xcessive鈥� GAG pooling National Education Union members at the Hastings Academy are expected to vote on proposed walkouts
Small academy trusts warned over asking for government advice Leaders believe chain was pushed towards a merger by the DfE after calling in finance and governance experts
Academy trust defends 拢40k Teslas for central team staff Aspirations Academies Trust has paid around 拢90,000 over three years for the leased vehicles