At least £70,000 of rule-breaking payments were used to bankroll overseas trips for senior staff at a troubled academy trust, government investigators have found. Evidence related to dealings worth more than £400,000 between the Hull Collaborative Academy Trust (HCAT) and “related organisations” was also uncovered during the two-year investigation. The 16-school chain – which breached rules on 12 occasions – has been given a notice to improve (NTI) and named and shamed in a separate report outlining the offences. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.