Some smaller trusts are slashing inflated leadership salaries – with one saving a six-figure sum in the process.
Four trusts, each with just two schools apiece, have reduced pay after facing government scrutiny for the amount pocketed by their chief executives.
The Transforming Lives Educational Trust, with one secondary and one infant school in Warwickshire, came under fire last year after it emerged its acting chief executive, Lois Reed, was paid £270,000.
Reed, who was also headteacher of Ashlawn secondary school in Rugby, left her post amid the controversy in June. Schools Week understands she received a £30,000 payout.
James Higham, the former headteacher of the Henry Hinde Infant School, is now serving as interim part-time chief executive and the trust’s chair, Stewart Jardine, said he is earning “significantly less” than Reed.
A spokesperson said they have separated the headteacher and CEO posts, a move which they said “not only makes our governance and accountability structures stronger, but also ensures that we are saving well in excess of £100,000 a year”.
The Greater Manchester Academies Trust paid its CEO Lynne Heath £115,000 in 2016/17.
However, this dropped to just £30,000 last year when the role became part-time. Heath resigned in August and her role has now been taken over by executive director Ian Waite, who confirmed that his salary falls in the lower band of £80,000-£85,000.
Meanwhile the Graveney Trust, based in south London, cut the pay of its CEO Graham Stapleton from £165,000 to £90,000 in 2017/18, according to the accounts.
And Angela Trigg, head of AIM Academies Trust in north London, had a pay cut of £5,000, to bring her salary to £145,000.
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