Opinion: Academy trusts

Why I put my job at risk to recommend my trust’s merger

There are few personal upsides and there’s a great deal of risk, but it’s the right thing to do...

JL Dutaut
Hazel Cubbage
Opinion: Academy trusts

Four barriers to scalable growth – and how to overcome them

Academy trust growth is back on the agenda, so here are some lessons from failures of the past as...

JL Dutaut
Michael Pain
Opinion: Academy trusts

Asleep on the job? How trusts have missed out on £53 million

New research shows academy trusts have failed to capitalize on interest rates and are likely missing out on more...

JL Dutaut
Nigel Brunning
Opinion: Academy trusts

Trusts have an ethical duty to shape inclusive local systems

In the face of so many challenges, academy trusts must embrace collaboration over competition to deliver for communities

JL Dutaut
John Barneby
Opinion: Academy trusts

How to ensure trustees make informed decisions on growth

Academy trusts’ growth plans should be underpinned by principles that streamline decision-making and ensure trustees are well-informed

JL Dutaut
Rama Venchard MBE
Opinion: Academy trusts

Why ‘outstanding’ schools should join a MAT (and how to find the right one)

The incentives seem to encourage 'outstanding' schools to keep going it alone but there are very good reasons to...

JL Dutaut
James Ellis
Opinion: Academy trusts

Why every MAT needs a stakeholder report

What began as part of our communication strategy has grown to be fundamental to how we foster belonging and...

JL Dutaut
Paul Harris
Opinion: Academy trusts

Shining a light on the state of academy trust finances

Kevin Connor delves in a new report on academy finances to identify key developments and looming challenges

JL Dutaut
Kevin Connor
Opinion: Academy trusts

Balanced MAT expansion is all about striking the right chords

Building resilient and transformational civic institutions requires expanding MATs to avoid an opportunistic ‘popcorn’ approach

JL Dutaut
Dr Sam Parrett CBE