Local authority established MATs: Test and Learn Exercise in 2022-2023
The Department for Education is inviting local authorities (LAs) in England to register their interest in establishing a multi-academy trust (MAT) as part of a test and learn exercise.
This test and learn exercise will allow the DfE to work with a small number of LAs, to test the concept of an LA-established MAT. LAs interested in establishing MATs will need to follow the same process as any other proposal for a new MAT, however this exercise will allow the department to identify issues which may be unique to a LA-established MAT.
Thus far, LAs have not been permitted to establish MATs. The Schools White Paper, Opportunity for all: strong schools with great teachers for your child signaled that this will now change, in areas where too few strong trusts exist. A strong trust is able to get better outcomes for their pupils and are able to support teachers and schools where the challenges are the greatest.
The published document provides further details for LAs on:
- Setting up an LA-established MAT
- The DfE’s intention to commence with a test and learn exercise for 2022-2023
- How to submit a registration of Interest
The registration of interest will close on 31 July 2022.
The full document is available here.
At TSO we have a dedicated and knowledgeable team available to support LAs and MATs, for more information contact us today!
