Management Information Sheet

For schools that are considering whether or not now is the time to consider joining or forming a multi-academy trust, the DfE has just announced some funding that is available until the end of March 2017. Where primary schools join a trust, the trust receives a grant of £20,000 per school, e.g. a trust with five primary schools (either growing by five schools or starting up with five schools) would receive a start-up grant (in addition to the DfE £25,000 grant per school to cover the costs of converting to an academy) of £100,000. Multi-academy trusts looking to grow and be a 'sponsor, i.e. be capable of taking on a weaker school can apply for a 'Sponsor capacity fund’ grant, which in the past has typically been around £75,000. The relevant schools/MAT would need their Academy Orders to have been issued before March 31st 2017. For more information please contact the Partnership team.

How can we support schools?

• We can support schools in identifying and recognising the need for partnership or structural solutions – succession planning, vision, sustainability, budget planning and any opportunities or threats in terms of the educational landscape including up to date national and local policy from DfE and LA
• Clarifying schools position: context and vision/ understanding options
• Decision and brokerage of solutions - exploratory conversations with potential partners, brokerage through other authorities and partners and the Regional Schools Commissioner, LA/DfE led introduction of academy sponsors
• Practical change process - together with Educator Solutions we can support governors through the application process