Michael Gray

2 months ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Dorothy Lepkowska |Michael Gray |Chloe Brown

The percentage of academy trusts showing in-year financial deficits has tripled since 2021, the 13th annual Kreston UK Academies Benchmark Report revealed this week. The figures show that academy trusts, which run more than 10,000 schools in England, have little room for financial manoeuvre than ever: In 2023-24, 60 per cent of trusts reported deficits, compared with less than 20 per cent in 2020-21.

2 months ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Michael Gray |Chloe Brown |Dorothy Lepkowska

The publication of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill in December predictably caused some concern in multi-academy trusts and their academies. Arguably, no other part of the education and schools system will be more directly impacted, with ministers gaining new powers to intervene if they are found to be breaking rules and forcing them to fall into line with maintained schools on teaching and pay. So, what are the key aspects of the bill that are likely to affect your trust?

2 months ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Michael Gray |Chloe Brown |Philip N. Britton

Schools inspectorate Ofsted has revealed its new “report card”-style grading system for schools, after it was pressured into reforming its system following the suicide of a headteacher. The new report cards will use a five-point grading system across up to 11 areas, with colour-coded ratings for each, from “causing concern” to “exemplary”. Safeguarding will only receive a grade of “met” or “not met”.

2 months ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Chloe Taylor Brown |Irena Barker |Michael Gray

Not much better than flipping a coin. This was the conclusion of Philip Tetlock’s seminal 20-year study into the accuracy of 284 experts’ attempts at forecasting political or economic outlooks. If so-called experts cannot gauge macro-economic developments or geopolitical shifts, there seems to be little chance that either school leaders or governing bodies are going to be able to do so.

Jan 9, 2025 | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker |Michael Gray |Helen Pike

Sian Hampton has announced that she will be retiring from her position as CEO of Archway Learning Trust after more than two decades’ service. One of the East Midlands’ largest multi academy trusts, Archway Learning Trust educates 9,400 pupils across Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire. It is Nottingham’s biggest MAT, educating one third of the city’s children.