Multi-Academy Trust
Joining a Multi-Academy Trust Frequently Asked Questions
1: What is academisation?
Academisation is the process of converting a school maintained by the local authority (LA), Middlesbrough Borough Council or a Foundation School in our case, into an academy run and managed by an academy trust or more commonly a multi-academy trust (MAT). The academy remains state-funded and is not being privatised.
2: Why are the Breckon Hill Governing Body proposing this?
The Governing Body have evaluated various options against criteria which include being able to:
- Maintain and strengthen our identity, core values and ethos;
- Continue to improve the quality of education and outcomes for all pupils;
- Work collaboratively to develop best practice in all areas and retain the ability to make key decisions as a school:
- Strengthen our commitment towards community, inclusion and pastoral care;
- Develop opportunities for staff working in Breckon Hill to develop and share practice, skills and knowledge.
We are excited by the potential to be even stronger together for the good of our pupils.
3: Why do this now?
The Governing Body have been reviewing and considering this topic for a number of years and during this last academic year have looked closely at a number of trusts, some larger trusts, spreading across the north and some smaller local trusts based locally. We feel now is the right time to make the change given the reduction in the Local Authority offer, the reduction in school-to-school support from historical partnerships and the benefits available by joining a MAT.
4: Have the headteacher and senior leadership been involved in the proposal?
Yes. The school senior leadership team have been involved in discussions and have met with representatives from The Legacy Learning Trust. School staff have also worked informally with staff belonging to the Trust.
5: How many other Middlesbrough primary schools have done this?
There are 41 primary schools in Middlesbrough who were once all maintained and therefore directly linked to the local authority. 31 of these primary schools have already chosen to become academies. The reduction in numbers of maintained schools has translated into a reduced offer.
6: When will it happen?
After the consultation period ends, the Governing Body will consider all the feedback and review all available options. Assuming there are no major barriers, the Governing Body will vote whether to go ahead. If governors vote to go ahead, there will be a TUPE consultation with employees. After the TUPE consultation, the Governing Body will vote on whether to go ahead. If governors vote to go ahead, the school will convert after all legal processes have been resolved.
