New academy trust inspections to boost transparency for parents and strengthen outcomes for children
Millions of children across England are set to benefit from a stronger, fairer and more transparent education system as the Government confirms plans to introduce formal inspections of multi-academy trusts.
The Education Secretary has tabled an amendment to the ‘Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill’, marking a significant step toward greater accountability across the school system. The change will give parents and local communities increased confidence that schools are part of effective, well-led trusts with a clear focus on improving outcomes for every child.
The move delivers on a key government manifesto pledge to bring multi-academy trusts within the national inspection framework. Academy trusts now educate the majority of pupils in England and are responsible for critical decisions affecting children’s education, including curriculum design, staffing and resource allocation.
While high-quality trusts already play a vital role in raising standards and widening opportunity, the new inspection system will ensure these decisions are subject to consistent, independent scrutiny. At the same time, it will recognise and celebrate trusts that are delivering excellent results, ensuring best practice is shared across the system.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Every child no matter their background should be able to achieve and thrive, and strong schools working together through high quality trusts help make that possible.
That collaboration must be matched by clear, fair accountability. Trust inspection will recognise excellence, support improvement and ensure no child is overlooked, especially those with the greatest needs.
This is national renewal in action – public services working together, rooted in communities and focused on improving outcomes so every child, wherever they grow up, is set up for success”.
Inspections will assess trust-level leadership, governance and overall impact, including how effectively trusts support school improvement, deliver high-quality education, manage resources, develop staff and promote pupil wellbeing. The framework will also acknowledge trusts that contribute beyond their own schools by strengthening education across wider communities.
The Bill introduces new intervention powers where trusts fall below acceptable standards. These include the ability to move academies into stronger trusts where necessary, while also creating a clear pathway to recognise and celebrate trusts that are driving transformational improvements for pupils.
Cathie Paine, CEO of REach2, said: “We welcome the move toward trust‑level inspections. Trusts play a huge role in improving education and driving greater equity, so it makes sense to look at how they work as a whole.
The key will be making sure this is done proportionately and in a way that reflects the different sizes and approaches across the system. If we get that balance right, it won’t just strengthen accountability - it will give a clearer picture of how trusts support schools, add value and, most importantly, how we can make things better for every child.
It’s also a great chance for trusts to learn from each other and share what works, which can only make the system stronger”.
These reforms form part of the Government’s wider agenda to raise education standards and renew public services. Evidence shows that schools working together through strong, community-focused partnerships are among the most effective ways to achieve sustainable improvement.
High-quality school trusts will therefore play a central role in delivering the Government’s vision, including commitments set out in the forthcoming ‘Schools White Paper’. By strengthening collaboration and accountability across the system, the reforms aim to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed—regardless of their background, needs or where they live. Photo by Sebastiandoe5, Wikimedia commons.