1. Growth and consolidation of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)
Rob Robson, ASCL Trust Leadership Consultant, and Richard Sheriff, CEO of the Red Kite Learning Trust refer to the current MAT system as ‘Trust 1.0’. They note that, while this model has led to improved efficiency and some innovations, it has also faced challenges such as inconsistent quality and governance issues.
Future directions: Trends towards larger MATs
The future trend is towards larger MATs aimed at consolidating more schools to achieve operational efficiencies and cost savings. However, this shift brings challenges in governance and maintaining effective oversight. As noted by Robson and Sheriff, Trust 2.0 must address these issues by enhancing management structures and promoting transparency.
As the trend towards larger MATs continues, balancing centralised control with local autonomy becomes increasingly crucial. MAT leaders should assess whether their current tools effectively support centralisation while allowing individual academies the freedom to develop their own identities.
To read Robson and Sheriff’s discussion, Trust Two Point Zero: Exploring the future of education in England, click here.
2. Financial pressures and governance challenges
Academies in England are currently grappling with significant financial pressures due to flat funding, which has been a key trend in recent years. This static funding environment poses challenges for maintaining and enhancing educational standards amidst rising costs. According to a 2022 paper entitled, The rise and rise of academy trusts: continuing changes to the state-funded school system in England, this funding issue has led to concerns about financial sustainability and the ability of academies to manage their resources effectively.
Policy changes: Efforts to improve financial controls
In response to these challenges, there have been efforts to introduce stricter financial controls and oversight measures. Proposed policy changes aim to enhance financial governance within MATs by implementing more rigorous standards and accountability mechanisms. These changes are intended to address the weaknesses identified in the current system and improve the overall financial integrity of academies.
To navigate these financial pressures and governance challenges, our financial management solution provides academies with the tools needed to ensure compliance, streamline budgeting, and enhance transparency. With built-in features tailored to meet the unique needs of MATs, our solution ensures robust financial governance, helping academies maintain operational efficiency while meeting evolving regulatory requirements.
3. Emphasis on inclusivity and addressing inequality
A persistent issue in England's education system is the disparity in outcomes for disadvantaged students. According to the 2022 paper The Rise and Rise of Academy Trusts, certain groups, including pupils eligible for free school meals, those with special educational needs, and ethnic minorities such as Black Caribbean and Gypsy Roma children, are significantly more likely to face exclusions and poorer educational outcomes.
The academisation process, while aimed at improving standards, has not yet bridged these gaps. The impact of socio-economic disadvantage remains a significant challenge, with exclusion rates for these students disproportionately high, risking further marginalisation of vulnerable groups.
The “Levelling Up” agenda
The government's "levelling up" agenda has sought to address these inequalities by targeting additional funding and resources to 55 educational "cold spots" across the country, 24 of which have been designated as priority areas.
However, as highlighted in the 2022 paper, the impact of these initiatives remains limited, with long-standing gaps in social mobility and access to quality education persisting. While the government has pledged to improve opportunities for disadvantaged students, the effectiveness of these measures remains in question, particularly in the face of deep-rooted systemic issues.
Future outlook: Supporting disadvantaged students
Academies have a critical role to play in fostering inclusivity and addressing these inequalities. Strategies such as implementing targeted interventions, promoting diversity within leadership, and focusing on inclusive teaching practices can make a significant difference. Additionally, academies must take a proactive stance on addressing exclusion rates by providing more support for students at risk of disengagement. By prioritising inclusivity, MATs can ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to the same high-quality education and opportunities to succeed.
Customer story: Furze Platt Senior School
Raising Achievement Manager Debbie Feather, noted that through the use of curriculum content and assessment platform, Access GCSEPod, it has helped bridge the gap in attainment amongst the school’s Ukrainian refugees.
“Access GCSEPod has been more than just a learning tool for our EAL students; it has become a lifeline. For our Ukrainian refugees, in particular, the platform has provided a sense of normalcy and routine amid the upheaval of their circumstances. By immersing themselves in academic content, these students have found solace and purpose, fostering a sense of belonging within the school community”.
4. Curriculum and pedagogical innovations
The shift towards a more flexible and innovative curriculum is becoming a key trend within academies. This reflects the need to adapt educational content to the rapidly changing needs of both students and society.
Academies are increasingly exploring digital learning tools to enhance the learning experience and provide students with the skills necessary for the future. As Trust 2.0, discussed by Robson and Sheriff, emphasises, the future of education will likely see more curriculum flexibility, allowing for both local innovation and alignment with broader educational standards. This balance ensures that students are equipped with core competencies while encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
Pedagogical approaches: Personalised learning through technology
With the rise of artificial intelligence and technology in education, academies are also rethinking traditional pedagogical approaches. Personalised learning, powered by digital platforms like Access GCSEPod, can be used to tailor instruction to the individual needs of students.
This approach not only allows for more customised learning pathways but also helps to close achievement gaps by offering targeted support. In addition, innovative teaching strategies, such as flipped classrooms and project-based learning, are being integrated into academy practices, enabling more student-centered learning environments.
Find out more about Access GCSEPod by watching the product walkthrough. Simply click this link, fill out your details and you’ll be able to see the software in action.
5. Evolving Leadership and Management Models
With the rise of Multi-Academy Trusts and increasing expectations for collaboration and accountability, traditional leadership models are being reshaped.
The appointment of 32 new academy leaders to Headteacher Boards underscores this shift, as these leaders are tasked with advising Regional Schools Commissioners on local education oversight.
The Headteacher Boards, comprised of experienced leaders elected by their peers, provide valuable insights into the future direction of school leadership.
Their local knowledge and strategic input are critical to shaping policies and practices that align with the evolving needs of academies.
These boards serve as examples of how leadership can be more collaborative and flexible, encouraging a shared approach to decision-making. Successful MATs that embrace these models of leadership are better positioned to implement innovative strategies and ensure effective governance across their schools.
Find out more: Thirty-two academy leaders elected to help schools thrive
Conclusion
As academies in England continue to evolve, leaders must stay ahead of the key trends shaping their future. From the growth and consolidation of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) to financial pressures, inclusivity challenges, curriculum innovation, and the evolving nature of leadership, these developments demand a proactive and adaptive approach.
To learn more about how Access Education works in partnership with MATs, visit our software for multi-academy trusts page.
