Multi-Academy Trust Schools Slammed by MP’s

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a damning report on the issue of Multi-Academy Trust schools (MATs).

The report – produced by a cross section of MPs – is highly critical of the MATs model, particularly in regard to the ‘unjustifiably high salaries’ of many senior staff. More than 100 trustees currently earn salaries in excess of £150,000 per year and the report states that this is ‘…public money that could be better spent on improving children’s education and [does] not represent value for money’. Twenty of the MATs paying these figures are based in our South East Region, as you can see from the table below. One of these – The Education Fellowship Trust – was forced to give up its 12 schools, including one in Maidenhead, after concerns were raised about educational standards. Nine academies in Kent alone have head teachers who are paid more than the Prime Minister.

More than two million children are now taught by academies run by private companies. PAC chair Meg Hillier said: ‘The cost of failure where an academy chain runs several schools is hugely damaging for pupils and government needs a better grip of when chains are at risk of failure’. The Guardian recently reported that some 40,000 children across 64 schools are currently enrolled at ‘zombie schools’; those part of a failed academy that have not yet found new governance.

The PAC report shows precisely why UNISON is strongly opposed to the to the governments academies and free schools programme. Though they are funded by the taxpayer they have little accountability to the communities they serve. Working alongside other unions we have produced a campaign pack designed to help parents and staff who oppose forced conversions of their own school.

If you have any concerns regarding Multi-Academy Trusts then please email P.Young@unison.co.uk.

South East Region Schools with Staff Earning Over £150,000pa

All figures from TES