notes of meeting: south west headteacher board · 2019-06-05 · lucy gordon (deputy director) dfe...

Notes of Meeting: South West Headteacher Board 25 February 2019

Attendance*

RSC, Chair Lisa Mannall Guests

Headteacher Board (HTB) Members

Joy Tubbs (HTB) Paul Jones (HTB) Michael Larsen (HTB) Alun Williams (HTB) Sally Apps (HTB) Brian Hooper (HTB) Steve Savory (HTB)

Apologies** Suzanne Flack (HTB)

Lucy Gordon (Deputy Director)

DfE Senior Civil Servants Hannah Woodhouse (Deputy Director) *Attendance data is published annually on gov.uk

**Members of the board who apologised have been consulted on all projects, where available, prior to the meeting (excluding items where there were conflicts). Their views are reflected in the discussion at the meeting (where appropriate).

General Discussion Points

Item Discussion Point

SW RSC Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

HTB members received an update presentation on SW RSC Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). HTB members were shown the overall positive movement in the KPIs; with four out of six of the delivery based KPIs showing signs of positive progress. There are still areas for improvement, with some improvements expected to be seen in the next 18 months.

Gloucestershire Schools Strategy

HTB members discussed a strategy for Gloucestershire schools. An official outlined that KS4 poor performance is often masked by the relatively high numbers of selective schools in the region. The number of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) are limited which presents problems when support is needed for vulnerable Single Academy Trusts (SATs) and finding sponsors for Directive Academy Orders (dAOs). Potential solutions for these regional problems were presented and included: encouraging more local schools to form MATs; hosting SAT information events; encouraging national sponsors to expand in Gloucestershire; and encouraging other SW MATs to create ‘hubs’ in Gloucestershire.

Discussion of projects, including decisions made by RSC with advice from HTB: All decisions are made in reference to relevant legislation and the published criteria.

Converter Academy Orders

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Hartpury CofE Primary School, Gloucestershire to convert and join Primary QuEST Multi-Academy Trust

• That the schools looking to form the wider MAT are all judgedgood/outstanding, though some of these are old judgments.• HTB noted that the MAT development has been completed inconjunction with the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust(DGAT).• HTB members outlined that it would be beneficial to haveanother MAT for Church of England schools (other than DGAT).• The proposed Trust’s finances were discussed, notably the topslice.• HTB members queried the ambition of the Trust going forwarde.g. did they want to expand. The project lead outlined the Trusthave a desire to grow.• The relationship between DGAT and Primary QuEST wasdiscussed, notably requesting evidence of independence fromthe Diocese MAT.• Local schools have expressed an interest in joining the newTrust.• In a rural context, this new MAT will be beneficial as there is alack of alternative options for small rural schools.• Governance was discussed. HTB members want to see that theproposed MAT has five members rather than three. Also, thatthe proposed MAT gives assurances that the roles of the

Approve with conditions

• The proposedMAT to have fivemembers ratherthan three(although it isnoted the need tomeet Diocesan VAneeds);• The proposedMAT givesassurances thatthe roles of theproposed Trusteesare compliant withguidance ontransactions withrelated parties.

None.

proposed Trustees comply with guidance on transactions with related parties. • The RSC and HTB were supportive of the project and wereminded approving once conditions pertaining to governance areaddressed.

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trust, HTB lead to delay sending the Academy Order until conditions are met.

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Shillingstone CofE VA Primary School, Dorset to convert and join the Sherborne Area Schools Trust

• That Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST) are looking to takeon both Shillingstone CofE Primary and Okeford Fitzpaine totake advantage of economies of scale.

• HTB discussed the Trust will be recruiting a primary schoolimprovement lead.

• The sponsorship tariff for Okeford Fitzpaine was discussed,and the application for an Environment Improvement Grant(EIG).

• The growth of the Trust was discussed and that this had beenrapid. It was noted that the trust has been liaising closely withthe SW RSC on their growth plans to ensure this is carefullymanaged and sustainable.

• HTB members were in favour of this project, citing that it was astrong option.

Approve Alun Williams was not present for this item and did not receive the papers.

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trust, HTB lead to send the Academy Order.

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Plympton St Mary’s CofE Primary School,

• That this was a returning project from February 2018.• HTB members discussed the education advisor visit which

was commissioned and took place in January 2019.Approve None

Plymouth to convert and join St Christopher’s Primary Academy Trust

• The vulnerability of the school was discussed, and the otheroptions which are limited.

• HTB members discussed the MAT review which took place inthe autumn term.


Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts

St Luke’s Science and Sport College, Devon to convert and join the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust

• That the Ted Wragg MAT are very keen to create a Plymouthhub• They are eligible to have received/are receive £50k of MDIFfunding towards the creation of a hub in Plymouth.• HTB noted that the sponsor market in Plymouth is particularlyweak.• Ted Wragg MAT have already been working in Plymouth the forseveral months, particularly working closely with All Saints andMarine• HTB members discussed the various visits to the region e.g. SWRSC; Damien Hinds’ Special Advisor; and Ofsted monitoringvisits at ASAP and Marine.• Ted Wragg would bring their strong governance to the Plymouthhub. HTB members recognised that this would take time toestablish.• HTB discussed some of the risk associated with the project e.g.there is a lease with the YMCA which allows All Saints accessfor exams and PE. This lease is expiring in 2020.• ESFA expressed confidence in the financial capacity of theTrust.


• That the Trustenacts the finding from the ICP report;

• That the Trustconsider SRMArecommendations;

• That the Trustworks with SWRSC officials toagree a timelinemoving forward.

None

• HTB members requested information about how the Trust willoperate as a whole, as current Governance plans look like theywill be running as two separate Trusts.• HTB members discussed the strengths of the Trust e.g. the Trusthas a history of enacting school improvement quickly; the Trustis very skilled at recruitment, particularly good at growing theirown skilled leaders from within the Trust.• Ted Wragg are willing to take the schools despite verycomplicated financial issues, e.g. in the case of St Luke’s PFIarrangements, of which and Ted Wragg has experience of this.• The Trust has a strong ethos of advantage for everyone andworking with disadvantage school pupils – particularly aroundExeter, and so very keen to have St Luke’s as part of thisproject.• HTB members queried capacity, and the implications if the Trustdidn’t have enough capacity.• HTB members noted that the structure will allow them to take onChurch schools, which is beneficial.• HTB members queried EFSA regarding the deployment of aSchool Resource Management Advisor (SRMA)• ICFP review recommendations need to be enacted.• HTB members questioned ESFA around the scheduling of PNAclawback at All Saints.• HTB members recommended that the Trust should work with aNational Leader of Governance (NLG) with experience of settingup a hub model.


Sponsored Route


Ludwell Community Primary School, Wiltshire to be sponsored by Pickwick Academy Trust

• That this was a returning project from January’s HTB meeting• Project lead provided the additional information requested at

the previous meeting on Trustees biographies and thephotocopier lease issue.

• HTB members were happy to approve.

Approve None

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trust.


Okeford Fitzpaine CofE Primary School, Dorset to be sponsored by Sherbourne Area Schools Trust

• That Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST) are looking to takeon both Shillingstone CofE Primary and Okeford Fitzpaine totake advantage of economies of scale.

• HTB discussed the Trust will be recruiting a primary schoolimprovement lead.

• The sponsorship tariff was discussed, and the application foran Environment Improvement Grant (EIG).

• The growth of the Trust was discussed and that this had beenrapid. It was noted that the trust has been liaising closely withthe SW RSC on their growth plans to ensure this is carefullymanaged and sustainable.

• HTB members were in favour of this project, citing that it was astrong option.

Approve Alun Williams was not present for this item and did not receive the papers.

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trust and School of the HTB decision.


Beaufort Co-operative Academy, Gloucestershire to be sponsored by Greenshaw Learning Trust

• That this empty MAT needs support.• HTB members noted that Greenshaw Learning Trust has shownevidence of being able to tackle improvement in challengingsecondary schools.

Approve None

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trust of the decision.


Tor Bridge Primary School, Plymouth to be sponsored by The Inspire Multi-Academy Trust

• The Expression of Interest process that was completed.• HTB members noted that the proposed Trust has been a MATsince 2016 but has not yet grown..• HTB members were advised that if approved to sponsor TorBridge, approval was required for fast track funding, noting thetrust’s continued due diligence• HTB members considered a representation received aboutshared services on the site of Tor Bridge Primary School.• HTB members noted that Inspire MAT has experience of sharedsite working.• HTB members expressed that the Trust has capacity to grow,and this would be a good challenge for them.• Trust and School finances were discussed.

Approve None

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform Trust of decision.

Sponsor Application

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts The Inspire Multi-Academy Trust, Plymouth to become an approved sponsor

• That the trust seeks to become a sponsor in order to be a solutionfor Tor Bridge Primary (dAO).• The Expression of Interest process that was completed.• HTB members noted that the Trust has been a MAT since 2016but has not yet grown..• HTB members were advised that if approved to sponsor TorBridge, approval was required for fast track funding, noting thetrust’s continued due diligence process.• HTB members considered a representation received about sharedservices on the site of the Tor Bridge Primary School.• HTB members noted that Inspire MAT has experience of sharedsite working.• HTB members expressed that the Trust has capacity to grow, andthis would be a good challenge for them.• Trust and School finances were discussed.

Approve None

Further Actions Required

Project lead to inform the Trust of the decision.


Dartmoor Multi-Academy

• HTB noted that sponsor approval is required to enable St James’CofE Primary School, a free school presumption, to transfer as a

Approve

Trust, Devon to become and approved sponsor

single academy trust to the MAT. • That in effect, the Dartmoor MAT are already running St James’CofE Primary and Nursery School under a ManagementPartnership.• An education adviser visit evidenced that trust governance isstrong.• HTB members noted that the MAT has established MAT wide datachecking systems enabling leaders to be held to account.• HTB noted the trust’s rural context and consequently that anumber of primaries are small. The MAT now needs toconsolidate.• HTB members queried the progress on Great Torrington joiningthe Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust.


Project lead to inform the Trust of the decision.

Academy Opening Approved in Principle

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Whipton Barton Infants and Nursery School, Devon

• Proposed school opening date: 1 March 2019• No issues were raised.

Approve None


None

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Whipton Barton Junior School, Devon


Approve None


None

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Grange Infants’ School, Swindon


Approve None


None


Grange Junior School, Swindon


Approve None


None

Significant Change

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Significant change application for Dorset Studio School, Dorset to make an age range change from 14-19 to 11-16

• That Dorset Studio School were also seeking approval foran in-year admissions variation to move the year of entrydown to Year 7 from September 2019.

• HTB members discussed the consultation; the Trustconsulted for six weeks an no local providers objected

• The admissions policy team within the School Infrastructureand Access Division, (SIAD) recommend that theadmissions variation is approved.

• HTB queried the need for places. They were advised thatthe LA have confirmed that there is a need from Dorchestermiddle school, and an increase in numbers in Dorset as awhole.

• Curriculum was discussed – pupils should not be expectedto choose an agricultural career at age 11. There is a needfor the curriculum to be broad and balanced and allowpupils to easily adapt to a more academic setting if theychoose for KS4 and above.

• Thomas Hardye and Kingston Maurward are local co-sponsors that are working in a partnership with DorsetStudio School.

• HTB members expressed some concerns with thecurriculum.

Approve

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trust of the decision


Significant change application for Queen Elizabeth’s, Devon to close the boarding provision

• That the single academy trust has been providing boarding since the 1860s.

• It was noted that there is a reduced demand for boarding provision; currently there are only 20 boarders. Next academic year the boarding provision only anticipates 10 boarders and needs 29 to be viable.

• The boarding provision is not economically viable and is operating with a deficit

• Furthermore, HTB members were advised that the boarding provision does not meet national minimum standards as identified by Ofsted.

• HTB members noted that the Trust governance does not accord with the Government’s current preference for Trust Governance, whereby Members are not Trustees. HTB acknowledged that the Trust is in the process of addressing following delayed approval of revised Articles.

• School improvement offer was also discussed, it was noted that it was not robust enough.

• HTB members content to approve, conditional on clarity around governance structure and alignment with departmental expectations.

Approve with the condition that the governance issues are resolved.

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trust of the decision, and conditions to have been met.


Significant change application for High Bickington

• That this is a retrospective age range change for 3-4 provision which is currently operating on a daily basis during term time. Request to extend early years provision further to include 2-year olds.

Defer

CofE Primary Academy, Devon to make an age range change from 4-11 to 2-11.

• HTB members noted that governance did not accord with the Governance Handbook.

• HTB noted performance of the trust was not strong. • HTB members noted the trust’s other significant change

requests to make an age range change from 4-11 to 2-11 at Brayford and Umberleigh primary schools.

• HTB recommended that this significant change is deferred and returns to HTB once issues with governance have been resolved.

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trust of the decision.

Trust Change

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Approval for Highnam CofE Primary Academy, Gloucestershire to join and establish the Primary QuEST Multi Academy Trust

• That the schools looking to form the wider MAT are alljudged good/outstanding, though some of these are oldjudgments.• HTB noted that the MAT development has been completedin conjunction with the Diocese of Gloucester AcademiesTrust (DGAT).• HTB members outlined that it would be beneficial to haveanother MAT for Church of England schools (other thanDGAT).• The proposed Trust’s finances were discussed, notably thetop slice.• HTB members queried the ambition of the Trust goingforward e.g. did they want to expand. The project leadoutlined the Trust have a desire to grow.• The relationship between DGAT and Primary QuEST wasdiscussed, notably requesting evidence of independencefrom the Diocese MAT.• Local schools have expressed an interest in joining the newTrust.• In a rural context, this new MAT will be beneficial as there isa lack of alternative options for small rural schools.• Governance was discussed. HTB members want to see thatthe proposed MAT has five members rather than three. Also,that the proposed MAT gives assurances that the roles of theproposed Trustees comply with guidance on transactionswith related parties.


• The proposed MAT tohave five membersrather than three(although it is notedthe need to meetDiocesan VA needs);• The proposed MATgives assurances thatthe roles of theproposed Trusteesare compliant withguidance ontransactions withrelated parties.

None

• The RSC and HTB were supportive of the project and were minded approving once conditions pertaining to governance are addressed.

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trusts of the decision.


Approval for Redmarley CofE Primary Academy, Gloucestershire to join and establish Primary QuEST Multi-Academy Trust

• That the schools looking to form the wider MAT are all judged good/outstanding, though some of these are old judgments. • HTB noted that the MAT development has been completed in conjunction with the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust (DGAT). • HTB members outlined that it would be beneficial to have another MAT for Church of England schools (other than DGAT). • The proposed Trust’s finances were discussed, notably the top slice. • HTB members queried the ambition of the Trust going forward e.g. did they want to expand. The project lead outlined the Trust have a desire to grow. • The relationship between DGAT and Primary QuEST was discussed, notably requesting evidence of independence from the Diocese MAT. • Local schools have expressed an interest in joining the new Trust. • In a rural context, this new MAT will be beneficial as there is a lack of alternative options for small rural schools.


• The proposed MAT to have five members rather than three (although it is noted the need to meet Diocesan VA needs); • The proposed MAT gives assurances that the roles of the proposed Trustees are compliant with guidance on transactions with related parties.

• Governance was discussed. HTB members want to see that the proposed MAT has five members rather than three. Also, that the proposed MAT gives assurances that the roles of the proposed Trustees comply with guidance on transactions with related parties. • The RSC and HTB were supportive of the project and were minded approving once conditions pertaining to governance are addressed.



Approval for Staunton and Corse CofE Primary Academy, Gloucestershire to join and establish Primary QuEST Multi-Academy Trust

• That the schools looking to form the wider MAT are all judged good/outstanding, though some of these are old judgments. • HTB noted that the MAT development has been completed in conjunction with the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust (DGAT). • HTB members outlined that it would be beneficial to have another MAT for Church of England schools (other than DGAT). • The proposed Trust’s finances were discussed, notably the top slice. • HTB members queried the ambition of the Trust going forward e.g. did they want to expand. The project lead outlined the Trust have a desire to grow. • The relationship between DGAT and Primary QuEST was discussed, notably requesting evidence of independence from the Diocese MAT.


• The proposed MAT to have five members rather than three (although it is noted the need to meet Diocesan VA needs); • The proposed MAT gives assurances that the roles of the proposed Trustees are compliant with guidance on transactions with related parties.

• Local schools have expressed an interest in joining the new Trust. • In a rural context, this new MAT will be beneficial as there is a lack of alternative options for small rural schools. • Governance was discussed. HTB members want to see that the proposed MAT has five members rather than three. Also, that the proposed MAT gives assurances that the roles of the proposed Trustees comply with guidance on transactions with related parties. • The RSC and HTB were supportive of the project and were minded approving once conditions pertaining to governance are addressed.


Project lead to inform the Trusts of the decision.


Approval for St James’ CofE Primary and Nursery School, Devon to join the Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust

• That in effect, the Dartmoor MAT are already running St James’ CofE Primary and Nursery School under a Management Partnership. That this project is to legalise the change from the Diocese of Exeter.

• An education adviser visit evidenced that trust governance at DMAT is strong.

• HTB members noted that the MAT has established MAT wide data checking systems enabling leaders to be held to account.

• HTB noted the trust’s rural context and consequently that a number of primaries are small. The MAT now needs to consolidate.

• HTB members queried the progress on Great Torrington joining the Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust.

Approve None

•



Approval for Marine Academy Primary, Plymouth to academy transfer to Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust

• That the Ted Wragg MAT are very keen to create a Plymouth hub

• They are eligible to have received/are receive £50k of MDIF funding towards the creation of a hub in Plymouth.

• HTB noted that the sponsor market in Plymouth is particularly weak.

• Ted Wragg MAT have already been working in Plymouth the for several months, particularly working closely with All Saints and Marine

• HTB members discussed the various visits to the region e.g. SW RSC; Damien Hinds’ Special Advisor; and Ofsted monitoring visits at ASAP and Marine.

• Ted Wragg would bring their strong governance to the Plymouth hub. HTB members recognised that this would take time to establish.

• HTB discussed some of the risk associated with the project e.g. there is a lease with the YMCA which allows All Saints access for exams and PE. This lease is expiring in 2020.

• ESFA expressed confidence in the financial capacity of the Trust.

• HTB members requested information about how the Trust will operate as a whole, as current Governance plans look like they will be running as two separate Trusts.


• That the Trust enacts the finding from the ICP report; • That the Trust consider SRMA recommendations;

• That the Trust works with SW RSC officials to agree a timeline moving forward.

• HTB members discussed the strengths of the Trust e.g. the Trust has a history of enacting school improvement quickly; the Trust is very skilled at recruitment, particularly good at growing their own skilled leaders from within the Trust.

• Ted Wragg are willing to take the schools despite very complicated financial issues, e.g. in the case of St Luke’s PFI arrangements, of which and Ted Wragg has experience of this.

• The Trust has a strong ethos of advantage for everyone and working with disadvantage school pupils – particularly around Exeter, and so very keen to have St Luke’s as part of this project.

• HTB members queried capacity, and the implications if the Trust didn’t have enough capacity.

• HTB members noted that the structure will allow them to take on Church schools, which is beneficial.

• HTB members queried EFSA regarding the deployment of a School Resource Management Advisor (SRMA)

• ICFP review recommendations need to be enacted. • HTB members questioned ESFA around the scheduling of

PNA clawback at All Saints. • HTB members recommended that the Trust should work

with a National Leader of Governance (NLG) with experience of setting up a hub model.



Approval for Marine Academy, Plymouth to academy transfer to the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust

• That the Ted Wragg MAT are very keen to create a Plymouth hub • They are eligible to have received/are receive £50k of MDIF funding towards the creation of a hub in Plymouth. • HTB noted that the sponsor market in Plymouth is particularly weak. • Ted Wragg MAT have already been working in Plymouth the for several months, particularly working closely with All Saints and Marine • HTB members discussed the various visits to the region e.g. SW RSC; Damien Hinds’ Special Advisor; and Ofsted monitoring visits at ASAP and Marine. • Ted Wragg would bring their strong governance to the Plymouth hub. HTB members recognised that this would take time to establish. • HTB discussed some of the risk associated with the project e.g. there is a lease with the YMCA which allows All Saints access for exams and PE. This lease is expiring in 2020. • ESFA expressed confidence in the financial capacity of the Trust. • HTB members requested information about how the Trust will operate as a whole, as current Governance plans look like they will be running as two separate Trusts. • HTB members discussed the strengths of the Trust e.g. the Trust has a history of enacting school improvement quickly; the Trust is very skilled at recruitment, particularly good at growing their own skilled leaders from within the Trust. • Ted Wragg are willing to take the schools despite very complicated financial issues, e.g. in the case of St Luke’s PFI


• That the Trust enacts the finding from the ICP report; • That the Trust consider SRMA recommendations;


arrangements, of which and Ted Wragg has experience of this. • The Trust has a strong ethos of advantage for everyone and working with disadvantage school pupils – particularly around Exeter, and so very keen to have St Luke’s as part of this project. • HTB members queried capacity, and the implications if the Trust didn’t have enough capacity. • HTB members noted that the structure will allow them to take on Church schools, which is beneficial. • HTB members queried EFSA regarding the deployment of a School Resource Management Advisor (SRMA) • ICFP review recommendations need to be enacted. • HTB members questioned ESFA around the scheduling of PNA clawback at All Saints. • HTB members recommended that the Trust should work with a National Leader of Governance (NLG) with experience of setting up a hub model.



Approval for All Saint’s CofE Academy, Plymouth to academy transfer to the

• That the Ted Wragg MAT are very keen to create a Plymouth hub

• They are eligible to have received/are receive £50k of MDIF funding towards the creation of a hub in Plymouth.

• HTB noted that the sponsor market in Plymouth is particularly weak.


• That the Trust enacts the finding from the ICP report;

Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust

• Ted Wragg MAT have already been working in Plymouth the for several months, particularly working closely with All Saints and Marine

• HTB members discussed the various visits to the region e.g. SW RSC; Damien Hinds’ Special Advisor; and Ofsted monitoring visits at ASAP and Marine.

• Ted Wragg would bring their strong governance to the Plymouth hub. HTB members recognised that this would take time to establish.

• HTB discussed some of the risk associated with the project e.g. there is a lease with the YMCA which allows All Saints access for exams and PE. This lease is expiring in 2020.

• ESFA expressed confidence in the financial capacity of the Trust.

• HTB members requested information about how the Trust will operate as a whole, as current Governance plans look like they will be running as two separate Trusts.

• HTB members discussed the strengths of the Trust e.g. the Trust has a history of enacting school improvement quickly; the Trust is very skilled at recruitment, particularly good at growing their own skilled leaders from within the Trust.

• Ted Wragg are willing to take the schools despite very complicated financial issues, e.g. in the case of St Luke’s PFI arrangements, of which and Ted Wragg has experience of this.

• The Trust has a strong ethos of advantage for everyone and working with disadvantage school pupils – particularly around Exeter, and so very keen to have St Luke’s as part of this project.

• That the Trust consider SRMA recommendations;


• HTB members queried capacity, and the implications if theTrust didn’t have enough capacity.

• HTB members noted that the structure will allow them totake on Church schools, which is beneficial.

• HTB members queried EFSA regarding the deployment ofa School Resource Management Advisor (SRMA)

• ICFP review recommendations need to be enacted.• HTB members questioned ESFA around the scheduling of

PNA clawback at All Saints.• HTB members recommended that the Trust should work

with a National Leader of Governance (NLG) withexperience of setting up a hub model.


Decisions escalated to the Systems Minister

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Significant change application for Yate Academy, South Gloucestershire to transition from an all-through

• That Greenshaw Learning Trust (GLT) has improved theschool, the P8 score is evidence of this.

• HTB wanted evidence of a rationale for the de-merger, theywere advised that the Trust wants separate secondary andprimary headteachers for accountability and schoolimprovement purposes.

• GLT does not have any other all-through schools, so it doesnot fit with their organisation model.

Approve in principle, Minister to take final decision.

None

provision to separate primary and secondary provisions.

• HTB noted that there may be financial benefits.• Pupil numbers were discussed.• HTB members noted that GLT run their primary and

secondary schools very differently which provides credenceto their organisational argument for de-coupling.

• HTB discussed school finances and funding.• HTB members stated they were supportive from a business

viewpoint but were not convinced of the educationalbenefits.

The RSC recommended that the Minister is sighted on this project, and takes the final decision, as it is the first de-merger the Board have approved.

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the Trust of the decision, and submit to the Minister for final decision.

Decisions taken between HTB meetings

Project Decision type RSC Decision Conflict

All Saints CofE Academy, Dorset

Full sponsored funding approval.

Following completion of due diligence, funding was approved on 31 January.

Approve None

(Ambitions Academy Trust)


Project lead to inform the Trust.

List of projects listed on the published draft agenda, but were removed before the meeting

Project Reason item was removed from the agenda:

Establishing a new trust: Primary QuEST Multi-Academy Trust This item was not removed from the agenda, but as a point of clarification it may not have been clear from the published draft agenda that Primary QuEST was a new Trust being formed. This was approved with conditions at the February HTB meeting (details included above).

notes of meeting: south west headteacher board · 2019-06-05 · lucy gordon (deputy director) dfe...

Documents