PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Academies (13 July 2017)

The department publishes performance data for all multi-academy trusts (MAT) with at least three schools that have been in the trust for at least three years (for each of key stage 2 and key stage 4 individually). Many trusts are delivering above average performance. For example, at key stage 2 more than half the MATs included in the 2016 measures had above average pupil progress scores in writing and maths.

Where academies are underperforming, the department acts swiftly to address failure and secure improvement. Regional Schools Commissioners (RSCs) and their teams work with trusts on a case-by-case basis to determine the best course of action.

Ultimately, if the trust cannot make sufficient improvement for a school, the school may be transferred to a new trust with the capacity and capability to raise standards for pupils.

The department considers evidence from a wide range of sources when developing policy.