Asked by: Eddie Hughes (Conservative - Walsall North)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what evidence his Department holds on the effectiveness of Multi Academy Trusts in improving educational outcomes for pupils.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
Performance data illustrates how disadvantaged pupils in academy trusts are making more progress at GCSE level than the equivalent national average. Data for key stage 4 and academy trust performance in 2018 is available here:
In primary schools within academy trusts, disadvantaged pupils performed significantly better than the equivalent national average in writing and maths. Data for key stage 2 and academy trust performance is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/774446/KS2_Revised.
The department has also conducted a series of assessments into the effectiveness of academy trusts in improving educational outcomes for pupils. In 2019, we published internal analysis of the performance of sponsored academies, which typically converted to academy status due to underperformance. Our analysis concluded that pupil outcomes in sponsored academies have typically improved since their formation in comparison with sets of similar schools. The analysis is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsored-academy-performance. Evidence shows there are now more than 550,000 pupils in good or outstanding sponsored academies, which typically replaced underperforming local authority schools.
In addition to our own internal analysis, we also hold evidence produced by external organisations, such as the one produced by the Institute of Education, available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/763796/School_Improvement_in_Multi-School_groups_-_FINAL_10122018.pdf.
Asked by: Eddie Hughes (Conservative - Walsall North)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the five growth checks for multi-academy trusts.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
The department has conducted an assessment of the multi-academy trust (MAT) development programme, previously referred to as growth checks. A summary of the assessment will be published in due course.
The materials for the MAT development programme can be found at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/722985/MAT_Development_Programme_2018_resource.pdf.
Asked by: Eddie Hughes (Conservative - Walsall North)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to incentivise multi-academy trusts to deliver effective school improvements; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of creating a mechanism for schools to decide to move between multi-academy trusts.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
Academy trusts operate under a strict system of oversight and accountability for the quality of education they provide, which informs decisions about targeted support or intervention. Regional School Commissioners work to support academy trusts within their regions and, where appropriate, encourage academies and trusts to apply for funding to support school improvement, such as The Multi-academy trust Development and Improvement Fund.
Where a school wishes to leave a trust of which it is already a part of, this is possible with the consent of my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, providing both the school and the trust are in favour; that it can be demonstrated there will be greater benefits for the school from joining another trust; and that the capacity of the existing trust is not diminished.
Asked by: Eddie Hughes (Conservative - Walsall North)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when he plans to update the April 2016 Regional Vision Statement for the West Midlands and publish a new statement.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
In light of changes over time to how Regional Schools Commissioners (RSCs) interact with the school system, we are reviewing the published Regional Vision Statements, and expect to decide on any replacements or revisions shortly.
The RSC for the West Midlands will be meeting my hon. Friend, the Member for Walsall North, on 22 July 2019 at which time he will be able to discuss the regional vision for the West Midlands RSC area.
Asked by: Eddie Hughes (Conservative - Walsall North)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the funding allocated to build the Swift Secondary Academy in Blakenall ward in partnership with Windsor Academy Trust remains in place.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
Despite extensive site searches, the department has so far been unable to secure a viable site for Swift Secondary Academy in its proposed location of Blakenall in Walsall.
The Walsall Local Plan does not allocate land for educational use and the council has previously indicated that it would not support the delivery of the school.
The funding for the school remains available, but given the lack of available sites and uncertainty over the future demographic need for additional school places in the area, we are currently reviewing the project's future.
Asked by: Eddie Hughes (Conservative - Walsall North)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information he holds on the progress that LocatED has made on finding and purchasing a site for the Swift Secondary Academy in Walsall North in partnership with Windsor Academy Trust.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
Despite extensive site searches, the department has so far been unable to secure a viable site for Swift Secondary Academy in its proposed location of Blakenall in Walsall.
The Walsall Local Plan does not allocate land for educational use and the council has previously indicated that it would not support the delivery of the school.
The funding for the school remains available, but given the lack of available sites and uncertainty over the future demographic need for additional school places in the area, we are currently reviewing the project's future.
Asked by: Eddie Hughes (Conservative - Walsall North)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if it is Government policy that well performing schools shall not be made to convert to academies.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
The government believes that all schools can benefit from becoming an academy as part of an academy trust. The department’s policy remains that maintained schools are only required to become sponsored academies, due to educational underperformance, if they are judged inadequate by Ofsted.
Many well performing schools are voluntarily choosing to convert to become academies. As a result, thousands of pupils are benefiting from higher standards in their schools. As of June 2019, there are 8,157 academies. Over two thirds of these academies, 5,861, are converter academies, and many of those have become system leaders within academy trusts by helping other schools to improve. We encourage any collaboration between schools that improves outcomes for pupils.