Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to help improve the governance of academy trusts in Surrey.

Robust governance is crucial to achieving a strong school system, helping every child achieve and thrive. The department has produced dedicated governance guidance in addition to requirements in the Academy Trust Handbook. The Effective Governance Resources page on GOV.UK consolidates best practice to help boards govern strategically, flexibly and effectively. It was published in September 2025 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/effective-governance-resources.

Where there are concerns about the governance of an academy trust, the department can set conditions to improve that the trust must meet to avoid further action. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education can terminate an academy’s funding agreement where there is a serious breakdown in governance.

This month we have announced that we are legislating to introduce inspection of multi-academy trusts. Reporting on the quality and effectiveness of trust governance will help drive better outcomes for children and provide greater confidence for parents.