Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will publish the (a) reasons for and (b) evidential basis for his Department's decision on winding up Salford Academy Trust.

Following consultation with the department, Salford Academy Trust (SAT) has decided that the best option for its academies is to merge with another trust. The department’s priority is to ensure that all pupils in SAT receive the best possible education and in this case, we have agreed to identify a trust to provide increased capacity to improve outcomes for pupils. The department is working closely with SAT to manage a smooth transition for its pupils. The decision on whether or not SAT winds up is a matter for the trust.