What do SBLs need to know about the changing MAT standards?

As the standards for multi academy trusts ae set to change in 2023, how can SBLs prepare?

The 2022 Academy Trust Standards School Bill proposed a new set of standards for multi-academy trusts (MATs). These standards will be set and regulated by delegated powers in a common rulebook, which will set out the requirements clearly, consistently and transparently to parents, pupils and those who operate, support and regulate academy trusts. The rulebook will allow for changes and updates to the regulations and for the changes to apply to all MATs simultaneously. 

The standards are due to come into force from September 2023, so what do SBLs need to know in order to be prepared for this change? 

What are ‘delegated powers’?

Delegated powers allow the secretary of state to apply, amend or disapply standards in both primary and secondary legislation. The standards will be debated and subject to an affirmatory vote, allowing parliament to scrutinise them; in the current system, there is no parliamentary oversight or scrutiny. 

Where can SBLs expect to see change?

In the school Bill, change is predicted across all areas of a trust. Representatives from the sector will be consulted to make sure the changes will work effectively whilst also keeping pace with the evolving school system. The areas where change is expected are:

• The nature and quality of education.
• The welfare health and safety of pupils.
• The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils.
• The provision of careers guidance.
• The length of the school day, the school year, school terms or school holiday periods.
• Assessment of pupils’ performance and the entry of pupils for public examinations.
• The handling of complaints.
• Policies and procedures in relation to whistleblowing.
• Premises, land and accommodation.
• Quality of leadership and management.
• Governance structures and procedures.
• Suitability of proprietors of academies and of staff.
• Procedures and criteria for appointing staff and assigning them to particular roles.
• Remuneration of staff (including salary and pension arrangements).
• Procedures and criteria for admission.
• Publication of information.
• Preparation of accounts and financial reporting.
• Spending of money.

When will the standards be updated?

It is important to be responsive to the needs of the education system as it shifts into a fully trust-led system. As stated in the most recent schools white paper the government wants all schools to be part of a MAT by 2023, so changes will be made to ensure that the regulatory frameworks, and standards set for MATs, continue to work effectively for academy trust parents and pupils, as well as those who support and regulate academies. 

The first set of regulations will be based largely on the existing needs of academies to maximise the freedom for MATs to deliver high quality education; they will only be updated when it is necessary in order to build and support strong MATs.