Nick MacKenzie, Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP Webinar MAT myth-busting: advantages and disadvantages Nick MacKenzie, Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP Download this presentation from: oego.co/MATMythbusting

What we will cover The landscape now and the future Key MAT characteristics and considerations Advantages and disadvantages Myth-busting Approach to joining a MAT

The landscape Education & Adoption Act 2016 White Paper & Green Paper Increase in powers of Regional School Commissioners Increase in multi-academy trusts (MATs) and growth within MATs Change in role and remit of Ofsted?

The ‘Carter Plan’ Additionally new hierarchical system of academy chains: ‘Starter Trusts’ – up to 5 schools/up to 1,200 pupils in one LA & one region ‘Established Trusts’ – between 5 – 15 schools/up to 5k pupils in a single region ‘National Trusts’ – 15-30 schools/10-12k pupils across more than one region ‘System Trusts’ – 30 plus schools/12k pupils+ across a number of regions (3 or more) New rigour to be brought to the expansion of MATs including new assessments to be introduced to reach the next tier

MAT advantages?

MAT disadvantages?

MAT characteristics Members LGB LGB Principal Principal Board of governors/ Directors / Trustees LGB LGB Principal Principal

Key questions on structure What approach will you take to: ensure effective accountability in the governance structure while providing for local autonomy? 2. ensure effective accountability in the leadership structure while providing for local autonomy?

Members Trust level Board of Trustees School Level Multi-academy trust Members – appoint & remove trustees Board of Trustees – approve accounts, MFA, employ staff, hold land & overall responsibility Academy - SFA, oversight of educational standards at local level Trust level Board of Trustees Academy 1 Academy 2 Academy 3 Academy 4 School Level LGB LGB LGB LGB

Characteristics of a MAT One legal entity One employer Equally responsible for all schools Usual to have LGBs Funded on individual academy basis Can amalgamate proportion of GAG funding Must have due regard to needs and allocations Inspected as individual academies Each academy’s grade will not directly affect another’s May be focussed MAT inspections Governance Finance Ofsted

Leadership models – Exec Head, pure model Executive Head/ Principal Head of School School A School B School C

Leadership models – Exec Head, mixed model Executive Head/ Principal Headteacher School A School B School C

Leadership models – CEO model

# myth 1 All MATs are the same

MATs are a ‘safe harbour’ # myth 2 MATs are a ‘safe harbour’

Borrow the scheme of delegation from elsewhere # myth 3 Borrow the scheme of delegation from elsewhere

Due diligence is just about compliance # myth 4 Due diligence is just about compliance

Approach to joining (1) Key considerations: What are your main reasons for wanting to join a MAT? Is there an obvious first choice? What are your non-negotiables? How do you want (and need) to be supported and challenged?

Approach to joining (2) First steps: Start a conversation with the MAT(s) you are interested in Talk to any bodies with authority over your school

Establishing or Joining Multi-Academy Trusts conference London 15th November 2016 and Yorkshire 21 February Attend this national event for legal and practical information on the process of joining or forming a MAT and factual, unbiased guidance on the different models available. Develop your roadmap for joining or forming a MAT, retain your school's identity and understand the pros and cons of different models for an efficient transition. Head to my.optimus-education.com/conferences/mat-formation for more details.

Contact Nick MacKenzie | 07920 494713 | nick.mackenzie@brownejacobson.com @_EducationLaw visit our education portal @ www.education-advisors.com Please note The information contained in these notes is based on the position as at 20 October 2016. It does, of course, only represent a summary of the subject matter covered and is not intended to be a substitute for detailed advice. If you would like to discuss any of the matters covered in further detail, our team would be happy to do so. © Browne Jacobson LLP 2016. Browne Jacobson LLP is a limited liability partnership.

Find more resources at: http://my.optimus-education.com/ Follow us on Twitter: @OptimusEd Questions & Answers