What is a Trust?

What is a Trust School?

Under new Government legislation schools are now able to apply to become Trust Schools by forming a link with a charitable organisation (the Trust) formed by partners such as universities, businesses or voluntary organisations.

What are the benefits of Trust Schools?

The aim is for the schools to benefit from the energy and expertise of their external partners. Trust schools will also acquire new flexibilities similar to those already enjoyed by Foundation and Church schools. These include employing their staff and controlling admissions.

Who will run Trust Schools?

The school decides whether the Trust appoints a minority or majority of governors. All Trust schools will have a duty to take into account the views of parents. The Headteacher and Governors remain in charge of the day-to-day running of the school. The Trust will appoint a minority of the Governors.

What's the difference from how schools are run now?

Most schools at present are community schools which means that the school admissions are those set by the Local Authority, the buildings are owned by the Local Authority and the staff are Local Authority employees. Faith schools have their own admission criteria, own the buildings and are the employers.

Trust schools are a recent creation by the Government in which the school has a charitable trust attached to it and they own the buildings, are the employers and set the admission criteria. The trust will also appoint some of the governors of the school.

How will Trust Schools affect my child?

A major concern expressed by parents is which children will be allowed to attend the Trust Schools? All Trust schools will have to follow an Admissions Code, like all state schools do now, which means no new selection by ability. Therefore Trust schools will not be free to select the "best" pupils.

It is hoped that by becoming a Trust school, there will be lots more opportunities for pupils. The academic side of schooling will remain more or less the same and will continue to be the highest priority for schools, although Trust Schools would also be able to increase the vocational (non-academic) opportunities for pupils. For example, this could mean more job-related training opportunities and improved facilities either on the school site or by linking up with local businesses.

As a parent do I have a choice?

The Government legislation states that all schools considering becoming a Trust school have to undertake a period of consultation with parents, staff, the community and other school stakeholders (organisations who have an interest in the school). This consultation informs parents and other members of the community about what conversion of a school to a Trust School will mean for them and their family, and encourages them to ask questions. This website is part of our informal consultation, and we would very much like to hear your views on this proposal. Following this period of consultation, each school will then decide whether or not to make a formal proposal to become a Trust school.

What benefits will it bring?

As a Charitable organisation, the Trust supporting the Schools will be able to seek additional funding to help Schools achieve their goals. This is something which schools cannot do at present. For example, this could mean the school applies to the National Lottery to help fund a new school sports or business facility.

However, because this is a new opportunity for schools which has never been explored before, it is difficult to say exactly how schools will benefit. The aim of Headteachers and Governors is to make sure they get the very best for their school. There are bound to be lots of new opportunities for pupils and other young people from the local community.

Both schools will continue to follow the National Curriculum, but will benefit from partners' experience and ideas: -

• To raise standards in literacy and numeracy
• Strengthen practical and vocational opportunities for all pupils, particularly those who are in danger of losing interest in school
• To improve the health and fitness of all pupils
• To develop our School specialisms
• Improve career and life opportunities for all pupils