MAT Inspections

The government has announced that inspections of multi-academy trusts will be introduced through an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, fulfilling a commitment made in its manifesto and referenced in the King’s Speech.

The new provision will become law alongside the bill when it receives anticipated royal assent in the first half of this year.

Information about how the process will work has yet to be announced, along with the frequency, scope, inspection criteria, and of course Ofsted’s capacity to deliver the inspections effectively. There are early indications that inspections could start in 2027.

Emma Balchin, National Governance Association (NGA) Chief Executive, said:

“We are particularly pleased to see governance at the heart of today’s announcement, given the essential role of the multiple tiers of trust governance in leading and developing their MATs. NGA look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure these plans deliver on their promise without creating excessive workload and pressures for organisations and leaders which already do so much. We hope in doing so we can play our part in working to ensure that the inspectorate has the capacity and tools to effectively deliver a fair framework, one which avoids disincentivising trusts from taking on those schools which most need help, while ensuring any intervention as a result of inspection is proportionate and constructive.”