As part of CST's Bridge to the Future series, written in partnership with the Reach Foundation.

School trusts are facing substantial unplanned and unfunded costs. Analysis of budget information and survey data by CST has found that, without further financial support, more than half of trusts could be in deficit by 2024/5 with the remainder down to worryingly low reserves.

CST’s first National Survey of School Trusts aims to create a unique and powerful picture of our sector. Supported by our Platinum Partner, Edurio, the report explores the progress and priorities of school trusts across England.

The performance review of the chief executive or executive leader of a school trust is one of a trust board’s most significant responsibilities. It is key to the board’s leadership of strategy and values, its accountability for educational outcomes and financial health, and supports the development and well-being of the trust’s most senior employee. School trusts have the freedom to define their own appraisal process for chief executives in line with their trust’s ethos and values and approach to performance management.

Trusts have become a central part of the English education system, providing the core of school-to-school support, improvement and governance. This means that it is increasingly important for us to know what high quality looks like in a trust. In this paper we have reviewed the evidence from four countries: England, the US, the Netherlands and Sweden. The latter three countries were chosen as they have somewhat similar (though by no means identical) systems. This literature review draws on a search conducted using several evidence bases, websites of government agencies, and a general google search. We also drew on the references to other studies in those sources.

The guidance provides a selected overview of the evidence of the impact of the pandemic on children’s education. We provide a map of the different funding streams and the grant conditions associated with them. Finally, we offer a strategic approach to planning over a three-year period.
Updated April 2022.

As we move towards a school system in which all schools are part of a trust, it is right that trusts and schools joining them consider the benefits and challenges of integrating groups of schools. Much of this is addressed through the vitally important due diligence processes that Trusts and schools undertake. However, this paper extends the essence of due diligence beyond the legal and business undertaking to consider what it means to integrate professional practices.

Briefing note on the Schools White Paper 2022, Opportunity for all: strong schools with great teachers for your child.

In this paper, we explore the potential cost pressures affecting Trusts across the next three years, when set against likely funding increases, and seek to identify the pinch points.
Information is correct as of March 2022.

Thoughts on the future of the education system in England from our chief executive, Leora Cruddas CBE.