In this pamphlet, CST chief executive Leora Cruddas CBE sets out the case for the school trust, and a trust-based system. It attempts to set out why a trust-based system might be our best bet, and explains why a group of schools working together in a school trust is so much more than simply the changing of the legal structure of the school.
In 2017, Steve Munby, formerly chief executive of the National College for School Leadership, gave a speech on ethical leadership in which he argued that the wrong question is ‘Should my school become an academy?’ He said a much better question is: "How can my school best collaborate with others in a strong and resilient structure to ensure that each child is a powerful learner and that adults have the opportunities to learn and develop as teachers and leaders?”
I think that there is something fundamentally important and powerful in these words. A group of schools working together in a School Trust is so much more than simply the changing of the legal structure of the school.
This paper starts with ‘why?’. It attempts to set out why a trust-based system might be our best bet. It does not deal with technical arguments. It is also definitely not based in the policy or ideology of any political party. There has been in my view too much of a compliance mindset in education – we should not do things (or not do things or wait to do things) because this or that government tells us what to do. We have had a Schools White Paper which sets an ambition for all schools to join a strong trust by 2030. As we approach an election, we must acknowledge a future government may take a different view, for example allowing the different school structures to co-exist. It is for us as professionals, with a duty to the children we serve, to strive for what we believe will give every child the best possible start in life.
CST has never argued for the blunt instrument of legislative compulsion which would force all schools to join a trust. It is essential that those who lead and govern our schools believe they are making good educational decisions, based on what is best for children, young people and communities, our staff, and our schools. So, we need to make the case that a group of schools working together in a single legal entity is our best bet for building a system that is the best system at getting better.
I make no apologies for writing from purpose. I am cautious to claim that I write from moral purpose because I think morality is a complex ethical and philosophical field – and there is much over-claiming of moral purpose to seek a high ground. I will attempt to answer Steve Munby’s beautiful question. I am not claiming that there is only one answer. I hope that this paper encourages the kind of thoughtful and respectful debate that will help our profession reach a maturity of discussion on these crucial issues.
My primary audience is headteachers and governors considering the case for joining a trust. This pamphlet is also for Trust leaders and policy makers as it makes the case for a Trust-based system.
So, why join a trust – and why a trust-based system?
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