Academy trust inspections

Academy trusts will be brought into the Ofsted inspection system under proposals in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, introducing formal scrutiny of trust leadership, governance and impact, alongside new powers for intervention where standards fall short. So what do we know so far?

The government has set out its intention of bringing academy trusts into the Ofsted inspection system, marking a significant shift in how they are held to account.

The proposals, which could begin in the 2027-2028 academic year, have been added to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. They deliver on a manifesto commitment to introduce formal inspection of academy trusts. Ministers say the move reflects the central role trusts now play in the school system and the need for clearer, more consistent scrutiny of the decisions made at trust level.

High-quality academy trusts are widely credited with helping to raise standards and widen opportunity for children, particularly through collaboration between schools. Trusts oversee decisions that directly shape pupils’ experiences, from curriculum design and staffing structures to the use of funding and support for vulnerable learners. The government argues that inspection will ensure these decisions are subject to independent oversight, while also recognising and celebrating strong trusts so that best practice can be shared more widely.

Collaboration & accountability 

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the proposals were about matching collaboration with accountability. She said: “Every child no matter their background should be able to achieve and thrive, and strong schools working together through high quality trusts help make that possible.

“That collaboration must be matched by clear, fair accountability. Trust inspection will recognise excellence, support improvement and ensure no child is overlooked, especially those with the greatest needs.”

What will the inspections focus on?

Under the proposals, trust inspections will focus on leadership, governance and impact. Inspectors will look at how effectively trusts improve their schools, the quality of education they provide across their academies, how they support and develop staff, how well they use their resources and how they promote pupil wellbeing. They will also examine the effectiveness of governance and executive leadership. 
The government says the approach will be designed not just to identify weaknesses, but to celebrate excellence and recognise trusts that play a wider role in supporting schools and children across their local communities.

The Bill will also introduce new intervention powers for the Department for Education. Where trusts are not meeting acceptable standards, these powers would allow ministers to step in, including by moving academies to stronger trusts.

Trusts will be notified ahead of an inspection and will, in turn, be required to inform parents and staff. No timeframe has yet been specified, with further detail expected to be set out in due course.

The Bill also significantly expands Ofsted’s powers. Inspectors would be able to enter any premises of a trust or its academies, or any location where its pupils are being educated, at any reasonable time. They would have the power to inspect, copy or remove documents and records, including those held electronically, and to access and check computer systems believed to have been used in connection with those records.

A careful introduction

The sector has broadly understood the need to inspect academy trusts, while cautioning about how the process is implemented.

Cathie Paine, chief executive of REAch2, said: “The key will be making sure this is done proportionately and in a way that reflects the different sizes and approaches across the system. If we get that balance right, it won’t just strengthen accountability - it will give a clearer picture of how trusts support schools, add value and, most importantly, how we can make things better for every child.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “It is understandable that the government is looking to introduce the inspection of multi-academy trusts given the increasingly prominent role they play in the school sector.

“It will be vital that the policy is developed with great care and consideration as there are risks attached to it.

“Foremost in the government’s mind must be the need to avoid adding any additional pressure or burdens onto individual schools that are already highly accountable in multiple ways.”

Next steps

Ofsted will first be tasked with devising a new inspection framework, and the government has said it plans to engage closely with the sector as this is developed. The Department for Education will also consult on its new intervention powers, and inspections will be piloted before being rolled out more widely. 

These steps mark a major step towards a more transparent and accountable academy system, with trust-level inspection seen as a key lever for driving improvement across schools and the outcomes for pupils.