Primary heads less likely to want to form large MATs

Large multi-academy trusts (MATs) are less appealing to primary headteachers than secondary, according to researchers.

Research conducted by academics from Sheffield Hallam and Plymouth University has concluded that “distinctive educational and institutional” differences between primary and secondary schools make academisation less appealing to primary schools, Tes has reported.

It also states that in September 2016, 67 per cent of secondary schools were academies in comparison to 21 per cent of primary schools.

The researchers conducted interviews with 10 primary heads, some of which were in MATs, about system leadership in their local area and found that they believed schools should be placed in some kind of grouping such as a MAT, teaching school alliance or federation.

However, they stated that such groupings should be built in a measured and organic way with MATs kept small.