Trust Schools

All schools are now able to create charitable trusts, but what does this actually mean for governors and schools? Chair of governors Anil Basra investigates.

Basra is intrigued by the claims made for charitable trust schools. There's a lot at stake: control of admissions and employment, land and assets, the make-up of the governing body and relations with external partners.

Basra visits Mayfield School, which has already had Foundation status for the past five years, bringing some of a trust school's freedoms. He is informed that a Trust status is not on their agenda as it carries an unexpected expense and additional workload.

Next, Basra visits Monkseaton Community High School, the first school to begin formal consultations on becoming a Trust, and hears their high hopes and positive expectations.

Finally he meets with Judith Bennett, chair of the National Governors' Association, to find out what governors across the country are thinking about this controversial issue.