Colin buchanan

New research undertaken by Colin Buchanan and the University of Warwick for the Department for Children, Schools and Families highlights some key lessons for trust school policy.

John Siraut from Colin Buchanan, who directed the research, advised organisations wishing to support trust schools that they “needed to bear in mind that they are entering a very long-term commitment. That commitment has to take on board that there will be changes in both how the school and its trust will develop over time”.

The study into Maintained Schools with a Non-Faith Foundation found that many existing foundation schools have had links with their foundations for over 400 years. “But,” Siraut noted, “over that time the nature of the schools and foundations have changed and this had not always been reflected in the nature of the relationship between them.”

Research shows good governance generally has a positive impact on school development and improvement. “It is vital therefore,” says Siraut, “that trusts appoint governors with the right skills and attributes who are prepared to make a long-term commitment to the role. This requires a rigorous needs assessment, selection and monitoring process. But,” he added, ”it is also important that governors represent the diversity of the community served by the school and are conversant with the local community’s issues and aspirations. Selecting the right balance of governors is a major challenge for trusts”.

A full copy of the report including executive summary can be found here.