The Pennine Alliance Learning Trust (PALT)
As a group of local schools in this area, we want to share with you an exciting development for us all. Together, alongside our respective governing bodies, we have been exploring how we can work more closely, whilst continuing to further improve and enhance the educational
experiences for all our current and future pupils.
The pressures on Local Authority services and funding are well documented and education is really feeling the impact of this. Maintained schools, i.e. those under the control of the Local Authority, are particularly sensitive to cuts in central funding, so we feel it is even more imperative to seek closer working ties and support mechanisms. As a family of schools, we have been working with the Department of Education on what the education landscape could look like for us, and we are delighted to confirm that we have been given their backing to explore the formation of a new Multi Academy Trust.
Albeit we are all local to one another, we are very aware that we are five very different schools, serving five different communities and catchments – it is therefore vital that each of the schools retain their own identity and local governing bodies. This bespoke approach to school
organisation will allow us to continue on our individual journeys, whilst allowing us to support one another as we continue to improve the provision for our young people - your children.
Now that we have secured approval from the Department for Education’s Regional School Commission, we will be working on the finer details of how our new Trust could work, and we look forward to sharing this information with you over the coming weeks and months.
Please be assured that consultation meetings will be arranged across our schools to answer
any questions and share with you further updates.
Thank you as always for your ongoing support.
Yours faithfully
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a MAT?
A MAT is a Multi Academy Trust. It is a legal entity that governs a group of schools through a single set of directors. It is set up group of schools, usually a local collaboration, that share a common ethos and vision.
Is there a set model for how MATs operate?
There are rules regarding how a MAT is funded, but the way in which it operates, its governance structure and the vision and ethos are defined by the founding schools and academies that set up the MAT.
How does the admission process work for academies?
Academies are required to comply with the Admissions and Admission Appeals Code of Conduct as if they were maintained by the local authority. They also must participate in the Local Authority co-ordination of admissions process and the Fair Access Protocols. Any changes to current admissions protocols must be consulted on with parents.
Will my child’s school change its name?
No, each school joining the new MAT will keep its name and identity. It will just be part of a wider organisation. For example Wainstalls School (part of the Pennine Alliance Learning Trust).
Will I have to buy a new uniform?
No. Each school will retain its own identity including its uniform.
Who will lead the school?
The schools will continue to have their own Headteacher and their own Local Governing Body but instead of being accountable to the local authority, they will be accountable to the new Multi Academy Trust and ultimately the Department for Education.
