Government intervention sees schools join new trusts

Schools run by an academy trust with a financial deficit of nearly £9m are to be moved to other trusts, it said, following a decision by the government.

The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) said following recent discussions, the Secretary of State for Education had decided its schools would transfer to a small number of other West Midlands based academy trusts.

Lee Miller, the trust's interim CEO, said it had made progress in improving its financial position and that the change was "intended to ensure schools continue to benefit from strong regional expertise, local understanding and ongoing support".

The BBC has contacted the Department for Education (DfE) for comment.

The trust runs a number of schools in the West Midlands, including across Birmingham, Coventry, Lichfield, Tamworth and Warwickshire.

More than 800 members of staff who are part of the National Education Union (NEU) went on strike across 20 schools over nine days in January over the then-prospect of compulsory redundancies.

Further strike action was planned for February before an agreement was reached between the trust and the union.

Miller, who replaced CEO Richard Gill after he resigned in February, said while the decision to transfer the schools ultimately rested with the education secretary, the change provided the "strongest opportunity to support ongoing school improvement" and "long-term stability".

Discussions regarding the trusts involved and the timing of any transition arrangements remained ongoing, with further information shared in due course, he added.

"Throughout this period, ATLP will continue to operate fully, maintaining its focus on school improvement and operational stability whilst supporting schools, staff and pupils," Miller said.

"Our head teachers and staff remain firmly focused on providing high-quality education and ensuring children and young people continue to receive the support they need."

The NEU has also been contacted for comment.

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