What is a Trust School?...
Under new Government legislation schools are now able to apply to become Trust Schools by forming a link with a charitable organisation (the Trust) formed by partners such as universities, businesses or voluntary organisations.
What are the benefits?...
The aim is for the schools to benefit from the energy and expertise of their external partners. Trust schools will also acquire new flexibilities similar to those already enjoyed by Foundation and Church schools. These include employing their staff and controlling admissions.
Who will run Trust Schools?...
The school decides whether the Trust appoints a minority or majority of governors. All Trust schools will have a duty to take into account the views of parents. The Headteacher and Governors remain in charge of the day-to-day running of the school.
What differences will there be?...
Most schools at present are community schools which means that the school admissions are those set by the Local Authority, the buildings are owned by the Local Authority and the staff are Local Authority employees. Faith schools have their own admission criteria, own the buildings and are the employers.
Trust schools are a recent creation by the Government in which the school has a charitable trust attached to it and they own the buildings, are the employers and set the admission criteria. The trust will also agree who are going to be the governors of the school.
Will Trust Schools affect my child?...
A major concern expressed by parents is which children will be allowed to attend the Trust Schools? All Trust schools will have to follow an Admissions Code, like all state schools do now, which means no new selection by ability. Therefore Trust schools will not be free to select the "best" pupils. There will be more opportunities for all.
The academic side of schooling will remain more or less the same and will continue to be the highest priority for schools, although Trust Schools would also be able to increase the vocational (non-academic) opportunities for pupils. This could mean more job-related training opportunities and improved facilities either on the school site or by linking up with local businesses.
What benefits will they bring?...
As a charitable organisation, Trust Schools will be able to seek additional funding to help schools achieve their goals. This is something which schools cannot do at present. For example, this could mean the school applies to the National Lottery to help fund a new school sports or business facility.
However, because this is a new opportunity for schools which has never been explored before, it is difficult to say exactly how schools will benefit. The aim of Headteachers and Governors is to make sure they get the very best for their school. There are bound to be lots of new opportunities for pupils and other young people from the local community.
Our Trustees...
Bill's current primary role is at Liverpool Hope University as Pro Vice-Chancellor (External Relations & Widening Participation).
The former Headteacher of Parklands High School, Alan took over as Chief Executive of The Fiveways Trust in 2009.
Patricia is Director of Quality & Strategic Development at Liverpool John Moores University.
Information to follow.
Sue is currently Director of Finance at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust having taken up post in February 2009.
Tony is the Chief Executive and Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, and has been in the fire service for more than 33 years.Contact Us
‘Friend of Fiveways’ - A Case Study
As a Friend we are able to get involved with as many aspects of the Trust as we wish, from assisting the management team with marketing and PR planning.
Tel: +44 (0)151 228 6800•Fax: +44 (0)151 220 9256•E-mail: chiefexecutive@fivewaystrust.com