Update on the Transfer of the Midland Academies Trust schools to United Learning
A spokesperson for the Midland Academies Trust said, “The Midland Academies Trust and United Learning have been working together towards a target date of 1st November for the Midland Academies Trust Schools to formally join United Learning, following approval for this partnership by the Department for Education Regional Director earlier this year.
The decision has now been taken that, due to an outstanding matter with the Department for Education relating to capital improvement works at The Nuneaton Academy, it is unlikely that the original target date will be met. You will be aware that the Department for Education is dealing with a critical risk relating to the presence of RAAC in some school buildings. RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) is a lightweight form of concrete and has been identified in a number of schools nationally. It was therefore necessary for the DfE to prioritise their work on this most immediate issue. As such, the DfE were unable to support some other capital-related activities to the normal level at this time, hence the delay to the decision awaited by United Learning. However, we have been reassured that Nuneaton Academy remains a top priority for the department while the work to identify and address RAAC in schools in ongoing. Both parties are committed to the transfer; it is fully expected that this matter will be finalised soon and that a new transfer date will be set over coming weeks.
Both parties are working closely to ensure that, despite this temporary delay, everything is in place for a smooth transfer. United Learning will continue to provide school improvement support to the Trust, ahead of the formal transfer process being concluded. This includes each of the schools benefiting from the United Learning Curriculum and support from the Group’s wide network of specialist subject advisors.