British Edutrust Foundation (Edutrust) is a not-for-profit organisation. Edutrust has been set up by a number of committed people interested in the development of education excellence in schools with the intention of sponsoring a number of Academies in England. Edutrust was established following research and consultation on the issue of education in inner cities.

Edutrust has a number of Patrons who have agreed to donate sponsorship funds and ‘in kind’ support to enable Edutrust to become the sponsor of all its Academies.

Edutrust benefits from the extensive expertise of its Trustees and Management Team. The team has been established specifically to ensure that the development of its Academies follow proven educational best practice.

The experience of Edutrust’s Management Team has been in some of the most deprived inner city Authorities in the country at headship, senior local authority, governor, and community levels. This provides a practical basis and understanding of what makes a successful school.

Edutrust wants to help to raise standards of education through its Academies programme by establishing a number of Academies in inner cities and areas in England, which will be ‘Centres of Excellence’, and have the interests of all young people at their heart.

Edutrust’s commitment is to raise the attainment of all young people in the disadvantaged areas in which it works, and in doing so, foster greater social and community cohesion. Edutrust is not sponsoring faith schools - its Academies are inclusive and provide for all students. They learn and play together, reflecting the multi-race, multi-faith and multi-cultural nature of 21st Century Britain.

Edutrust’s commitment is to ensure that the cultural and faith needs of all students are recognised and respected, and that tolerance and respect for each other is promoted.

The Trustees have a deep interest in education. They are committed to making a difference for the young people in each Academy and to invest in communities to improve opportunities for everyone. Trustees will not be involved in the Academy on a daily basis. However, through its regular meetings, the Board of Trustees is kept appraised of the development in each Academy, thereby enabling it to provide support accordingly.

A key objective of Edutrust is to work with and involve key stakeholders, partners and the localcommunity. Edutrust is keen to encourage the involvement and participation of stakeholders and local organisations. This will range from becoming Governors to mentoring students or staff.

Opportunities to meet with interested parties and individuals are established within each Academy to foster innovative practice and new ideas that will benefit learning in the wider community.

Edutrust will ensure that all aspects of the curriculum are taught by fully trained staff that have appropriate qualifications, experience and expertise. Trustees and patrons will not be involved in teaching in any Edutrust Academy. All arrangements for teaching will be the responsibility of the Principal and the Board of Governors.

The Academies programme provides a unique opportunity to secure funding to create ‘world-class’ schools, with facilities which also benefit their local communities. Academies have the potential to significantly improve the academic attainment of students in the inner city and deprived areas of England and many improving schools are now choosing to become Academies in pursuit of this aim.

Edutrust wants to help enhance the life chances of students by establishing a number of Academies which understand and respond to the needs of their communities through local involvement. Edutrust is holding discussions with the Local Authorities of several cities and regions in England to establish Academies. The proposal to transform a school into an Academy requires the support of the DfES, Local Authority and Council members who will explore all options to ensure that the school achieves and sustains its very best.

The DfES monitors the performance of all schools within each Local Authorities in England. Area representatives are in regular discussion with Local Authority officers to identify where there is underperformance and to provide support to overcome barriers. Where there is insufficient improvement or concern that improvements can be sustained, a fresh start for a school through the Academies programme is one option which may be discussed with the Local Authority.

A school which has been placed in ‘Special Measures’ after an Ofsted inspection will be subject to ongoing monitoring through additional and periodic visits. HMI (Her Majesty’s Inspectors) will expect EDUTRUST to see measurable improvements in a relatively short period of time to minimise the negative impact that poor standards have on students. Importantly, HMI will seek assurance that any improvements observed are sustainable. Edutrust will help to identify and support strategies for improvement and build on practice identified by HMI, Edutrust’s Management Team and specialist consultants.What will the ethos of the school be and what is Edutrust’s vision for its Academies?

Edutrust’s vision is to provide Excellence in Education for All, ensuring that the life chances of young people are enhanced. Edutrust will support them to become successful, integrated citizens who can contribute fully and effectively to the economic wellbeing of the wider community. Edutrust's ethos is based on high aspirations and high expectations.

It is also the intention that Edutrust Academies provide for all members of the community, strengthening support for families by embracing the Every Child Matters and Extended Schools agendas. They aim to provide ‘one stop’ facilities which deliver broader services and lifelong learning opportunities for the local community.

Edutrust’s Academies do not select students and admissions follow the agreed practice of the Local Authority to ensure that they serve local communities. Families living in the current catchment area of a school which is to become an Academy therefore stand to gain significantly from Edutrust’s investment. All students at the current school will become students of the new Academy. Edutrust will publish the number of students that will be admitted to each year group, including the sixth form.

If parent/carers do not want to send their children to the Academy they should contact the Local Authority who will inform them of other schools which have places available.

• What will the curriculum be like? Will the National Curriculum still be taught?

Edutrust Academies follow the National Curriculum and provide a modern education tailored to meet the specific learning needs of each individual. This includes:

• A strong vocational and work related programme.

• An emphasis on developing students’ confidence, skills and attitudes to succeed in a world where the pace of change is ever increasing.

• A strong focus on communication skills to help develop confidence, self respect and increasing independence.

• A culture promoting a full range of learning, thinking, problem solving and life skills.

• Close partnerships with the Local Authority, local businesses and voluntary organisations, parent/carers, neighbouring schools, community groups and other Academies.

• A range of lifelong learning provision.

The formal curriculum is complemented by a full programme of careers education and guidance, pastoral care, professional mentoring and personal, health and citizenship education. Edutrust works closely with local and regional Colleges and Universities to enhance curriculum, personal development and careers opportunities for students and to continuously develop the expertise of staff.

There are already funds available to schools to implement the Government’s Extended Schools agenda. This is often supplemented by grants, donations and voluntary support. Edutrust is committed to providing for students:

• A wide range of additional opportunities from which students can benefit, including an extensive programme of extra curricular and enrichment activities.

• A strong commitment to specialist subjects and vocational experiences, including professional opportunities.

• Access to sports, recreational and other resources outside of school hours, including weekends and holidays.

• A world-class learning environment which supports the aspirations of students.

• Increased residential and international experiences to broaden students’ knowledge and understanding.

• Significant investment in new technology.

Students are consulted on what they would like to see included in the Extended School programme through School Council representatives.

Edutrust will not be directly involved in determining the curriculum of each Academy. This will be the responsibility of the Principal and Board of Governors in response to local and national priorities. However, Edutrust will support the development and expansion of curriculum opportunities through additional resources, involvement of businesses and voluntary organisations and the expansion of work experience for students and work-based placements for staff through network contacts.

Edutrust will also encourage further links with schools, other Academies, colleges and universities to extend individual and personalised learning arrangements. The expansion of specialisms for each Academy within the Specialist School initiative and 14-19 diplomas will be encouraged to support this aim.

In promoting educational opportunities for all, Edutrust’s Academies reflect an inclusive ethos that promotes tolerance and respect for others. This is characterised by diversity, equality and excellence. Edutrust’s Academies raise student expectations of what they can achieve, facilitated by the right curricular, family and community support.

All students have individual needs and it is the aim of Edutrust to ensure that each one has the specialist support required to achieve their personal and academic potential. Those who have particular talents and skills are encouraged to develop these through the mainstream curriculum and extended school programme.

The cost of going to university is increasing and becoming a significant barrier for some students, particularly those able to aspire to Oxford and Cambridge. Through a bursary scheme, Edutrust will support a number of students each year to go on to Higher Education and throughout their course. Edutrust is also committed to ensuring that all students have access to ICT facilities, including a laptop computer for personal use both in school and at home.

Edutrust’s key aim is to develop Centres of Excellence through innovative approaches to learning and teaching. Edutrust will provide the resources needed to achieve its published objectives and so raise educational standards. These include providing a programme of quality continuing professional development and training for all staff to underpin and sustain improvements. Edutrust actively supports its Academies to implement best practice to ensure that standards are raised appropriately.

Strong leadership is the most crucial aspect of a new Academy if it is to provide students with the learning opportunities to achieve their potential and so raise standards. This leadership will come from the Principal and the Board of Governors.

The creation of an Academy usually requires the post of the new Principal to be advertised and the most suitable applicant appointed. The Headteacher of the existing school is eligible to apply. The Principal is appointed after the feasibility study has been completed and the funding agreement signed. The key qualities of the Principal will be a highly credible and experienced educationalist who has a proven track record as a successful leader and manager.

There will also be some changes to the Board of Governors but Edutrust is committed to ensuring that key stakeholder groups are represented on each Board of Governors, including parent/carers, staff, local employers and the Local Authority.

Academies receive funding at the same level as secondary schools in the Local Authority, including additional grants. However, Edutrust is committed to providing its Academies with additional ongoing practical and financial support and innovations will be supported by Edutrust.

It is an integral part of the feasibility process that Academy proposals are made widely available for public consultation, giving all stakeholders the opportunity to state their views on the project. Public consultation is undertaken with the following stakeholder groups: Council members and Local Authority officers; staff, students and parent/carers of the school; Trades Unions and Professional Associations; MPs and education representatives; and local business and community representatives.

There are also public consultation meetings and a specific opportunity for those interested in matters relating to Special Educational Needs.

Edutrust believes that staff are the most important resource in the Academy and will work hard to ensure that opportunities are provided for them to gain professional satisfaction and fulfilment from their new post. Edutrust is committed to a fair, caring and responsible approach to staff and will develop this by consultation with both staff and their professional associations. The transfer of staff to the Academy will be managed in accordance with the TUPE (Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment) legislation.

The development of an appropriate staffing structure in each Academy will be led by the Principal. The vision for the Academy will encompass new ways of working and new approaches to learning and teaching.

Edutrust is committed to using the flexibility in the Teachers Pay and Conditions Document (TPCD) to enhance opportunities for staff development and progression. There is no proposal to move away from standard staff terms and conditions. Staff will be treated individually and their expectations and wishes regarding working in the Academy will be taken into account in discussions about their future.

It is not anticipated that there will be a new contract but Trustees may wish to consider enhancing opportunities for Academy staff (e.g. additional pay for out of hours commitments, professional development etc) and this would be negotiated at the appropriate time with staff and their professional associations.

No. The current employer of teachers is either the Local Authority or the school’s Governing Body. Edutrust will work closely with the Local Authority throughout the transition process, which will include all matters relating to staff employment.