New guidance: understanding academy trusts
New guidance is published this week to provide information about what it means to become an academy or to join a trust.
Developed jointly by Browne Jacobson and the NAHT the guidance, entitled ‘Understanding academy trusts’, is the first in a suite of documents and discussion tools.
These resources are designed to provide senior leaders, particularly in maintained schools, with factual information about the implications and mechanics of academy status.
The hope is that the new guidance will help anybody involved in conversations around legal and governance structures relating to their school.
Katie Michelon, senior associate said:
“The guide aims to explain the nuts and bolts of what an academy is and how it operates. Despite the large number of academies today, we know from questions asked by our clients, particularly those exploring academy status, that some of the “basics” are still misunderstood.
We hope this document empowers schools as they make decisions about their futures by busting myths and serving as a clear and neutral piece of guidance.”
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Published Article
Learning from Europe: Funding models for UK schools infrastructure
Online Event
AI governance in schools: Support showcase and surgery
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected: Schools and academy trusts, May 2025
Legal Update
New novel, contentious and repercussive transactions guidance
Legal Update
Unpacking the new guidelines for alternative provision: Practical steps for education institutions and providers
Online Event
School exclusions: A review of the latest developments and looking to the year ahead
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 4): In conversation with inspiring leaders
Opinion
EHRC releases guidance for employers after Supreme Court ruling on definition of woman
Legal Update
Unfunded pay rise for teachers risks strikes, tension, restructures and budget crisis
Guide
Advice for schools on how to handle information requests from the police
Legal Update
2025/26 employment rates and limits: Are costs increases having a negative impact on the job market?
Legal Update - School leaders survey
School leaders survey, summer 2025
Legal Update
Analysing new statistics on school exclusions
Legal Update
Lessons from the 2025 cyber security breaches survey for higher education
Legal Update
Safeguarding children: Effective strategies for prevention and response
Legal Update
The rise in schools-based nurseries and the practicalities for growing trusts
Legal Update
Supreme Court ruling on trans women: What schools need to know
Legal Update
Changes to Ofsted inspection, school accountability and intervention
Legal Update
Top tips for schools handling AI generated complaints
Legal Update
Updated Modern Slavery Act Transparency Guidance: Key obligations and steps for businesses
Guide
Fair Access Protocols for school admissions: Addressing common issues
Guide
When can schools refuse admission due to challenging behaviour?
Published Article
Five key considerations for effective safeguarding leadership
Published Article
Building bridges in edtech: The convergence of AI governance and educational needs
Legal Update
Improving university governance: what we can learn from the OfS latest regulatory report
Legal Update
Royal assent for Martyn’s Law: A guide for educational institutions
Legal Update
How academy trusts can avoid disputes over recruitment agency fees
Opinion
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: Voluntary ID verification available from 8 April 2025
Legal Update
How universities can navigate the new 'failure to prevent fraud' offence
In Person Event
CST Conference 2025
In Person Event
CST CEO Leadership Summit 2025
In Person Event
AULP Annual Conference 2025
In Person Event
Senior HR Summit 2025
In Person Event
CST Data and Insights Conference 2025
In Person Event
The Education Business Conference 2025
In Person Event
Knowledge Exchange UK Conference 2025
Legal Update
Exclusion appeal outcome aids clarity for schools
Legal Update
New alternative provision guidance: What it means for local authorities and schools
In Person Event
HR update and people strategy
