Role of the local authority
A trust school is part of the family of local authority
maintained schools. The local authority will fund a trust school on
the same basis as its other schools.
As with any other school, a local authority can intervene in a
trust school if it is failing or under performing. It can also
refer plans to form a trust to the schools adjudicator if it thinks
the school has not consulted parents or other stakeholders
adequately, or if it is concerned that the creation of a trust
would have a negative impact on educational standards.
A local authority will require a trust school to be represented
on the local admissions forum and take part in coordinated
admissions arrangements.
A local authority representative can be a member of the trust.
Local authority trust members, or local authority-appointed
members, can have a maximum of 20 per cent of the voting rights of
all members of the trust.
Funding from local authority
A trust school is funded by its local authority in exactly the
same way as other local schools. Like voluntary aided or foundation
schools, it remains part of the capital spending planning process,
including initiatives such as Building Schools for the Future.
A trust is also not expected or required to contribute
financially to the schools it works with.