Trusts, Networks & LAs

SIL played a pivotal role in the establishment and early development of a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) in the Liverpool City Region, including support for the initial application to the (then) Regional Schools Commissioner.

Following approval, SIL worked closely with the CEO to support the development of Trust-wide HR policies and manage the TUPE process as the MAT expanded and welcomed additional schools.

SIL’s Governor Services also provided key support by refining the model Articles of Association, designing and developing the Scheme of Delegation, and sourcing and inducting Trustees.

SIL were commissioned to conduct biennial external reviews of all primary schools within a Trust and forms part of a two-year cycle, alternating with peer reviews conducted by Headteachers.

This structured approach introduces external scrutiny and adds rigour, helping to drive continuous improvement and guard against complacency. It also enables the Trust to benefit from the expertise and insight of the EIP team.

In addition to school-level evaluations, the EIP identifies Trust-wide areas for development. 

The EIP also collaborates with the Trust to carry out appraisals for all primary Headteachers and Executive Principals, ensuring the process is transparent, consistent, and accountable.

SIL played a key role in supporting the establishment of a new Trust by working closely with the incoming CEO to deliver bespoke support and carry out due diligence. This included helping set strategic priorities for all schools joining the Trust and providing clear reporting to Trustees.

Rather than appointing a dedicated School Improvement Lead, the Trust commissioned Education Improvement Partners (EIPs) through SIL. This approach offered access to a broader range of expertise at a lower cost and with fewer liabilities than hiring a full-time Trust officer.

EIPs work alongside identified internal Trust leads one day per week to support key areas and build internal capacity among school leaders. Trustees view this model as a more effective use of public funds, enabling a wider variety of tailored support across the Trust’s schools.

The Trust has purchased 40 days of support from three EIPs, each bringing a diverse set of skills and experiences. These include primary headteacher experience, school inspection expertise, special school Trust CEO leadership, secondary lead inspector roles, and subject-specific specialisms.

Regular KITs with the CEO provide an external perspective on all schools within the Trust.

A school improvement group comprising of 27 schools) and a Trust.

The priority area was Attendance. 

SIL was commissioned to deliver a package of support, including termly attendance briefings, training for staff new to the role of attendance lead, information sessions for Governors as well as conduct an individual attendance review in all schools within the Partnership and Trust. 

The economy of scale meant that these could be offered to the Partnership and Trust at a reduced rate. 

The Trust have now commissioned follow-up review visits to capture progress against actions due to the success of the training and reviews.

SIL were able to quickly train up additional officers to conduct reviews and provide capacity at no substantive cost to the organisations or long-term impact on cost or finances. 

Significant impact on attendance data has also led to endorsement from Sefton LA and other groups of schools requesting support packages.

These studies are just a small example of the variety of support services provided to many MATs across the region.