News / Education
Calls for independent review of multi-academy trust
A new petition demands a formal review of the leadership and management of a trust overseeing a dozen schools across the city.
Petitioners cite a “growing loss of confidence” stemming from recent industrial action, unresolved pay disputes, poor communication and concerns about transparency and accountability at the Cathedral Schools Trust (CST).
Signed by more than 150 people at the time of writing, the campaign points to “systemic governance issues that can no longer be ignored” and argues an independent review is “now essential to restore confidence”.
It’s the latest in a saga of unrest among some parents and staff part of the multi-academy trust, which includes Trinity Academy, St Katherine’s School, Bristol Cathedral Choir School and several primary schools.
The CST told Bristol24/7 “we always review our processes and communications” to “embed lessons learned and provide the best possible support for our colleagues and families”.
School support workers employed by the Cathedral Schools Trust are in the midst of strike action in a row over pay – photo: Betty Woolerton
The petition states: “CST is entrusted with the education and wellbeing of thousands of pupils across Bristol and the wider region.
“Over recent months, a pattern of poor communication, staff unrest, and controversial decision-making has raised serious questions about whether the trust’s leadership is acting in accordance with its stated values and obligations under company and charity law.
“The continuing disruption caused by staff strikes, and the widespread concern among parents and teachers, point to systemic governance issues that can no longer be ignored.
“An independent review is now essential to restore confidence and to ensure the trust’s operations remain aligned with its mission and the Nolan Principles of public life.”
Pupils of Hotwells Primary School held a protest with homemade banners in summer due to their school being threatened with closure – photo: Martin Booth
The CST is merging with Trust in Learning Academies (TiLA) to form one of the largest multi-academy trusts in Bristol.
Under the proposal, the merged trust will be responsible for 16 primary schools, one all-through school and four secondary schools.
Meanwhile, a question mark hangs over the future of Hotwells Primary School, which looks likely to close and be merged with Cathedral Primary School.
Support staff, including teaching assistants, librarians, caretakers and caterers, employed by CTS returned to the picket line on Tuesday in a dispute over back pay.
The employees stated that a delay in annual pay increases has left them short of thousands of pounds over the past five years.
Ashton Gate Primary School in Southville is one of 12 schools ran by the Cathedral Schools Trust – photo: Betty Woolerton
In a statement to Bristol24/7, a CST spokesperson said: “We deeply value the hard work and dedication of our support staff, who are vital to both our schools and communities.
“We appreciate their perspectives on this matter and are absolutely committed to listening to their feedback and working productively with the unions to reach a resolution on this final matter.
“As such, we have asked the unions to work alongside us with support from ACAS, an independent public body, to achieve this.
“We await the unions’ repsonse and hope that the strike action can be paused while discussions take place to resolve this matter as soon as possible for our staff, pupils and families.
“As a reflective organisation, we always review our processes and communications and will do so with this matter to ensure we can embed lessons learned and provide the best possible support for our colleagues and families.”
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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