Calls for caution as Government moves to introduce Ofsted inspections for Multi-Academy Trusts
by Educate Magazine January 8, 2026 · All News / Education News / Multi Academy Trust News
Plans to introduce Ofsted inspections for multi‑academy trusts (MATs) have prompted a cautious response from sector leaders. They warn that any new system must avoid adding pressure to already stretched schools.
The move follows education secretary Bridget Phillipson’s amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bills, setting out the government’s intention to bring MATs directly into Ofsted’s remit for the first time.
Commenting on the education secretary’s amendment, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“It is understandable that the government is looking to introduce the inspection of multi-academy trusts (MATs) given the increasingly prominent role they play in the school sector.
“It will be vital that the policy is developed with great care and consideration as there are risks attached to it.
“Foremost in the government’s mind must be the need to avoid adding any additional pressure or burdens onto individual schools that are already highly accountable in multiple ways.
“We are pleased the government has committed to working with the profession when designing a trust inspection framework. It’s important that starts with first principles and a clear, agreed understanding of what the purpose of MAT inspection is.”
The Confederation of School Trusts deputy chief executive Steve Rollett said:
“School trusts are a crucial part of our education system and it is welcome the secretary of state has reiterated government’s support for their vital role. It is appropriate trusts are accountable – as indeed they already are.
“Any new checks must however have a clear purpose and not duplicate or conflict with school inspections or regulation by the Department for Education.
“Trust inspection will also need a really clear and evidence-based concept of what quality looks like, while allowing for the diversity of approaches that is a key strength of the trust system.”
Ultimately, sector leaders agree that trust‑level inspection could strengthen accountability, but only if it is carefully designed. The challenge for the government will be creating a system that adds clarity without adding pressure to schools already operating under intense scrutiny.
