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Logo for The Inspiration Trust, Norwich, Norfolk, UK

Inspiration Trust is a multi-academy trust of academies and free schools in East Anglia, England. The trust was founded by Theodore Agnew, Baron Agnew of Oulton as the East Norfolk Academy Trust in 2012, changing its name to the Inspiration Trust in 2013.[1][2] Although technically a limited company, as a multi-academy trust the company is an exempt charity, principally regulated by the Department for Education.[3]

All the academies on the roster are in Norfolk, except East Point Academy, which is located in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Primary schools

Secondary schools

Sixth forms

Controversies

In 2014 an investigation took place into whether three of the Inspiration Trust's schools were given unauthorised advance notice of Ofsted inspections.[16] The main finding of the investigation was that there was no evidence the schools had received unauthorised prior warning.[17] There was a secondary finding that the trust's Chief Executive, Dame Rachel de Souza, had mistakenly seen a planned inspection date for one of the schools during her own training as an inspector; however, this date had been changed as a result.[17] There was further concern about Ofsted's judgements of one of the trust's schools in 2018.[18]

In 2015 a local Member of Parliament, Clive Lewis, questioned the Trust's fitness to run schools.[19]

In 2018 there was concern about Sir Theodore's continuing role in the trust given that he had become Academies Minister, although he was no longer "a person of significant control".[20] He resigned from the trust the same year.[21]

In the same year there was criticism of Dame Rachel de Souza's salary.[22]

In 2019 there was publicity about the amount the trust was deducting from schools' budgets to fund development of the curriculum.[23]

In summer 2020, de Souza took a high profile decision to reopen her schools in mid August in response to the educational time lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[24]

“Every hour makes a difference! Particularly in schools with disadvantaged cohorts, that time in front of a teacher is critical.” (de Souza)

Some students have had no contact with the internet for six months, others will have been diligently following online lessons, de Souza explained. Students, starting with year 11s, will self isolate in year group bubbles, in school and on the school buses. They will have longer school days and be offered Saturday school with catch-up sessions.[24]

References

  1. ^ Whittaker, Freddie (28 September 2017). "Who is Theodore Agnew? 7 facts about the new academies minister". Schools Week. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  2. ^ "INSPIRATION TRUST - Overview (free company information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  3. ^ "Regulation of schools and academies with exempt charity status - Publications - GOV.UK". gov.uk. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  4. ^ Martin George. "Free schools: Three successful applications, and one failed bid - Education - Eastern Daily Press". edp24.co.uk. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  5. ^ "EduBase - Cobholm Primary Academy". education.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  6. ^ George, Martin (1 July 2013). "Inspiration Trust". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  7. ^ "City School to look at longer school day". Eastern Daily Press. 13 March 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  8. ^ "EduBase - Stradbroke Primary Academy". education.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  9. ^ Hurrell, Alex (23 May 2013). "Cromer Academy says yes to joining Inspiration Trust". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  10. ^ Anthony Carroll. "Warned Lowestoft academy set for takeover - News - Lowestoft Journal". lowestoftjournal.co.uk. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  11. ^ Wright, Lucy (4 July 2013). "Hethersett High School to become an academy by November 1". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  12. ^ "EduBase - The Hewett Academy, Norwich". education.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  13. ^ Adams, Richard (22 May 2013). "Full list of free schools approved for 2014 opening". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  14. ^ Bristow, Tom (8 July 2013). "New Sponsors hopes to change fortunes of Thetford Academy". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  15. ^ Leggett, Victoria (8 October 2012). "Hunt on for Principal to run new Norwich free school". www.edp24.co.uk. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  16. ^ "Norfolk schools tip-off claims: Ofsted to investigate". BBC News. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  17. ^ a b Wilshaw, Sir Michael (23 September 2014). "Investigation into allegations of inspection irregularities in three Norfolk schools". GOV.UK. Ofsted. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  18. ^ Staufenberg, Jess (18 May 2018). "Inspiration Trust earns softer Ofsted report after four-month turnaround". Schools Week. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  19. ^ George, Martin (28 July 2015). "MP questions Inspiration Trust's Hewett role after claim Rachel de Souza was "sick" at school's positive Ofsted report". Norwich Evening News. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  20. ^ George, Martin (26 April 2018). "Academies minister reduces his control of Inspiration Trust". Schools Week. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  21. ^ Whittaker, Freddie (31 August 2018). "Lord Agnew resigns as Inspiration Trust director". Schools Week. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  22. ^ Stott, Matt (24 February 2018). "Fresh concern over 'fat cat' academy boss pay". East Anglian Daily Times. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  23. ^ Dickens, John (3 January 2019). "Inspiration Trust hikes top-slice from school budgets to cover curriculum team costs". Schools Week. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  24. ^ a b Hinsliff, Gaby (13 August 2020). "For parents and teachers, sending children back to school will be a leap of faith | Gaby Hinsliff". the Guardian. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
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