Resources and publications

Trust schools toolkit

The Trust schools toolkit outlines the process that schools need to go through to acquire a trust.

Further support is offered in the Guide to becoming a trust school. The guide provides schools and governors with step by step guidance in becoming a trust school. It includes many examples, insights and learning gained from schools which have opened as trust schools:

Foundation schools guidance

The FASNA Practical Guidance pack contains more detailed information about the new responsibilities of a Foundation school and about each stage of the process.

To obtain a copy email: janette.sharp-tetley@fasna.org.uk.

Trust school blog

Maurice Peddelty, headteacher at Samuel King’s School and Technology College in Alston, Cumbria is part of the North Pennine Learning Partnership which became a trust in April 20008. Maurice's blog is sharing the experience of developing a trust and the efforts to bring the vision to fruition.

We invite you all to read Maurice's blog, add comments, ask questions and share your experiences.

Maurice's blog

Supported schools programme

The provisional date for the next expression of interest application round is 2 March 2009. We hope to be able confirm this date early in the new year.

Expression of interest form and guidance notes (Word)

Trust schools and business partners

The guidance note offers schools support in developing an effective approach to business involvement in a Trust school. It focuses on five key areas to consider when researching and talking to business partners. A checklist is provided to ensure all key points are considered.

Download guidance note (Word)
Download checklist (Word)

The following memorandum of understanding can be used as a template when starting discussions with potential partners:

Example memorandum of understanding (Word)

An overview flyer to explain to business the benefits of being involved with a Trust school:

Why should a business get involved? (pdf)

Example legal documents

The following are example legal documents and guidance on the process of setting up a trust.

Example statutory notice to be displayed on school gates, published in the local press, etc on the day the statutory consultation process begins. Download statutory notice (Word)
Guidance notes on how to register the trust. Download guidance (Word)
Example memorandum and articles of association, legal documents that need to be completed as part of the registration process. Download example documents (Word)

DCSF documents

The DCSF publishes guidance on all areas of becoming a Foundation or Trust school. The follow are of particular use:

Statutory Trust acquisition guidance (Word)
FAQs on land and assets (pdf)
Your guide to Trust schools (pdf)
Governors guide to Trust schools (pdf)
Local authority guide to Trust schools (pdf)
Project plan for acquiring trust status (ppt)
Making Trust schools their business - a guide for schools on engaging companies (pdf)
Voluntary schools working with Trust schools (Word)

The DCSF publishes guidance on becoming a Foundation school, Trust school proposals and removal of a trust on their website.