This is a vitally important question. We have all heard the horror stories of schools joining Trusts and then finding out they have lost the power to make their own decisions.

The key is the Scheme of Delegation. This outlines which powers are delegated to school Local Governing Bodies and which sit with the Trustees.

We believe in 'earned autonomy'. If your school is already doing well, why would be change it?

Schools rated 'good' or 'outstanding' are given a generous scheme of delegation by Chorus Education Trust that ensures they have most of the powers they had as a standalone school. 'Requires improvement' and 'special measures' schools are given more limited schemes of delegation. However, as the school improves we would hand back more of the powers they once had.

There are certain powers that can't be delegated because the Trustees are ultimately responsible for the schools. For example, the Trust has to report as one financial entity, so Trustees are ultimately responsible for its finances. However, Governing Bodies that have the full set of powers available within the Scheme of Delegation will get their own budget, which they decide how to allocate within their school. 

As much as is possible, we want our schools to be able to run their own affairs. We believe that we can add value to a school by bringing in consistent policies and procedures across our schools, providing them with increased purchasing power and a set of well-run, central services - and, most importantly, by allowing all of us to share best practice and skills.