Two thirds of academy school groups are performing below national average for disadvantaged students
Long-standing academies were producing better results with new groups often performing poorly
TWO-thirds of academy chains are performing below the national average for disadvantaged pupils, a damning report shows today.
The Sutton Trust research carried out over five years found that in 38 of the 58 chains analysed, disadvantaged pupils were doing less well than the average for all state schools.
The report also showed long-standing academy chains were producing better exam results, with newer chains frequently performing poorly.
Meanwhile school commissioners were showing little success in improving them.
The research by Professor Merryn Hutchings and Professor Becky Francis analysed the performance of those entitled to the pupil premium in 2017, and over the five years of their Chain Effects series.
Their report found 12 of the 58 chains saw poorer pupils reach above the national average on key measures of attainment.
The Sutton Trust said the analysis suggests the same small group of chains consistently outperform the national average for disadvantaged pupils.
But another small group remain at the bottom of the table each year.
The report said commissioners must work with the poorest performing chains to ensure the academies programme realises its goal of improving outcomes for disadvantaged children.
Sir Peter Lampl, founder of the Sutton Trust, said: “Improving their educational achievement was the original reason why academies were set up. In this regard they have not succeeded.”
Professor Becky Francis, director of the UCL-Institute of Education, added: “Our five-year analysis of sponsor academies’ provision for disadvantaged pupils shows that while a few chains are demonstrating transformational results for these pupils, more are struggling.
“We continue to find it perplexing that the Government has done so little to explore the methods of these successful chains and to distil learning to support others.”
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “It is important to understand that many multi-academy trusts take on schools which have been judged by Ofsted as inadequate and which are therefore likely to have results that are below-average.
“Different trusts will have different mixes of schools at different starting points.
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“The Sutton Trust’s report gives us a valuable insight into a system which is evolving and useful practical recommendations about how to maintain the impetus for improvement.”
A Department for Education spokeswoman, said: “We are striving for a world class education for all children, regardless of background.
“Converting to become an academy is a positive choice that is made by hundreds of schools every year.
“The growing number of successful multi-academy trusts are playing an important part in driving up standards in our schools by allowing them to work together to focus their efforts on quality teaching.”
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