There is a strong moral argument, and one that many CEOs would recognise, that Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) are very important community assets with responsibilities that extend beyond their duty to educate their own children, to collaborating with other schools and playing their part in tackling local challenges.

The argument is reinforced by the approach of leading international systems and educational researchers such as Michael Fullan: He said that ‘leadership from the Middle’ through locality-based governance and partnership working is key to building school systems that can deliver excellence and equity.