Minister vows to drive up standards in struggling West Midlands schools during Black Country visit
The Education Minister says the "resilience" offered by strong performing multi-academy trusts will help drive up standards in struggling West Midlands schools.
Baroness Barran visited Oldbury Academy on Pound Lane where she spoke with staff and pupils about improvements at the school since it became an academy.
The school joined Stour Vale Academy Trust in September 2021 and was rated 'Good' in its most recent inspection having previously been judged 'requires improvement'.
Sandwell, meanwhile, is one of 24 Priority Education Investment Areas lined up for millions in government funding aimed at driving up standards in under-performing schools.
Baroness Barran said successful multi-academy trusts had a key role to play in the programme. She told the Star: "We are bringing a real focus and additional investment and money to the area.
"The Department [for Education] will always support schools where it is required and we are very clear that quality really matters.
"What we have found is that there is a certain resilience that comes from being in family of schools under a strong trust.
"This isn't about academisation for its own sake. It's about the resilience that it brings the leadership and staff in the school which then allows them to do a fantastic job for the kids."
