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Collision of DfE vision of “local” academy trusts with their geographically-spread reality exposed in new analysis

11 June 2026

DfE: Challenges behind its more “local” vision for England’s schools. Image: iStock.

Five academy chains are each spread across more than half of England’s 10 regions, with the largest having schools in 38 local authorities, Education Uncovered’s probe reveals.

Analysis puts into perspective the challenge facing DfE if it truly wants “community-rooted” school organisation, as its white paper promised earlier this year.

DfE: Challenges behind its more “local” vision for England’s schools. Image: iStock.

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Education Uncovered

An investigative news website shining light on schools policymaking, including its many impacts at ground level.

Warwick Mansell investigates national policymaking in depth, while seeking to hold decision-makers to account for developments within schools and their communities.

He uses techniques such as data analysis, scrutiny of accounts and old-fashioned talking to sources to get to the bottom of goings-on.

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