The Department for Education (DfE) has issued a formal Notice to Improve to the Athena Learning Trust, which operates multiple schools across Devon and Cornwall, after finding the trust was not implementing required changes with adequate speed or detail.
Trust accepts scrutiny and says action is under way
The trust, which runs Launceston College among other schools, has vowed to work "openly and collaboratively" with the DfE and said it is complying with the terms of the notice. In a letter to parents, Mark Blackman, the interim trust lead, said the notice related to the trust's historical approach to behaviour management, particularly concerning suspensions and exclusions that took place before a change programme was put in place.
Trust leaders say they have already implemented a series of changes since June, including reshaping the school improvement team and bolstering support for pupils across their schools. A spokesperson for Athena Learning Trust set out the trust's position, saying it recognised progress had been made in strengthening leadership around behaviour, inclusion and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
"We are committed to working openly and collaboratively with the Department for Education following their Notice to Improve (NTI) to the trust and appreciate their acknowledgment that progress in strengthening the leadership of behaviour, inclusion and SEND arrangements has been made in recent months."
The spokesperson added that trustees were complying with all terms of the NTI and that work is under way to address the areas identified by the DfE. They said a governance review has been launched and additional change and support are being mobilised across the trust's schools, with an explicit emphasis on ensuring every child can thrive.
Concerns focus on behaviour, inclusion and SEND
Government concerns highlighted by the notice centre on governance failings and the pace or detail of implementing required changes. The trust has acknowledged historical shortcomings in behaviour management practice and insists that leaders have already altered approaches in response to feedback and reflection.
Officials and local parents will be watching for the outcomes of the governance review and for evidence that changes to behaviour, inclusion and SEND provision are being embedded consistently across the trust.
| Issue identified | Action described by trust |
|---|---|
| Behaviour management and past use of suspensions/exclusions | Changes to leadership and school improvement team; revised approaches in schools |
| Inclusion | Strengthening leadership and support for pupils |
| SEND arrangements | Improved oversight and additional support being mobilised |
The trust emphasised its belief that "every child deserves to feel safe, supported and respected" and said leaders take their responsibilities for pupils' wellbeing, inclusion and learning seriously. It said past experiences had prompted reflection and further improvements remain ongoing.
Wider implications for academy accountability
The use of a formal notice by the DfE signals a clear enforcement mechanism where ministers judge that trusts are not moving swiftly enough to meet required standards. For families and staff in affected schools, the immediate priorities will be demonstrable improvements in behaviour policy, inclusive practice and SEND support — plus transparent oversight from trustees.
- Notice to Improve: formal intervention by DfE when required changes are not implemented adequately.
- Areas under scrutiny: behaviour management, inclusion, SEND arrangements and governance.
- Trust response: governance review, changes to school improvement leadership, mobilisation of additional support.
Parents and local communities will expect regular updates on progress. The trust has committed to continue working with the Department for Education and said it has already taken steps to address the concerns identified.
How quickly those steps convert into consistent practice in classrooms and improved outcomes for pupils will determine whether the DfE escalates oversight or is satisfied that sufficient remedy has been secured.
