A guide to school federations: why federate?
Why federate?
DfE current policy is that schools are stronger working together than individually. This of course can be though academisation but is not the only way. Federation is an alternative option that can bring similar benefits from the support and opportunity to collaborate that comes from being in a strong multi-academy trust.
Federation means schools remain within the strong Hertfordshire ‘maintained school family’ and can continue to access a wide range of support, through the commissioned school improvement services provided by HfL, on behalf of the council.
There are many potential benefits for working in partnership with other schools. Among them are opportunities to collaborate; share expertise and resources; develop staff; strengthen leadership, governance and long-term financial sustainability.
The decision to federate needs to be made by the Headteacher and GB. However, Hertfordshire County Council or the Diocese of St Albans may suggest to a school that federation should be considered.
Common reasons to federate may include:
- opportunity to secure strong strategic leadership and work differently to deliver the best possible outcomes for the pupils;
- current or future headteacher vacancy;
- budget pressures and the need to create financial sustainability especially because of impact of falling rolls; and
- school(s) vulnerable due to pupil progress and attainment. •
Being part of a federation, can provide greater opportunity to:
- recruit and retain staff
- wider opportunities for CPD
- create efficiencies and improvement
- develop the curriculum
- improve pupil outcomes
- share resources
Collaborating can be one of the most important decisions your school will make but we hope that schools and governing bodies will work alongside the county council and where necessary the Diocese to explore collaboration.
To help Governing Bodies to understand what federation means in practice and what processes need to be followed, we have created the following guidance and links:
- what is a federation?
- 'formal collaboration’ and federations – what makes a successful federation?
- federation process
- advice and support including links to examples of Hertfordshire federations
- mixed federation models such as VA or VC federating with Community