Hereditary principle kicking in at Harris Federation

England’s second-largest academy chain has underlined its position as in the control of a single family, as the wife and a son of its “sponsor” have joined him at the highest level of its governance system.

Lord Harris, the Tory peer and donor and founder of the company Carpetright, after whom the Harris Federation is named, has been joined as a “member” of the 50-school, London-based chain by his wife, Lady Pauline Harris, and his son, Peter Harris, its website confirms. They are the only three members.

Members are, according to the Department for Education, similar to shareholders in a privately-owned company. Their powers include the ability to appoint and sack trustees, who in turn carry out the strategic oversight of the organisation.

In 2019, Education Uncovered revealed how Lord Harris was in ultimate control of the Harris Federation, with the right not just to appoint fellow members and trustees, but with that power – which currently sits with him in his position as “principal sponsor” of the trust - passing to other family members upon his death.

The Harris Federation’s current articles of association state, in a clause which dates back to the establishment of the trust in 2007: “In the event of the death of Lord Harris of Peckham, his wife, Lady Harris, shall replace him as Principal Sponsor. If at the relevant time Lady Harris is deceased or unwilling or unable due to physical or mental incapacity to act as Principal Sponsor his son, Martin Harris, shall replace him as Principal Sponsor.