Academy trust’s central charges doubled in two years? There’s nothing we can do, says Department for Education
The DfE: stance on Initio left parent "flabbergasted". Pic: iStock.
Parent’s letter raising concerns about Initio Learning Trust drew a blank from DfE regional director’s office, leaving him wondering if there was anyone to turn to.
A vivid insight into the standoffishness of the Department for Education when it comes to how academies operate has been provided by communications around a local campaign in England’s South West.
With nearly 1,000 people now having joined a Facebook group concerned about looming job cuts at the 19-school Initio Learning Trust, and concerns about its financial management including a huge recent increase in its central charges or “topslice,” a parent asked the Department for Education to intervene.
But the answer they received essentially said that: “There’s little we can do, as academies manage their own finances and staffing.”
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By Warwick Mansell for EDUCATION UNCOVERED
Published: 13 May 2026
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The representation of the DfE here is not true. The DfE have a number of levers which influence the direction of trusts and active decision making. Warnings notices are issued. Experts are sent in. Trusts have to do Recovery Plans. Trusts have to complete curriculum staffing plans. All these push trusts to have fewer teachers, bigger classes, fewer subjects. In the final analysis, Ofsted can be sent in. The response, if true, is disingenuous and erodes even more trust. There is a different DfE behind the scenes than the one shown to parents here. DfE very much controls the direction of travel. Essentially front line services are being cut but the DfE will not want to be seen as responsible. Do ask them about their levers of control.