The Department for Education is inviting leaders to join a multi-academy trust CEO reference group to advise the government.

In a letter seen by Tes, school standards minister Catherine McKinnell says the new group is intended to “enable meaningful discussions and provide advice on matters relating to the achieving and thriving pillar of the Opportunity Mission”.

The group will be “supported” by the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), the letter adds. The first meeting is set to take place on 15 July.

‘Excellent practice’ in academies

“Since I’ve had the privilege of being minister for schools standards, I have had the pleasure of visiting and seeing the excellent practice in academies across the country,” Ms McKinnell’s letter reads.

“I recognise that high-quality trusts have been able to spread excellence and innovation across our school system,” it adds.

Ms McKinnell says she hopes members of the new group will use their experience and knowledge to offer “feedback, insights and advice” on how to drive excellence for all children.

The move comes after a backlash from the academies sector over the DfE’s flagship Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, legislation that will bring academies into line with maintained schools in several areas where they have previously had flexibility.

Earlier this month the DfE appointed maintained school headteacher Andrew O’Neill as a school leader adviser.

CST chief executive Leora Cruddas said: “CST welcomes the establishment of the CEO advisory group and we are very pleased to be able to contribute to the work of this group.”

Tes has asked the DfE for more details on the group and how many CEOs will be on it.

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