MP demands probe into Dorset academy trust as school cuts spark backlash
Mid Dorset MP Vikki Slade is calling for an independent investigation into Initio Learning Trust following school redundancies
The MP for Mid Dorset has called for an independent investigation into a an academy trust following controversial staffing cuts that have alarmed parents and teachers across the county.
Vikki Slade has written to the Department for Education urging ministers to examine the financial management and governance of Initio Learning Trust, which runs 19 schools.
The move comes after the trust announced redundancies at both Corfe Hills School and Queen Elizabeth’s School, citing “extremely challenging financial conditions”.
In her letter to the schools minister, MP Slade raised concerns about the scale of the reductions. At Corfe Hills, the number of teaching assistants is set to be cut by more than half, alongside reductions in subjects including French and science.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth’s School is proposing to scale back creative subjects, with performing arts, music, psychology and media studies at risk of being removed from both GCSE and A-level options.
Mrs Slade said the situation had heightened wider concerns about the academy system. “I have serious concerns about the effectiveness of the academy trust system, based on the experience faced by parents and teachers in my own constituency,” she said.
She has called not only for an independent investigation, but also for a pause on the current restructuring and stronger national rules to ensure academy trusts are more accountable.
Local councillor Jindy Atwal echoed those concerns, arguing that while academies were designed to offer independence from local authorities, they are now instead governed by large multi-academy trusts.
Parents have also voiced alarm after reviewing the trust’s accounts, raising questions about executive pay increases at a time of cuts to frontline staff.
Vikki Slade warned that “children, teachers and support staff” were bearing the brunt while trusts continued to expand.
In response, Initio said it had engaged with the MP and was committed to a transparent consultation process.
A spokesperson said decisions would focus on maintaining the long-term sustainability of schools while delivering the best possible education.
The consultation remains ongoing, with final decisions yet to be made.