The boss of a troubled Birmingham schools trust, which faced a series of teacher strikes earlier this year, has announced new restructuring plans involving job cuts and a reduction in the number of iPads provided to pupils.
The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), based in Sutton Coldfield, oversees 24 schools across Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Lichfield, Tamworth, and Coventry. The trust has been grappling with a debt of approximately £10 million, leading to National Education Union (NEU) strike action in January 2025 over proposed job cuts, believed to be around 100 roles.
New Funding Model and Central Team Restructure
Interim chief executive Lee Miller wrote to parents on April 27, confirming a new funding model that reduces the central 'top slice' from over 25% to 5.5%. This top slice is the portion of school funding allocated to shared services such as safeguarding, school improvement, estates, and operational support. Miller stated: "It is vital that these essential services are delivered consistently and efficiently across all schools, while reducing duplication and supporting better value for money overall."
The change will result in a restructure of the central team, inevitably leading to job cuts. Miller said: "We have now begun a restructure of our central team. We are supporting colleagues throughout this process and continue to engage with union representatives as the consultation progresses." The trust has not disclosed the number of jobs at risk.
iPad Scheme Halved
The trust's 'iPads for all' scheme, which provided over 11,000 Apple tablets to pupils, is being scaled back. Half of the iPads (5,500) were leased and will be returned at the end of the lease agreement in July. The remaining 5,500 iPads will be redeployed across schools, with priority given to students in exam years 11 and 13. A trust document stated: "We recognise that this represents a change for pupils and families. Our aim is to retain the educational benefits while using resources more sustainably."
New Department for Education Bailout
The trust previously received £4.5 million in repayable loans from the Department for Education (DfE). Miller has now confirmed a further non-repayable grant from the DfE to cover restructuring costs. The amount has not been specified. Miller added: "We are continuing to work closely with the DfE to explore options for the future of the trust."
The trust declined to provide further details while consultations are ongoing. The DfE also declined to comment on the new bailout payment.
Schools Affected by Strikes
Secondary schools that saw strike action include Arthur Terry School, The Royal Sutton School, Stockland Green School, Nether Stowe School, The Coleshill School, and West Coventry Academy. Primary schools affected include Deykin Avenue Junior and Infant, Osborne Primary, Paget Primary, Slade Primary, St Chad's CE Primary, Scotch Orchard Primary, Anna Seward Primary, Coton Green Primary, William MacGregor Primary, and Two Gates Primary. Schools that did not see strike closures include The Bridge Academy, Greysbrooke Primary, Brookvale Primary, and Dunstall Park Primary.
