The NGA considers that federations and formal collaborations have an important role to play in school improvement.
Ofsted, in its report Leadership of more than one School, highlighted some of the advantages and benefits of becoming part of a federation. It noted that a major advantage of federation was the improvement of governance in weaker schools.
Governing bodies may consider federation for a number of reasons: to protect current provision (i.e. smaller schools), improve struggling schools or a joined up approach of different phases of education to provide a more streamlined offer. Any decision to federate must be based on whether it will improve outcomes for children and not as a means of retaining the status-quo. There must be a clear strategic vision for the federation as a whole.
Governing bodies must ensure that all stakeholders of the school are consulted if they are considering forming or joining a federation.
Formal collaboration arrangements can provide governing bodies with the ability to share expertise and good practice without taking the full step to federation.
When working in collaboration schools should ensure that the joint committees have a clear purpose and terms of reference.