Athena Learning Trust issued formal notice to improve by UK government

The UK Department for Education has issued a formal ‘notice to improve’ to the Athena Learning Trust, which manages several schools across Devon and Cornwall, including Launceston College. The notice follows breaches of governance requirements and concerns that the trust is not implementing necessary changes with sufficient speed or detail.

Mark Blackman, the interim trust leader, informed parents that the notice pertains to historical approaches to behavior management, specifically regarding suspensions and exclusions. He noted that significant work has been undertaken since June to improve the trust's school improvement team and student support services.

A spokesperson for the Athena Learning Trust stated the organization is committed to working collaboratively with the Department for Education. The trust has commenced a governance review and is mobilizing additional support to address identified areas, focusing on leadership in behavior, inclusion, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) arrangements.