If you are Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) that has been asked to take on an academy that is performing poorly, it is testament to the standards of excellence you have set and a cause for modest celebration.

MAT Academy Rebrokering Surveyors to Education

However, this process – known as academy re-brokering – can land your MAT with unexpected liabilities. The academy or trust that is now your responsibility may require hefty maintenance or capital investment.

It may have a rundown sports hall, students working in cramped conditions or the site layout may simply be unfit for purpose if you are going to raise standards and give those pupils the life chances they deserve. If you have taken on a failing trust with multiple academies, the potential problems are exacerbated.

So what is academy re-brokering?

Re-brokering or re-brokerage is the term used by the Department for Education (DfE) where one academy trust is asked by the Regional Schools Commissioner to transfer one, some or all of its academies to another academy trust. Usually because of poor performance (although it could also be because the move makes more geographical sense.)

Re-brokering refers to the amount of money allocated by government to fund the costs of this integration.

What if the allocated sum is not enough to help you solve the challenges outlined above?

It is at this point that it is advisable to commission qualified Chartered Building Surveyors to assess your new or potential estate liabilities and negotiate additional funding.

The first step is a condition survey to identify any unpleasant surprises, such as health & safety non-compliance or breaches in building regulations. Once the extent of remedial work has been evaluated, the next step is to secure the resources to carry it out.

Because poor standards will reflect on your MAT as a whole.

Register for a condition survey

How S2e can help

S2e can undertake surveys across the estate, highlighting all likely risks and financial implications. We can also advise on best use of space and design to optimise learning.

We then negotiate with the DfE’s Strategic and Complex Project Team to secure a grant that helps you maximise capital funding to address problems that might range from replacing a roof to upgrading the entire IT system.

The impact we can have is significant. We recently conducted due diligence for an MAT taking on a failing academy and identified a maintenance backlog of over £1million. In all, we have secured more than £8.5million when re-brokering.

Contact us today at enquire@s2e.org.uk or call 0116 5070130 on all aspects of your estates strategy, surveying and funding.