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How do the DCSF define federation?

- The definition as invoked in the 2002 Education Act which allows for the creation of a single governing body or a joint governing body committee across two or more schools from September 2003 onwards.

- A group of schools with a formal (i.e. written) agreement to work together to raise standards, promote inclusion, find new ways of approaching teaching and learning and build capacity between schools in a coherent manner. This will be brought about in part through structural changes in leadership and management, in many instances through making use of the joint governance arrangements invoked in the 2002 Education Act.

The benefits of federation

Federations can increase capacity within the groups of schools to achieve higher standards, providing:

- improved teaching and learning

- a structured way for schools to collaborate, learn from each other and share best practice

- improved senior and middle management, joint appointment of staff and coherent training

- joint staffing opportunities including Specialist Teachers and wider career opportunities across the federation

- governance support and development

- a cost-effective and coherent curriculum, increasing the opportunity to fulfil individual students’ needs, extending curriculum entitlement

- models of good practice to improve teaching and learning and inclusion

- cost effectiveness – economies of scale

- a basis for further partnerships, including cross-phase and with other providers (eg. 14-19, community services etc)

- saving on planning and administrative time

- strategic planning, for example through the sharing of complementary specialisms

- building capacity and coherence across the federation and the LEA

Find out more on the DCSF website.