A record number of multi-academy trusts are paying staff more than £100,000 – an increase of 20 per cent in a year.
While 1,875 trusts were paying at least one individual this much in 2019/20, this rose to 2,245 in 2020/21, according to a report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee.
This is an increase of almost 20 per cent and the highest number ever reported.
Some 43 per cent of state schools in England are academies, which are publicly funded.
However, the report warns that the Department for Education “does not yet have a sufficient handle on excessive pay within the sector”.
Some academy trusts are building up large reserves. However, ministers do not have a breakdown of spending, so “cannot effectively challenge academy trusts on the build-up or planned use of excessive reserves”, the report said.
The warning comes after an investigation by Schools Week found that 29 academy trust chiefs earned at least £200,000 between 2019 and 2020.
Topping the list of highest salaries was Sir Dan Moynihan, chief executive of the Harris Federation, who reportedly earned £455,000.
‘Unacceptable lack of transparency’
Dame Meg Hillier MP, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, said: “Parents deserve a lot more visibility and clarity over exactly what is being provided to their children, in what facilities, for the vast amounts of public money pumped into the school system.
“Parents and pupils have legitimate questions over the levels of pay at their schools and the conditions and facilities they’re learning in.
“While mysterious millions disappear into the coffers of favoured trusts, the department has committed only a fraction of what is required to address potential dangers to our young people from schools in poor condition, including those where there is risk from asbestos.
“This unacceptable lack of transparency and accountability to parents and taxpayers must be resolved before the DfE presses ahead with plans to consolidate all of our schools into academy trust groups. The school system at least must give our children a strong start, on a level playing field that may be lacking in so many other parts of their lives.”
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “Trustees think very carefully about the appropriate level of pay for trust leaders and recognise the importance of being able to demonstrate value for money against rigorous performance targets.”
Mr Barton said it was also important that any further requirements were not “unduly excessive in terms of time and bureaucracy”.
