On 14 May 2007 the Prime Minister announced there are now over 200 schools working towards trust status - double the number expected at this point.

Over 140 primary, secondary and special schools have applied to become trust schools, alongside the 70 trust pathfinder schools which are already working towards trust status. The first of the pathfinders plan to become trust schools from September 2007. There are now plans to work towards having 300 schools which have become trust schools or are in the pipeline by the end of 2007.  

The DfES also announced that it will be offering schools a further opportunity to apply for funding to help with the set-up costs of becoming a trust school. Schools who are interested can find out more by visiting the SSAT's trust schools website.

The full press notice is available on the DfES News centre.