AN ACADEMY trust that runs a number of schools in Dorset has been slammed for failing disadvantaged pupils and not being able to account for the impact of £2million of government money.

A review was recently carried out by Ofsted in to Plymouth CAST, the multi-academy trust of the Catholic Diocese of Plymouth.

St Augustine’s in Weymouth, St Catherine’s in Bridport, St Mary’s Catholic in Dorchester, St Mary and St Joseph’s in Wool and St Mary’s in Swanage are among the 36 school that the trust runs.

Ofsted inspected 10 schools during the review in October but none of these were in Dorset.

The review was carried out due to concerns about the performance of a number of the trust's schools.

The chief executive John Mannix has been placed on leave.

Inspectors found that the trust is failing to provide effective challenge and support for school improvement and that the trust leaders and board members do not have a clear strategy to tackle the underachievement of disadvantaged pupils.

It also found that members cannot account for the impact of £2million of additional funding the trust received to help disadvantaged pupils in 2016.

The report stated: “The chief executive officer (CEO) and directors of the Trust board do not have a sufficient understanding of school performance.

“Membership of the trust has not led to higher standards of achievement in too many of its schools.

“Trust leaders do not have the capacity to bring about improvement with the necessary urgency. They have been too slow to recognise and tackle weaknesses in the quality of provision.

“They have not intervened quickly enough to secure or maintain the quality of teaching and leadership required for pupils to achieve well.”

The report also criticised progress in key stages one and two at schools in the trust and that there is not positive progress in maths or writing.

The report continued: “Trust leaders and board members do not have a clear strategy to tackle the underachievement of disadvantaged pupils.

“They cannot account for the impact of the £2 million of additional funding which the Trust received for these pupils in 2016.

“Outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and for the most able pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, vary too widely from school to school. These groups of pupils do not do well enough.”

The report continues that the scheme of delegation is not fit for purpose and lines of accountability are blurred.

In a statement, Mark O'Toole, the Bishop of Plymouth said: "I was very saddened to read the report from Ofsted, which has highlighted shortcomings in Plymouth CAST. I am acutely aware that many parents, pupils, teachers and staff members will be concerned by today’s findings. I am too. Catholic schools have a reputation for excellence and supporting students to achieve their best. It is clear that Plymouth CAST has not been reaching that benchmark in some schools and we must move quickly to put things right."

Sandy Anderson, the chairman of Plymouth CAST said the report is "deeply disappointing" adding that there have been changes to the governance of the trust and additional leadership support has been brought in.

He also moved to reassure pupils, parents and teachers that the trust is determined to put the situation right.