At present, no schools have implemented proposals to become foundation schools with foundations (Trust Schools) under the Education and Inspections Act 2006. However, the first of the Pathfinder schools plan to become Trust Schools from September 2007. There are currently 33 Pathfinder projects involving around 70 schools. All of these schools are expected to become Trust Schools by September 2008. With the addition of around 140 Early Adopters this means that there are currently more than 200 schools working towards Trust status. This is a school driven policy therefore there are no set targets. However the Department for Children, Schools and Families will work towards having 300 schools, which by the end of the year will have become Trust Schools or are working towards this.
Forming a Trust does not involve new buildings. There is no additional capital and they will be funded through the local authority like any other maintained school.