With growth comes change: How to manage expansion in multi-academy trusts

Multi-academy trusts continue to be pivotal in shaping the educational landscape, especially as they grow and expand their reach. However, managing change during growth can be complex – it requires a strategic approach to make sure that the benefits of expansion are realised while maintaining the integrity and quality of education.

At EPM we work with schools and trusts across the country to successfully support them through periods of change and growth. The following are our key areas that MATs should consider when managing change during growth:

1. Aligning vision and strategy

As your MAT expands, it’s crucial to clearly define the vision and strategic objectives of the trust and communicate them throughout the organisation. This means ensuring that any new schools joining your Trust are aligned with the MAT’s overarching vision, so everyone is moving in the same direction. Leaders should regularly revisit and refine the vision to make sure it stays relevant and resonates with all stakeholders. A shared vision fosters a unified approach, which is essential for seamless integration during growth.

2. Engaging your team

Growth can be disruptive, especially for staff. Keeping everyone — staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community — informed and engaged is essential. Open and regular communication with staff helps ease anxieties, manage expectations and reduces resistance to change. Involving staff at all levels in the decision-making process not only gives them a voice to raise concerns but also allows them to contribute ideas which strengthens their connection to the Trust’s success. This not only builds trust but also strengthens their sense of ownership and commitment to helping the MAT succeed.

3. Strengthening leadership and governance

Effective leadership is at the heart of navigating change successfully. As your MAT grows, it’s important to ensure that leadership structures are robust and capable of managing a larger, more complex organisation. This might involve developing capacity internally, investing in professional development, and ensuring that governance structures are scalable. Governance should be flexible enough to adapt to the needs of a growing trust while maintaining strong oversight and accountability that will keep everything on track.

We’re here to support you through every aspect of growth

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already have schools joining you, we can provide advice, expertise and capacity you need to achieve your ambitions. Our services cover a wide range of areas, from HR, Finance and MAT Development, ensuring that your expansion is as smooth and successful as possible:

If you’re looking for advice about trust growth and MAT development or would like to learn more about our Readiness to Grow review or Governance services, please talk to us. We’d be happy to arrange a free 20-minute advice call with our senior education practitioners to understand your needs.