Tips for growing a multi-academy trust in a changing landscape

The education sector is evolving fast, and MATs are feeling the impact - financial constraints, legislative shifts, declining pupil numbers, and employment law reforms. At EPM’s first Thought Leaders Series panel discussion, education experts shared insights on how trusts can not just adapt, but actively thrive in this evolving environment.

1) Define your growth ambitions

Before embarking on a growth strategy, clearly define your ambitions. As Peter Knight (COO, Trinity Multi-Academy Trust) emphasised, uncertainty can also be an opportunity for innovation. Ensure your vision is aligned with the long-term goals of your Trust, and secure the support of your Board, Senior Team, and key stakeholders. It’s important to articulate what your Trust can offer to potential partner schools and how it will deliver meaningful benefits to both existing and new schools.

2) Check your central team's scalability

Evaluate whether your current arrangements are scalable for future growth. Do you have sufficient capacity in areas such as school improvement, governance, finance, and HR? Nick Osborne (CEO, Maritime Academy Trust) highlighted the importance of ensuring your Trust has the necessary resources and expertise to absorb new schools, emphasising that economies of scale can make growth self-sustaining. An external trust-wide review or options appraisal can help assess your position and readiness.

3) Develop a strong people strategy

The recruitment and retention of talented staff is critical to the success of your Trust. Elly Clemmans (Director of People, Skinners Academy Trust) emphasised that employment law reforms and changing workforce demographics are reshaping the education sector. Understanding what drives your staff and developing a people strategy that supports professional development, flexible working, and succession planning can make a big difference in retaining top talent.

4) Conduct thorough due diligence

When considering a merger or the addition of new schools, thorough due diligence is essential. Financial health, governance, and HR should all be carefully reviewed to avoid unexpected risks. Independent expertise can be invaluable in this process to ensure that trustees meet their legal obligations and protect the Trust’s long-term sustainability. Nick Osborne warned that smaller trusts may be vulnerable, so ensuring that all potential partners align with your strategic priorities is key.

5) Invest time and resources in growth

Growth requires time and money. If your Trust has reserves, investing in external expertise and additional capacity can support long-term benefits. Strategic investment at the right time can lead to efficiencies and improve sustainability.

6) Balance central team funding

A growing MAT must strike the right balance when funding its central team. Too much or too little can impact trust operations. You’ll also need to determine the most effective centralised funding arrangement, such as whether to use a percentage top-slice of each School’s budget or GAG pooling.

7) Stay informed and ready

From estates management to teacher pensions, having up-to-date information about your Trust and Schools is essential. Regularly reviewing this data ensures you can adapt to future challenges like declining pupil numbers and fluctuating funding.

8) Build meaningful partnerships

Working with others can drive innovation and help demonstrate trust value. Peter Knight stressed the importance of looking outward: “It’s easy to become insular. Looking at sector trends and building partnerships is critical, especially for trusts still growing.” Form close ties with your surrounding maintained schools and local authorities to embrace your civic duty and create greater opportunities for partnership working. For many, this has provided a counter to the negative press surrounding trusts.

At EPM, we’re seeing more interest in partnership arrangements between trusts, resulting in MAT mergers. This avenue of growth has not been affected by the removal of the £25k conversion grant and, if done successfully, could absorb the amount that would have previously been covered by TCaF funding as merging brings additional resources to central teams.

Moving forward

Growing a MAT in today’s climate requires adaptability, strategic thinking, and proactive planning. By assessing your readiness for growth, conducting thorough due diligence, and leveraging financial opportunities, you’ll position your Trust for success. Prioritising leadership, people strategy, and clear stakeholder communication will ensure your Trust not only navigates change but continues to thrive in an evolving educational environment.

If you’re looking for advice about trust growth and MAT development or would like to learn more about our Options Appraisals or Readiness to Grow 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.