Multi-Academy Trusts – Expansion

Multi-academy trusts (MATs) were established with the aim of improving education standards by bringing together multiple schools under a single governance structure.  As these trusts grow, managing expansion becomes increasingly challenging. Daniel Cohen explores some of the key considerations involved in managing expansion in a multi-academy trust.

Establish a clear vision

To manage expansion effectively, it’s essential to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. This means defining the goals of the trust, identifying the areas where you want to expand, and determining the criteria for selecting new schools to join the trust. A clear vision, backed up by data, will inform evidence-based decision-making and ensure that all stakeholders are working towards the same goals.

Develop a robust governance structure

As the number of schools in the trust increases, it is essential to develop a robust governance structure that can manage the increased size and complexity of the trust. This might involve appointing additional trustees or setting up sub-committees to manage specific areas of the trust’s operations.

Invest in leadership

As the trust expands, it’s essential to invest in leadership and management. This might involve appointing additional staff to manage the increased workload, or providing training and development opportunities for existing staff. Effective leadership and management are essential for ensuring that the trust operates efficiently and effectively.

Ensure financial sustainability

Expanding a multi-academy trust can be expensive, and it’s essential to ensure that the trust remains financially sustainable. This means ensuring that each school in the trust is adequately funded, and that resources are distributed equitably. It’s also essential to ensure that the trust understands how the communities in which they operate will change over time. Market research can be the key to understanding your demographics.

Develop a clear communication strategy

As the trust expands, it becomes increasingly important to develop a clear communication strategy. This means ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed and involved in decision-making. It also means developing effective channels of communication between the trust and its schools, and between the schools themselves. This is also where staff and parent satisfaction surveys can help.

Support school improvement

As the number of schools in the trust increases, it becomes more challenging to support school improvement effectively. It’s essential to develop effective strategies for supporting all the schools in the trust, ensuring that each school receives the support it needs to achieve its potential.

Be flexible

Finally, it’s essential to be flexible when managing expansion in a multi-academy trust. This means being prepared to adapt your plans and strategies as the trust grows and changes. It also means being open to new ideas and approaches, and being willing to learn from your experiences.

Managing expansion in a multi-academy trust is a complex and challenging task, often made more complicated by the political inconsistency of education policy and as society alters to adapt to political and economic changes. But by addressing these considerations, multi-academy trusts can manage their expansion effectively and achieve their goal of improving education standards across the UK.

MTM Consulting works with a number of MATS, providng valuable market research and strategic consultancy. If you would like to discuss how we can help, contact Daniel on 01502 722787 or danielc@mtmconsulting.co.uk