FAQs

A multi-academy trust (MAT) is a type of organisation that oversees and manages multiple academies (schools) in the education system. In the context of education systems, a single academy is an independent, publicly funded school that operates outside of local authority control. Multi-academy trusts are created to unite a group of academies under a single legal and administrative framework.

Key features of a multi-academy trust may include:

1. Centralised Governance: The trust has a central governing body that oversees and manages multiple academies. This can lead to more consistent policies and practices across the academies within the trust.

2. Collaboration: Academies within the trust often collaborate on various aspects, such as sharing resources, expertise, and best practices. This collaboration aims to improve educational outcomes for students.

3. Autonomy: While academies within a trust work together, they also retain a level of autonomy. Each academy may have its own governing body and some degree of independence in decision-making.

4. Efficiency: Multi-academy trusts are often formed to achieve operational and administrative efficiencies. By consolidating certain functions at the trust level, there can be cost savings and streamlined management.

Schools join the Forest of Dean Trust because they want to be part of a locally rooted partnership that combines collaboration, support and shared expertise whilst preserving each school's unique identity. Our schools benefit from professional development, school improvement support and collective strength, without losing the character, values and community connections that make them special.

Schools that join the Forest of Dean Trust become part of a locally rooted partnership of schools committed to achieving more together than they could alone. Membership provides access to school improvement support, professional development, specialist expertise and collaborative networks across the Trust. Unlike many larger trusts, we value the individuality of each school, enabling them to retain their distinctive character, culture and identity while benefiting from the strength and support of a wider organisation.

The decision to join the Forest of Dean Trust is made by the school's governing board, following careful consideration of the opportunities, challenges and long-term benefits for the school community. Throughout the process, governors will engage with leaders, staff, parents and other stakeholders to ensure the decision is informed and in the best interests of pupils.

Ultimately, it is the governing board that makes the final decision on whether the school converts to academy status and joins the Trust.

The conversion process typically takes several months and involves due diligence, consultation and legal processes. The Trust works closely with schools throughout the journey to ensure a smooth transition.

Absolutely. We encourage schools considering joining the Trust to speak directly with headteachers and leaders from our existing schools to hear first-hand about their experiences.

No. Schools that join the Forest of Dean Trust retain their own name, logo, identity and place within their local community. We believe that every school has its own unique character, history and strengths, and becoming part of the Trust does not mean losing what makes a school special.

Our approach is based on collaboration rather than conformity. While schools benefit from shared expertise, support and opportunities across the Trust, they continue to celebrate their individual ethos, values and traditions. Parents, pupils and the wider community will continue to recognise the school they know, whilst benefiting from the additional strengths that come from being part of a wider family of schools.

In short, schools join the Trust without losing their identity.

No. Joining the Forest of Dean Trust does not mean a school is required to change its uniform.

We recognise that a school's uniform is often an important part of its identity and reflects the pride, traditions and values of the local community. Schools that join the Trust retain their own character and individuality, and decisions about uniform remain with the school.

Our focus is on supporting schools to thrive through collaboration, professional development and shared expertise, not on creating a single, standardised model across all Trust schools.

Joining the Trust does not mean pupils would be expected to wear a new uniform simply because their school has become part of FODT. Instead, schools continue to celebrate the traditions and features that make them unique while benefiting from the support and opportunities of being part of a wider family of schools.

Yes. Schools within the Forest of Dean Trust retain their own leadership team, who continue to lead the school on a day-to-day basis. The Trust works alongside school leaders, providing support, challenge and opportunities for collaboration while recognising the importance of local leadership.

No. The Forest of Dean Trust does not impose a single curriculum model across all schools. We support schools to develop and refine their curriculum while recognising that each school serves a unique community and context.

Staff transferring to the Forest of Dean Trust are protected under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations). This means they transfer to the Trust with their existing terms and conditions of employment preserved, including continuity of service and pension arrangements.

In day-to-day practice, staff continue to support their school community while gaining access to the wider opportunities, professional networks, development programmes and collaborative support available across the Trust.

In short, staff retain their employment protections while benefiting from being part of a wider family of schools.

Staff have access to trust-wide CPD, coaching, leadership development programmes, networking opportunities and collaboration with colleagues across all Trust schools.

Not directly. Schools do not automatically receive more government funding by joining a Multi Academy Trust. However, academies receive funding directly from the government, giving the Trust greater control over how resources are used to support pupils and school improvement.

Being part of the Trust can also create efficiencies through shared services and expertise, helping schools make the most of their available funding.

In short, joining a MAT is about making funding go further, not receiving more funding.

Each school continues to have a delegated budget and works closely with the Trust's finance team to ensure resources are used effectively to support pupils and school improvement.

Yes. Schools that are part of the Forest of Dean Trust continue to be inspected by Ofsted and receive their own inspection outcomes and reports. Joining the Trust does not change a school's accountability for the quality of education it provides. In addition, Ofsted may also carry out evaluations of Multi Academy Trusts to assess how effectively they support and improve their schools.

In short, schools remain individually inspected while benefiting from the additional support and expertise of the Trust.