Academy Trust Merger
Proposed Merger of Maltby Learning Trust & Accord Multi-Academy Trust
We are pleased to inform you that Maltby Learning Trust is considering the possibility of a merger with Accord Multi Academy Trust, a Trust comprised of five ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated Academies in Wakefield.
This would see the two successful and well-established Trusts joining together to create a brand-new organisation which would be greater than the sum of our parts.
This proposed arrangement would be a voluntary merger of equals, rather than any form of takeover/acquisition of one Trust by the other. The two Trusts have much in common, starting with a similar vision and values shaped around putting children and young people first, setting high standards, delivering exceptional learning experiences, and committing to and connecting with the local communities that we serve.
In the event of this merger, our Academies would continue to operate largely as they do now and would still be led by the same leadership team, supported by the same wider body of staff. Pupils and students would not notice any immediate difference; they will be in the same uniform, in the same classrooms, and with the same teaching staff, supported by the same pastoral/associate professional staff. We will continue to strive for an outstanding education for all our children in every school.
Our view is that by increasing the size of the Trust, we will be able to achieve far greater economies of scale, which ultimately means more funding directed to support your child’s learning. We would also have access to more subject specialists and pastoral experts who could continue to improve our curriculum and holistic offering, as well as a more efficient central team to streamline our internal processes.
Whilst both Trusts are strongly in favour of this merger, it is not a foregone conclusion, and there is a formal process to be followed. Importantly, the proposal not only needs to consider your views and the views of other stakeholders, but it also needs to be supported by the Department for Education (DfE) Advisory Board, which serves the Yorkshire and Humber region.
frequently Asked Questions
Is this the right time to consider a merger of Maltby Learning Trust and Accord Multi Academy Trust?
Yes, both Trusts have been considering their future development and have spent considerable time looking into different options. At Maltby Learning Trust, we have been looking to grow by either more schools joining the Trust or by exploring the potential of a merger with another like-minded organisation. Growth will result in future-proofing our schools and Trust, and Accord Multi Academy Trust represents an ideal partner to merge with to form a larger organisation that will be even stronger together.
Has the decision to merge already been made?
No. Whilst both Trusts are strongly in favour of this merger, there is a formal process to be followed. Importantly, the proposal not only needs to consider the views of our stakeholders, but it also needs to be supported by the Advisory Board that serves the Yorkshire and Humber region. It is the two respective Trust Boards that will have the final say in whether the proposal to merge should go forward once approval has been given by the Regional Director and Advisory Board from the Department for Education (DfE).
What is the timescale for the merger to happen?
We are anticipating that if approved by the Regional Director and Advisory Board, we would look to merge to form a single Trust by June 2026. This will provide enough time for all the necessary due diligence checks to take place as part of the legal transfer.
If the merger goes ahead, how will this affect the staff?
At the point of the proposed merger (June 2026), all staff would be employed by the new Trust.
Who will be responsible for running our school?
Schools will continue to operate as they do now and will be led by the Principal, supported by the Senior Leadership Team and wider body of staff.
This would work in the same way as it does now, respectively at Maltby Learning Trust and Accord Multi Academy Trust in terms of Governance, whereby the respective Board of Trustees is responsible to the Secretary of State for the schools in each Trust. If the merger goes ahead, that responsibility will continue to be the Board of Trustees of the new Multi Academy Trust, including all schools and staff transferred into the new organisation.
The proposed Governance structure will include equal representation from Members and Trustees of both Maltby Learning Trust and Accord Multi Academy Trust, with each school having a clearly defined and delegated responsibility from the Board of Trustees along similar lines to those that currently exist in each Trust. Local governance arrangements would also be retained to support and challenge the continued success of each school in serving its local community with parents retained as governors in line with existing arrangements.
Who will lead the new Trust?
The proposals set out are that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Accounting Officer for the new Trust will be Alan Warboys (currently CEO of Accord Multi Academy Trust), and that David Sutton will be Deputy Chief Executive Officer (currently CEO of Maltby Learning Trust). Both Trust leaders are fully committed to the proposed merger and will continue to work in partnership to realise the significant potential arising from this opportunity.
Will the curriculum change?
Both Trusts currently teach to the National Curriculum and already have the power to change this if they so wish. There is a culture across the respective Trusts to do some things in a similar way, but school leaders are empowered to contextualise their curriculum while being aligned to the agreed curriculum principles. This will not change because of the merger.
Would the schools have to change their name, logo, or uniform?
No, there will be no change to the name, logo, or uniform of any school as a result of the merger.
Would there be any changes to the Admissions Policy/criteria?
No, there will be no changes to the Admissions Policy or criteria for any school as a result of the merger.
Will our responsibilities in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and exclusions change?
No, the responsibilities in relation to SEND and exclusions will be just the same as they are now. What we will have is an increased capacity to support this important area of our work.
Would the term and holiday dates or the timings of the school day change?
Academies, free schools and voluntary aided schools can set their own term dates but are asked to set the same or similar dates in the interest of parents/carers who may have children at different schools. The calendars of each respective Trust have always been very much in line with local schools and other schools in each region and this will continue. Some synchronised calendar dates will allow leaders to potentially plan shared training and development on set Inset Days each year, for example, for an annual Trust Conference.
How are pupils and students affected?
Our pupils and students will not notice any immediate difference; they will be in the same uniform, in the same classrooms and with the same teaching staff, supported by the same pastoral/associate staff. We will continue to strive for an outstanding education for all our children in every school.
Will a new Trust get more money through this process?
We will continue to receive the same amount of funding per pupil as we do currently. However, through increasing the size of the Trust, by this merger, we will be able to achieve far greater economies of scale, which ultimately means more funding directed to support learning.
Does this merger change the relationship with other schools and the community?
No, both of our Trusts are committed to serving their respective communities and will continue to collaborate and share expertise with other schools outside of the proposed Trust and wider community.