FAQs

What is a multi-academy trust (MAT)? 

A multi-academy trust (MAT) is a charitable company established to be responsible for several academies. Each academy remains a separate school with its own local governing body, but governors are responsible to a Board of Trustees established for the Trust as a whole. 

Trustees are accountable to the Secretary of State for Education for the educational and financial performance of all the Trust’s schools and maintain a central team of staff to ensure that schools improve and meet the government’s expectations. 

What are the benefits of becoming part of a multi-academy trust?

There are lots of views and opinions about multi-academy trusts. Supporters say that multi-academy trusts allow schools some additional freedoms, for example, helping stronger collaborations to form between groups of like-minded schools, as well as providing enhanced access to professional development opportunities. This family approach helps each school to get stronger. 

What will this mean for my child’s education? 

Being part of a multi-academy trust will provide greater opportunities for school staff to work together to share and develop best practices so that we can continue to improve teaching and learning in all schools - but you and your child are unlikely to see any visible difference day-to-day. 

Schools will still have the same name, the same uniform, the same admissions arrangements, the same leaders and staff – and, most importantly, the same pupils.

How will this affect the provision for my child with SEND?

SEND provision is given a high priority within Infinity Academies Trust.

In 2024, a review of Infinity’s SEND provision was carried by the Trust with the support of LEARN SEND Hub. Strengths that were highlighted included leadership of SEND, quality of SEND provision; working with pupils and parents of pupils with SEND; access to CPD through National College and whole school SEND; and adaptations of planned curriculum within curriculum. 

During recent Ofsted inspections across the Trust, the SEND provision has also been praised. For example: 

“The school quickly identifies the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff work with parents and carers and external agencies to secure appropriate support for pupils. Pupils with SEND are supported well to learn and progress through the curriculum alongside their peers.” 

- Ofsted 

“The school has a clear understanding of the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff ensure that pupils with SEND receive the extra help that they need so that they can learn the same curriculum as their peers. Pupils with SEND are well supported to succeed in school.” 

- Ofsted 

Who will appoint local governing bodies?

Local governing bodies will continue to reflect the character of the schools. They will include elected parents and the Headteacher. Other governors will be appointed by the Trustees in partnership with each local governing body. They will continue to involve members of the local community as much as possible whilst ensuring an appropriate range of skills. 

Will admissions arrangements change?

In short, no.

Will the school uniform change?

No, schools across Infinity Academies Trust all have their own unique uniforms. 

When would this happen?

If this were to proceed, then it is likely to take most/all of the academic year to complete all the paperwork. We would still work with the Trust throughout all of this, but it is not a quick process. 

Is Infinity a good home for our school? 

We think so! All Infinity Academies Trust schools have strong improvement outcomes.

They are in very good financial health and they have a team of people who can help us with all the things we need to improve our school even further.

Doesn’t this mean a major change to the way our school is run?

No! The Trust is committed to working with its schools and supporting them to improve. Staff will continue in the post on transfer and all pupils will remain on roll.
 

Term dates, school times, uniforms and admissions arrangements will not change. We recognise that information widely available on the internet and social media identifies a different approach in some other cases when schools have become academies. 

How will this support the longer-term leadership of the school?

We recognise that a top priority is finding a permanent leadership solution for the school. Infinity Academies Trust is already working with us and the local authority to resolve this. 

As part of the Trust, we will also have the security of a permanent home for our school within a wider family network. This means that there are primary school specialists within the Trust who would be there to support us when we need additional help. 

Will joining a MAT make our school less accountable to our community? 

This is something that we have considered in depth. Different Trusts operate in different ways, and we have been careful to ensure that we are working with a Trust that has: 

• A group of members and trustees who know our community well.
• A Trust who has schools in our immediate area. 
• A commitment to retaining our governing body, and delegating appropriate levels of responsibility to them. 
• Full support of PTAs and ensures that funds for each individual PTA remain with their schools. 

Will any staff leave if we are joining a Trust? 

We hope not. A major drive is to provide better CPD (continuing professional development) and enhanced career opportunities for all of our staff. Moving into a MAT will also not mean any change to the staff’s terms and conditions. Staff would officially be employed by a multi-academy trust, but their existing employment rights would move across under the TUPE rules and thus be protected.