A class act: delivering a multi-academy merger for the education sector
Two trusts. One shared vision. As two academy trusts sought a merger that could deliver the best learning environment for children to thrive – we drew on our commercial expertise and deep sector knowledge to guide both parties through this complex move. Establishing what each school already had, and what the newly incorporated trust would need to operate, we brought it all together through one seamless transaction.
Stronger together
When two of our long-standing clients – Great Baddow High School and Eveleigh Link Academy Trust – decided to merge into a multi-academy trust, we were ready to support them, bringing together our multi-disciplinary team and strong understanding of the sector. Underpinned by a shared strategic vision, the merger brought the schools together around common goals, focused on serving their community in a more cohesive and joined-up way, and securing a sustainable, fulfilling future for pupils.
A challenging timetable
With eight schools across the two trusts – seven primary and one secondary – there were multiple moving parts to juggle. We had to establish the legal makeup of each trust, then transfer everything they needed to operate – land, leases, contracts, funding arrangements – into a single, newly created entity. Once complete, we would need to wind down the two original trusts. All with a looming September deadline.
This was a hard-stop for our clients. The new trust had to be up and running for the new academic year, but the Department for Education had its own processes and timelines. Navigating these, along with the day-to-day time pressures facing a busy school, was a careful balancing act. As was keeping costs in check. With public money funding the merger, it was vital we resourced and structured the deal in the most efficient way.
Leading from the front
We curated a multi-disciplinary team from across the firm, with specialist colleagues to handle commercial, construction and real estate aspects in parallel. Crucially, we brought more than legal expertise to the table: with a former teacher in our line-up, we had a valuable insight into how these schools operate, the pressures leaders were facing and how each decision would impact the future for the new trust, and its students.
Armed with this understanding, we took a proactive, pragmatic approach – particularly in our engagements with the Department for Education. We set the direction and the pace, taking the strain off our clients to steer the transaction as efficiently as possible.
A growing legacy
Quantum Multi-Academy Trust opened in September, marking the start of a new academic year – and a new chapter for the community. Bringing these schools together under one banner has created valuable efficiencies, optimised funding and allowed a whole catchment area to align under one shared vision, from early years to sixth form.
Trusts traditionally come with significant regulatory and compliance requirements. Now, these are shared across a cohesive team, where the right people can take on the right governance roles. Since the merger, we’ve brought a ninth school into the Quantum fold – with another set to join soon. This growth is testament to the positive impact of the trust, and what it means for the children, families and communities it serves.
8
schools
1
trust
4
months to deliver
