A class act: delivering a multi-academy merger for the education sector
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.
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.
