Forming or joining a MAT: questions to ask

Be clear on the pros and cons when deciding whether to form a new multi-academy trust (MAT) or join an existing one. Know what questions to ask so you can make the right decision for your school, and download our questions to keep them handy.

Last reviewed on 3 December 2024
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 30581
Contents
  1. Forming a new MAT: pros and cons
  2. Questions to ask: forming a new MAT
  3. Joining an existing MAT: pros and cons
  4. Questions to ask: joining an existing MAT

This article is aimed at governing boards that are in the process of deciding whether to form a new multi-academy trust (MAT) or join an existing one. Read our other article to be clear on the pros and cons of being in a MAT.

Forming a new MAT: pros and cons

You'll have more say on trust vision and structure

If you have a unique educational vision that you want to implement across a group of schools, forming your own MAT may give you more freedom and flexibility to do this than joining an existing one. 

You'll likely have greater control to create a leadership and governance structure that aligns with your vision, but be prepared to work hard to make sure: 

  • All of the schools in your trust share that vision 
  • Leadership is effective across the whole trust

A key argument for starting your own MAT is the autonomy it could offer you. You'll