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