Multi-academy trusts (MATs): pros and cons

Our thanks to our associate education experts, Brendan Hollyer and Graeme Hornsby for their help with this article.

Benefits during coronavirus During the pandemic, some schools benefited from being part of a multi-academy trust (MAT) in areas such as: Remote learning MAT central teams were able to: Support schools in their move to online digital education platforms  Acquire additional laptops/devices for pupils who needed it Risk management MAT central teams could work with individual schools and local governors to discuss how schools should operate during partial closure and full reopening, and they could also check school’s risk assessments, which offered added reassurance to school leaders and local governors There has been a positive shift in perceptions towards academy trusts, but academisation isn’t the answer to every problem. Edurio has conducted research into staff members’ perceptions of trusts during the coronavirus pandemic. If you’d like to read the report, you’ll need to provide your email address to