A practical framework for planning, delivering and embedding successful trust mergers and transfers
Trust mergers and transfers are becoming an increasingly important part of the academy sector's growth landscape. As trusts respond to changing government policy, financial pressures and opportunities to strengthen the approach to education provision and inclusion, successful mergers require strong strategic leadership, robust governance, effective stakeholder engagement and careful implementation.
This Masterclass provides executive leaders and trustees with a practical framework for leading trust mergers from initial strategic discussions through to successful implementation. Drawing on CJK's experience of supporting trust mergers across the sector, participants will explore each stage of the merger journey, learn from real-life case studies, and leave with practical tools and approaches to support their own organisations.
Who is it for?
- Trust executive leaders: CEOs, COOs, CFOs and People/HR Directors
- Trustees
How you will benefit
You will gain:
- An understanding of the strategic drivers behind trust mergers and transfers, including current government policy and the implications of the Schools White Paper.
- Practical guidance on preparing your trust for merger or transfer, including identifying the right partner, and assessing strategic, cultural and organisational fit.
- A clear understanding of the governance responsibilities of Boards and executive leaders throughout the merger process.
- Confidence in managing due diligence, stakeholder engagement, communications and the DfE approval process.
- Practical insight into implementing a successful merger or transfer, including operating model design, organisational change and measuring success.
- Lessons learned from trusts that have successfully completed mergers, including common challenges and practical solutions.
Course overview
This Masterclass introduces the CJK Merger Framework, providing a structured approach to planning and delivering successful trust mergers. Rather than focusing on the legal aspects of mergers, the programme explores the strategic, organisational and leadership decisions that determine long-term success. Through practical examples, discussion and case studies, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to lead merger programmes that create lasting educational and organisational benefit.
Seminar 1: Building the foundations for merger
The first seminar will explore:
- The CJK Merger Framework
- Why trusts merge and transfer, including current policy drivers and the Schools White Paper
- Assessing your trust's readiness for merger
- Identifying and selecting the right partner trust
- Assessing strategic, cultural and organisational fit
- Developing a compelling vision and business case for merger
- Reaching Agreement in Principle and securing Board commitment
Seminar 2: Navigating the merger process
The second seminar will consider:
- Planning and managing due diligence
- Effective stakeholder engagement and communications
- Leadership behaviours during periods of significant change
- Preparing and managing the DfE application process
- Developing the identity and name of the new trust
- Governance throughout the merger process and the respective responsibilities of Boards and executive leaders
Seminar 3: Delivering a successful merger
The final seminar will cover:
- Planning implementation and preparing for Day 1
- Integrating people, systems and services
- Designing the operating model of the new organisation
- Managing organisational change successfully
- Measuring and evidencing the benefits of the merger
- Lessons learned from successful trust mergers
Course leaders
12:30 pm
07 Oct 2026 11:00 am to
12:30 pm
14 Oct 2026 11:00 am to
12:30 pm
- CST members £280+VAT
- Non-members £340+VAT
