Member benefits
Discover why more than three-quarters of academies are part of CST, and how your trust could join them
We recognise the hard work that goes in to running a school trust. We work to advocate for, connect, and support school trusts so that you can focus on great education for your pupils.
As a CST member, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources, expert insights, and a supportive network designed to help school trust leaders thrive.
Once you join, the benefits of membership are available to everyone in your trust - including all staff and governance volunteers. Our guidance and professional networks cover key roles within school trusts, ensuring you get support right across your activities.
Our members include trusts of all sizes, from single academy trusts to the biggest in the country. We are proud to reflect the diversity in the trust system.
Explore the benefits of CST membership
Briefing emails
Three-times a week during term, with policy and practical updates
Professional communities
Eleven communities to network and share knowledge, ensuring no one feels alone
Guidance and resources
Support material written exclusively for school trusts, reflecting the way trusts work today
Engagement meetings
Fortnightly open online calls to share views and hear from expert guests
Email helpdesk
Help with a wide range of issues, and access to free initial legal consultations
Policy and practical influence
Access to government and regulators as the sector body for trust
Sector-leading thinking
Influential frameworks, research, and policy development
Preferential rates
Member access to training, events, and trust support services
Topical webinars
Up to the minute advice and guidance from partners and sector experts
CST has provided us with an invaluable source of information and guidance as we navigated our first year as a small trust. We have made use of the updates, the forums and the conferences and always found CST and it's members to be a wonderful source of accessible information and support. We have also valued the opportunity to provide feedback that reaches those who make decisions on the future of education.
