The Confederation of School Trust has today published new guidance giving step by step advice on approaching the merger of two trusts.
The document comes after around one in seven trusts said they were considering a merger in the current academic year.
The guidance says that at their best mergers can improve quality of education, increase financial and operational capacity, and strengthen trust’s ability to serve their communities.
But it warns that poorly executed mergers could distract from teaching and learning, alienate communities, weaken governance and leadership focus, and consume valuable resources.
CST director of trust governance Samira Sadeghi said: "It is crucial that mergers are seen as a means not an end. Trusts need to think really carefully about why they are merging, and take the time to ensure a good fit between the two trusts.
“It needs to be a fully-informed decision led by the whole trust, with a clear understanding of the strategic purpose of merging.
“With budgets under pressure, finance and operational efficiency will of course be part of that, but like any marriage it needs to fundamentally be about people and a match of values and purpose to really succeed.”
The new guidance is being published in association with CST platinum partner Stone King. It sets out a seven stage process for trusts considering a merger, highlighting the major roles in the process, and key actions and decisions.
