What is a Multi-Academy Trust?

How MATs Are Shaping Education

If you’ve ever wondered what is a multi-academy trust? and why they matter, you’re not alone. Multi-academy trusts (MATs) have and continue to transform education across England, creating stronger schools and better opportunities for learners. At The Futures Trust, operating across Coventry, Warwickshire and Leicestershire, we believe MATs are more than just a structure - they are a powerful way to raise aspirations, unlock opportunities, and enrich the communities we serve.

What is a Multi-Academy Trust?

A multi-academy trust is a group of schools working together under a single charitable trust. This collaboration allows schools to share expertise, resources, and best practice, ensuring every child receives the highest quality education. MATs provide:

• Strong governance and leadership
• Shared professional development for staff
• Access to specialist support and innovation

By working collectively, MATs create stability and sustainability, enabling schools to focus on what matters most - students.

Why Do Multi-Academy Trusts Exist?

MATs were introduced to improve standards and create a more collaborative education system. Instead of schools working in isolation, they benefit from shared knowledge, economies of scale, and consistent approaches to teaching and learning.

At The Futures Trust, our mission goes beyond academic improvement:

Our purpose is to raise aspirations and unlock opportunities for all, transforming lives and enriching the communities we serve.

This means every decision we make is guided by a strong moral purpose and three core principles:

• Learners First: Students are at the heart of everything we do.
• Better Together: Collaboration makes us stronger and more effective.
• Transforming Communities: Education is a catalyst for lasting change.

How Do MATs Build Brighter Futures?

At The Futures Trust, our work is anchored in three strategic themes:

• Achievement: Helping every learner reach their full potential.
• Community: Strengthening the places we serve - Coventry, Warwickshire and Leicestershire - through education and partnership.
• Experience: Creating exceptional opportunities for students and staff to grow and develop.

These themes guide everything we do, from improving outcomes for students to offering career development for teachers. Our approach is long-term, sustainable, and rooted in doing what’s right for learners and communities.

What Makes The Futures Trust Different?

Yes, we run schools - but we do it with a clear vision and purpose. Our schools are distinctive and trusted to lead with autonomy, doing what’s right for their learners and communities. We believe collaboration makes us stronger, so we innovate, problem-solve, and share best practice across our network.

We also invest heavily in professional growth for teachers, offering pathways from Initial Teacher Training through to leadership roles. Through the Futures Teaching Alliance, we provide high-quality training and development opportunities, ensuring educators can thrive and make a lasting impact.

Why Might Schools Join a Multi-Academy Trust?

Joining a MAT means joining a network committed to excellence and making things better. For parents, it means confidence that your child’s school is supported by a wider network of people all working together to provide the best possible education for your child. For educators, it means access to professional growth and collaboration opportunities. For communities, it means schools that care about making a difference.

Want to find out more? Then read our blog on the benefits of joining a multi-academy trust. 

FAQs About Multi-Academy Trusts

What is a multi-academy trust?
A multi-academy trust is a group of schools working together under one organisation to share resources, expertise, and leadership.

How do MATs benefit schools?
They provide stability, professional development, and access to shared services, improving outcomes for students.

Where does The Futures Trust operate?
We work across Coventry, Warwickshire and Leicestershire, supporting schools and communities.

Summary and How To Learn More

So, what is a multi-academy trust? It’s a partnership with purpose - a way to deliver outstanding education and transform communities. At The Futures Trust, we’re proud to lead this work across Coventry, Warwickshire and Leicestershire.

Learn more about our vision and explore opportunities to get involved:

• Our Schools
• Our Story
• Work With Us
• The Futures Teaching Alliance