Adding a school to your MAT: resource toolkit

Prepare for the DfE's trust expansion plans 

The DfE's target is for all schools to be part of a strong MAT by 2030, as set out in the schools white paper. This might involve the expansion of your trust to take on new schools. 

Consider whether you could grow your trust, either locally or beyond. Also think about whether merging with another trust would benefit your schools. 

Make these considerations internally, then in consultation with your regional DfE team, and finally in discussion with relevant local authorities.

Plans for MAT growth will initially be focused on 55 education investment areas (EIAs) outlined in the levelling up white paper. If your MAT is based (or partially based) in 1 of these areas, look out for a prospectus of local priorities set to be published by the DfE in early autumn 2022. This document will set