In 2019, Gail Khan Associates (GKA) began working with the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education to provide project management support for the establishment of a new Multi Academy Trust (MAT) and associated Academy conversions. GKA supported the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education in preparing the application to the Department for Education (DfE) to set up a new MAT which would be known as Three Spires Trust. The Three Spires Trust officially launched on 22 January 2021, following a detailed and structured planning phase. GKA played a key role throughout the process, working closely with Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education and the schools involved to ensure seamless integration into the new Trust.  

GKA’s project management team provided end-to-end support to ensure the successful formation of the new MAT.  GKA guided the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education in preparing the necessary documentation and application to the Department for Education (DfE), meeting all required standards and criteria for the formation of a new MAT.  GKA meticulously monitored the risk register throughout the project, identifying potential challenges and developing mitigation strategies to ensure the project remained on track. They facilitated key consultations with staff, parents, governors and other stakeholders to ensure smooth transitions and alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.  GKA provided expert legal support throughout the project, ensuring that all processes were compliant with regulations, including matters related to HR and TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment).   The GKA team also led the recruitment of the central team for the Trust, including vital roles such as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), ensuring the Trust had the right leadership and expertise in place.  

The successful formation of the Three Spires Trust marked a significant milestone in uniting schools under a shared commitment to high-quality education, strong governance, and tailored support. GKA played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth integration of multiple schools, each with distinct needs and challenges, into the new Trust. A key achievement was the establishment of a robust leadership team, including the recruitment of essential roles such as the CEO and CFO, to guide the Trust’s strategic direction. As the Trust continued to grow, welcoming additional schools over time, its regional impact and collaborative strength expanded. This project stands as a clear example of how GKA’s expertise in project management, legal guidance, and leadership recruitment can drive the successful creation and development of a Multi Academy Trust.

The Pennine Trust, South Craven Academy Trust, and Pendle Vale College had been exploring opportunities to work more closely together for several months before engaging Gail Khan Associates (GKA) to help move their plans forward. GKA was commissioned to support three applications to the Department for Education (DfE) to form a new Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), for a Single Academy Trust to join the new MAT, and for a community school to convert to an academy and join the new MAT. GKA also delivered the engagement and consultations required for that process. 

In the formation of the new MAT, GKA developed new governance structures, school improvement plans, and managed risk. They coordinated legal, governance, financial, and operational strands to form the new MAT and established Apex Collaborative Trust in April 2025. 

For the transition of South Craven Academy Trust, GKA managed the land and asset transfer, alongside providing guidance and support for the staff TUPE process to ensure a smooth and compliant transfer of staff, and coordinated with legal advisers on the preparation and finalisation of transfer agreements. 

GKA also guided Pendle Vale College in the early stages of consideration for associate membership and advised on PFI implications and legal processes for future full membership. 

The applications were submitted in May 2024 and approved at the September 2024 DfE Advisory Board meeting, giving the green light to proceed. Apex Collaborative Trust was formally established in April 2025, with South Craven Academy Trust joining as a member school alongside the schools which were part of The Pennine Trust and Pendle Vale College entering into an associate relationship. 

Heritage Multi Academy Trust was officially formed on 1 April 2025, bringing together a group of schools in Huddersfield committed to a shared vision of excellence, collaboration, and community-focused education.  

The founding schools include Salendine Nook High School and Lindley Junior School (both single academy trusts), with plans for four maintained schools Spring Grove Junior, Infant and Nursery School and Moorlands Primary School to join in September 2025, and Reinwood Junior School and Reinwood Infant and Nursery School in November 2025. 

The Trust was established to foster a cohesive educational environment across the primary and secondary phases in locality, ensuring smooth transition for pupils and aligned support for staff and leadership teams. As a newly established Trust, Heritage MAT sought strategic support to navigate the complexities of formation and phased integration, while maintaining a clear focus on educational improvement and sustainable growth. 

Gail Khan Associates (GKA) were commissioned during the various stages to provide end-to-end project management and advisory support in the establishment of Heritage MAT. Our role encompassed strategic oversight, due diligence, operational coordination, and risk management throughout the Trust’s formation and planned expansion. 

Key elements of GKA’s support included: 

• Application and Formation Support: We led the development and submission of the application to the Department for Education (DfE), ensuring compliance with all MAT formation criteria and regulatory frameworks. Due diligence was also completed in parallel so governing body decisions were further informed. 
• Proactive Risk Oversight: GKA worked closely with the Trust to identify potential risks early, actively maintaining the risk register and helping to shape practical solutions that kept the project progressing smoothly and on schedule. 
• Phased Conversion Planning: GKA managed the staggered conversion timeline, supporting Salendine Nook High School and Lindley Junior School with their initial onboarding, while concurrently coordinating preparatory work for the September and November 2025 joining schools. 
• Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement: GKA facilitated engagement with staff, parents, governors, and local stakeholders to ensure alignment with the Trust’s vision and values, and to build a strong sense of community from the outset. 
• Legal and HR Advisory: Our team worked closely with legal partners to manage key aspects such as TUPE, governance structures, and policy harmonisation across all schools. 

In November 2017, GKA were asked to project manage the facilitation of the creation of a new Multi Academy Trust across Calderdale & Kirklees.  The new trust called Together Learning Trust consists of 5 schools (primary and secondary) including 2 PFI schools.  The new MAT opened on 1 April 2019 with the first 5 schools all in the MAT by the 1 September 2019.  GKA were also instrumental in organising the recruitment of the new CEO and CFO of the Trust.

In April 2017, GKA were commissioned to deliver a new Church of England MAT in North Yorkshire.  Consisting of 10 schools (1 secondary and 9 primary) the new MAT opened on time in November 2017.  GKA were responsible for overall project management leading on consultation, HR, legal and project tasks.  We are pleased to say the project was delivered on time and within budget.

Since forming the Trust, GKA have managed 4 further school conversions with the latest school Carnagill Primary joining Dales on 1 April 2020.