GKA were approached by Smart Trust in 2023 to support the Trust’s first growth projects as they looked to convert and onboard four new schools in 2024, across two new geographical areas. The central team at Smart Trust required additional capacity and specialist support to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of conversion processes, which would allow them to manage aspects of future projects internally.
GKA offered specialist support in two key areas project management and onboarding and due diligence and finance. GKA provided Smart with a project structure and suite of documents including project plan, risk registers, terms of reference, facilitation of working groups, oversight of legals as well as facilitating consultation. GKA developed a Trust onboarding plan and worked collaboratively with Smart to agree school specific plans and briefed their central teams in preparation for the implementation phase.
In terms of due diligence, GKA undertook a comprehensive due diligence process, put in place a central online portal to manage documents and developed individual reports for Trust Board review. Further work was undertaken by GKA on financial modelling, ensuring long term viability and sustainability of all schools. GKA reviewed school budgets to ensure accuracy and that they were fit for purpose. Risks were identified and mitigations put in place, allowing the Trust Board to make informed decisions.
The impact of the work carried out by GKA enabled strong and timely communications with both Smart and the schools feeling supported during delivery. Barriers to conversion were identified early and clear risks managed by senior leaders and governors where needed with decision-making being timely and fit for purpose. The first of the four schools is due to open as an academy in Smart in July 2024.
GKA supported the establishment of Venn Academy Trust back in 2015. Originally a small Trust with 4 schools with limited central resource, they are now on track to secure an additional 6 schools by 2026, taking their overall number of schools to 20.
Initially, GKA supported Venn Academy Trust with a range of specialist support including working alongside the CEO and Board to develop a Trust Business Plan with a clear Growth strategy. GKA set up governance structures and policies and engaged with trade unions to ensure systems/processes were robust and fit for purpose. GKA then led successful funding applications, including school improvement and capacity grants, resulting in six figures of funding being obtained. In 2017, GKA also drove the recruitment of the Trust Director of School Improvement and the Senior HR Business Partner, two key roles to the continued growth of the organisation. Throughout the 9 years since formation to date GKA has also managed all Trust conversions.
GKA successfully led the writing of a successful free school application and the pre-opening phase for Euler Academy which opened in 2021.
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.