Multi Academy Trust Formation

We have deep experience in the creation of new Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and in the management of new projects. Whether creating a brand new MAT from a group of maintained schools or coming together as a group of existing academies (or combination of) Gail Khan Associates can help.

At Gail Khan Associates, we specialise in supporting proposer groups through the complex process of forming a new Multi Academy Trust (MAT). With our extensive experience in education, governance, and strategic leadership, we guide Leaders, Trustees and Governors through every stage of the journey, ensuring a smooth transition from maintained to academy status or a transfer from academy status to a new MAT.

Forming a MAT involves navigating complex legal and regulatory requirements, potentially securing additional funding, establishing governance structures, and aligning educational visions across multiple schools. We understand the pressure this places on leaders who are already managing the day-to-day operations of their schools. Our team provides the expertise and capacity needed to ease this burden, offering tailored support.

Whether you’re forming a MAT from scratch or expanding an existing one, we will work alongside you to manage the complexities, mitigate risks, and ensure your focus remains on delivering high-quality education. With Gail Khan Associates, you have a trusted partner to help you overcome the challenges and achieve your vision for the future.

What Can We Do For You?

Whether you’re considering a merger to strengthen your trust or responding to external factors, we work closely with you to manage the complexities, mitigate risks, and ensure a seamless transition. With Gail Khan Associates you have a trusted partner to help you meet the challenges head-on and achieve your vision for a stronger, more unified trust.

Develop your Trust Vision and Values
Creation of a robust governance structure including a compliant Scheme of Delegation
Recruitment of new Members and Trustees
Recruitment of your CEO and CFO (internal or external appointments)
Share best practice & lessons learnt
Facilitate stakeholder engagement and consultation
Financial modelling
Mentoring
Compliance and Policy development
Marketing and communications

What our clients think:

Find out more about our Multi-Academy Trust formation experience

Heritage MAT – New Multi Academy Trust Formation

Darren Christian, CEO, Heritage MAT

“Forming a new Multi Academy Trust is a complex and often daunting process, but working with Gail Khan Associates has made it feel manageable, strategic, and even exciting. From the earliest planning meetings through to launch and beyond, GKA’s guidance has been invaluable. They brought structure to our thinking, clarity to our timelines, and reassurance at every stage. Their knowledge of due diligence, the conversion process, stakeholder engagement, and governance responsibilities meant we were in safe hands throughout. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and look forward to continuing our journey with their support.”

Three Spires Trust - Formation of new Multi Academy Trust

Venerable Dr David Lee, Chair of the Trust Board

“The task to form a new Trust from scratch and convert 3 schools all in 3 months was a huge job and I am certain that without the help of Gail Khan Associates we would have struggled to achieve it. The team provided a structure and framework to work within ensuring we followed detailed processes and delivered on time. GKA communications throughout were second to none. Knowing we had this expertise and capacity to call on meant we could concentrate on developing our education, finance and governance structures so they were fit for purpose and robust from day one. The team at GKA brought best practice to the Trust, whether additional expertise during recruitment, procurement processes or developing our own internal resource – all of which we are really grateful for. We would happily use GKA again – thank you for everything.”

Together Learning Trust - Creation of a new Multi Academy Trust in Calderdale & Kirklees

David Lord, Chief Executive Officer, Together Learning Trust

“Gail and Melanie were fantastic support for our team and the Board of Trustees throughout our journey to become a MAT. Their organisation and co-ordination kept us on track ensuring we achieved all deadlines required and ultimately that our Trust was formed on time with all 5 founder schools on board for 1 September. Friendly, knowledgeable, exceptionally diligent but most of all perceptive to the exact requirements to the huge range of audiences being engaged. Nothing was too much trouble. Top Class!”

Dales Academies Trust - Creation of New Church of England Multi-Academy Trust in North Yorkshire

Damian Chubb, Chief Executive Officer, Dales Academies Trust

“GKA delivered a structure and framework to enable the schools to clearly see what was needed and by when. The team provided clarity on roles and responsibilities and associated deadlines, enabling leaders to lead their schools whilst conversion ran in parallel led by Gail and her team. GKA are an extremely supportive project management company and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Find out more about our Multi-Academy Trust formation experience