Stour Valley Educational Trust (SVET), located in Suffolk, was a Multi-Academy Trust that included Clare Community Primary School and Stour Valley Community School. Following rigorous research and due diligence Stour Valley Education Trust (SVET) resolved to merge with Anglian Learning. Gail Khan Associates were project managers for both Trusts facilitating a seamless transfer for both schools and Trusts which was successfully realised on the 1 March 2025.
GKA played a critical role throughout the transfer process, oversight of stakeholder consultation, and providing project management for the application to the Department for Education (DfE). Following approval from the DfE Advisory Board, GKA continued to support both trusts through a seamless transition, liaising with legal teams and the DfE, managing risk, guiding human resources processes, and ensuring the onboarding of staff and systems was in place for day one.
GKA ensured a rigorous project plan was in place for both Trusts and this was monitored through a leadership steering group. Trustees at SVET were kept updated through reporting from the Steering Group and GKA as the Project Managers.
The formal transfer of Stour Valley Educational Trust to Anglian Learning was successfully completed on time for the 1 March 2025.
South York Multi Academy Trust (SYMAT) and The STAR Multi Academy Trust (STAR), two well-established academy trusts in North Yorkshire, embarked on a strategic merger to form a new, larger multi-academy trust for the region – Yorkshire Learning Trust. Both trusts were mixed MATs and included Church of England schools. Their goal was to consolidate strengths, identify efficiencies, and enhance school improvement capacity across a wider network. Together as one new organisation Yorkshire Learning Trust oversee 17 schools, with 7,000 students and 1,000 staff. They share a commitment to their values including inclusion, collaboration, aspiration, and integrity.
The merger was driven by a common educational vision and leadership approach, a desire to strengthen long-term sustainability, and an opportunity to deliver greater impact at scale. The Department for Education had also encouraged trust consolidation to promote more resilient and effective MATs.
GKA was commissioned in October 2024 to provide independent project management support, covering the DfE application process, comprehensive due diligence, stakeholder consultation, and executive structure planning. GKA provided end-to-end project management support for the merger across five key areas.
GKA worked directly with both trust leadership teams, chairs of the boards, and a project steering group to scope and manage the project. A detailed merger project plan was developed and maintained, with progress reviewed in regular meetings at multiple levels. The Department for Education formally approved the merger in March 2025 with no conditions.
Staff and stakeholder engagement was strong, with feedback highlighting opportunities in collaboration, financial benefits, and improved staff and student experiences. Concerns raised during consultation (such as maintaining autonomy, communication, and job security) were acknowledged and addressed in project plans. GKA’s oversight allowed leaders to maintain focus on delivering core educational priorities during the transition.
GKA will continue to support the trusts through the next phase of merger implementation to September 2025, including delivery of a comprehensive onboarding programme for year one and beyond.
In early 2023, Cavendish Learning Trust (CLT) began considering a merger with a larger trust as a strategic move to support their growth and development. After receiving a list of potential Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) from the Department for Education (DfE), CLT sought the expertise of Gail Khan Associates (GKA) to conduct a two-stage options appraisal and due diligence process. The goal was to create a shortlist of suitable MATs to approach for further discussions regarding a potential merger.
GKA led the forensic intelligence gathering necessary to evaluate the potential trusts and create a strategic recommendation. GKA conducted a thorough analysis, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each trust. Six critical areas were identified to guide the review, including trust locality, governance, vision and values, performance, finance, and reputation.
Using this framework, GKA began evaluating the longlist of 30 MATs down to 14 trusts. GKA continued its detailed evaluation of the 14 shortlisted MATs using the six KLOEs. GKA then discreetly contacted each trust to assess their interest in a potential merger. Those that expressed openness to further discussions were shortlisted for the next stage. At this point, the MATs contacted were unaware of the identity of the trust GKA was representing, ensuring confidentiality and strategic discretion.
Minerva Learning Trust (MLT) was identified as the preferred partner for CLT. GKA then facilitated further discussions and supported CLT in evaluating MLT as a merger candidate. GKA conducted an in-depth due diligence exercise to ensure the strategic fit. This process covered education performance and school improvement initiatives; financial health and governance structures; HR, H&S, estates management/compliance, IT infrastructure, safeguarding practices, and GDPR.
GKA’s due diligence confirmed that MLT’s governance, vision, and capacity aligned with CLT’s strategic objectives, paving the way for the merger. After both parties resolved to proceed with the merger, GKA was commissioned by MLT to conduct detailed due diligence on CLT. A comprehensive 131-page report was submitted to MLT’s board in December 2023. This report provided insights into CLT’s performance in education, HR, finance, health and safety, estates, IT, safeguarding, GDPR, and governance.
Following the successful due diligence, GKA continued its involvement by project managing the entire merger process. This involved navigating the complexities of bringing together two organisations with distinct cultures and systems. GKA took charge of coordinating legal requirements, ensuring full compliance with regulations, and managing communications with key stakeholders, including the respective Boards.
By acting as the central liaison, GKA ensured that the merger progressed smoothly, managing risk, addressing concerns, and maintaining momentum towards a successful integration. This also included working closely with DfE Officers, legal teams, overseeing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring a cohesive transition plan that aligned with both trusts’ strategic goals.
GKA’s thorough approach in conducting the options appraisal and due diligence resulted in MLT securing urgent capital funds and a successful merger between Cavendish Learning Trust and Minerva Learning Trust. Both trusts are now poised for a collaborative future, leveraging their combined expertise to enhance educational outcomes and organisational growth.