Yorkshire Learning Trust: GKA Supports Major MAT Merger to Completion 

We are delighted to announce that the merger between South York Multi-Academy Trust and The STAR Multi-Academy Trust has now formally completed, with the new Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT) formed on 1st September 2025. 

This merger brings together 17 schools, over 7,000 students and around 1,000 staff across York and North Yorkshire. As two mixed MATs with strong local roots and a commitment to inclusive, high-quality education, the unification into YLT represents a significant opportunity to strengthen and scale that impact regionally. 

GKA has been proud to support both Trusts through every stage of the merger journey, from early due diligence and stakeholder engagement, through to strategic guidance, legal liaison, and close work with the Department for Education, Diocese of York, and Trustees. 

Our involvement, which began in October 2024, focused on delivering a robust and credible application process to the DfE, while also managing the complex stakeholder landscape with professionalism and sensitivity. Following DfE approval, GKA continued to provide full project management and strategic oversight to ensure the merger was completed in line with the 1st September timeline. 

Ian Yapp, CEO, Yorkshire Learning Trust, said:
“Achieving this merger has taken a huge amount of work, determination, and careful planning from everyone involved. GKA’s tenacity, clarity, knowledge and commitment throughout the process were critical in helping us meet the 1st September milestone and create a strong foundation for Yorkshire Learning Trust. Their expertise and drive kept the project moving at every stage – and we’re grateful for their support.” 

YLT is founded on the shared values of Aspiration, Inclusion, Collaboration and Integrity. With greater curriculum capacity, strengthened central services and new opportunities for staff development, this new trust will be well positioned to deliver excellent outcomes for every child and community it serves.