MATs

The latest news, analysis and case studies on multi-academy trusts, including trust growth, DfE policy and thought leadership from trust leaders

Today

23rd Feb 2026

Why a trust-based system is the ‘best bet’ for children
As the government moves to make all schools part of a trust, Leora Cruddas explains how this can help to build a system with the capacity to keep getting better
Leora Cruddas, the chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, has revealed that her organisation has taken legal advice over DfE strike plans.
Schools White Paper: all you need to know
Tes has gathered all of the key information from the Labour government’s schools White Paper
White paper

Saturday

21st Feb 2026

DfE White Paper to call for all schools to be in trusts
Government announces target to halve disadvantage gap, along with plans for funding reform, a new progress measure and retention bonuses for heads
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson

Thursday

19th Feb 2026

SEND crisis ‘harder to fix’ with schools outside strong MATs
Government inclusion adviser Tom Rees speaks to Tes ahead of the publication of the schools White Paper and SEND reform plans
Tom Rees

Friday

13th Feb 2026

Revealed: What CEOs are paid at the biggest MATs
Tes’ annual review of the salaries of chief executives at the largest multi-academy trusts reveals that a quarter of them had a bigger percentage pay rise than teachers
Man looking at coin
Exclusive

Thursday

12th Feb 2026

‘Outlier’ CEO pay flattens after DfE crackdown
But leaders’ pay still varies hugely at trusts told to justify their pay decisions – from £25 per pupil to £331, Tes analysis reveals
Deflated hot air balloons
Exclusive

Monday

9th Feb 2026

Half of RISE schools faced ‘challenges’ with supporting organisations
DfE urged to rethink which schools are targeted under its new school improvement programme after evaluation report highlights early difficulties
Half of RISE schools had 'challenges' with supporting organisations

Friday

6th Feb 2026

GLF Schools appoints new CEO from DfE
The 43-school trust will be led by Warwick Sharp, following the resignation of Julian Drinkall last May
Warwick Sharp
Revealed: How much the biggest MATs make from investments
The largest multi-academy trusts are generating millions by investing surplus cash, but sector leader warns this must not replace core funding
Big slice of cake
Exclusive

Thursday

5th Feb 2026

Academy trust reserves to plummet in next two years
Trusts face a ‘bleak outlook’ with their budgets despite a strong financial performance last year, Kreston report warns
Academy trusts' reserves are forecast to fall

Friday

30th Jan 2026

Why the Schools Bill remains a threat to a thriving sector
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill has been stuck in Parliament for a year and yet key problems remain within the legislation, argues Meg Powell-Chandler
The Houses of Parliament, London

Thursday

29th Jan 2026

£2m donation boosts Lift Schools’ surplus
Lift Schools, the fifth biggest multi-academy trust in England, says it is increasingly looking at income beyond government funding to support its schools

Lift Schools receives £2m donation