Below are a list of some questions that we think people may have. We will be updating this list regularly with responses to questions posed via the online survey - so please do keep checking in to find out more.
What is a multi-academy trust (MAT)?
A multi-academy trust (MAT) is a charitable company established to be responsible for several academies. Each academy remains a separate school with its own local governing body, but governors are responsible to a Board of Trustees established for the Trust as a whole.
Trustees are accountable to the Secretary of State for Education for the educational and financial performance of all the Trust’s schools and maintain a central team of staff to ensure that schools improve and meet the government’s expectations.
Why are you joining a Church of England trust?
While Aletheia started as a Church of England Trust, over recent years it has welcomed a number of non-faith based schools.
Would Aletheia convert our schools to become Church of England schools?
No. This is not something that is being considered, and they have not made any attempt to do this at the other non-faith schools who have been part of the trust for years.
Have headteachers been involved in this process?
Yes they have. They played a critical role in the selection process.
What will this mean for my child’s education?
Being part of a larger multi-academy trust will provide greater opportunities for school staff to work together to share and develop best practices so that we can continue to improve teaching and learning in all schools - but you and your child are unlikely to see any visible difference day-to-day.
Schools will still have the same name, the same uniform, the same admissions arrangements, the same leaders and staff – and, most importantly, the same pupils.
Who will appoint academy committees?
Academy committees will continue to reflect the character of the schools. They will include elected parents and the Headteacher. Other committee members will be appointed by the Trustees in partnership with each academy committee. They will continue to involve members of the local community as much as possible, whilst ensuring an appropriate range of skills.
Will admissions arrangements change?
In short, no.
When would this merger happen?
If this were to proceed, then it is likely to take the remainder of the academic year to complete all the paperwork. The legal process would then conclude in the autumn of 2026.
Will merging with a MAT make our school less accountable to our community?
This is something that we have considered in depth. Different Trusts operate in different ways, and we have been careful to ensure that we are working with a Trust that has:
Will any staff leave if we are joining another Trust?
We hope not. A major drive is to provide a wider range of CPD (continuing professional development) and enhanced career opportunities for all of our staff. Staff would officially be employed by the MAT, but their existing employment rights would move across under the TUPE rules and thus be protected.
Do you have any other questions?
Please go to the Have Your Say page and click on the link. Let us know your thoughts, and we will update responses to key questions on this page so that the whole community can see them.
Copyright © 2026 Rainham Mark Education Trust Listening Period - All Rights Reserved.