The educational landscape is constantly evolving, and Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) are at the forefront of adapting to these changes. An interim report based on survey findings from delegates attending the upcoming Multi Academy Trust Strategy Forum (April 30 – May 2, 2025) offers a fascinating glimpse into the current priorities and challenges facing these crucial institutions.
This report, compiled from the perspectives of CEOs, COOs, and other senior decision-makers across the UK, reveals a clear focus on strategic growth, technological integration, and the well-being of both staff and students. Let’s delve into the key takeaways.
Who’s Attending?
The forum boasts a diverse group of leaders, with a significant representation of CEOs (17%), Directors (42%), and Senior Management (17%). This high-level attendance underscores the importance of the strategic discussions taking place. The group represents a combined spending power of a staggering £2,531,000,000, highlighting the scale of impact these decisions hold.
Key Strategic Priorities:
- Successful Integration of Additional Institutions: A resounding 46% of respondents identified this as their top strategic priority. This emphasis on seamless integration underscores the need for consistency in vision, governance, and educational standards across all schools within a trust.
- Equitable GAG Pooling Strategy: 23% highlighted the importance of a universally accepted GAG pooling strategy. Fair resource distribution and financial sustainability are paramount for long-term growth and stability.
- Centralization of Technology: 39% of respondents are prioritizing centralizing technology across trusts using a single platform. This aims to enhance efficiency, security, and collaboration, while reducing administrative burdens.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: MATs are increasingly leveraging data analytics to track performance, personalize learning, and optimize resource allocation. This includes utilizing AI and automation for streamlined operations and predictive analysis.
- Recruitment, Retention, and Well-being: Addressing teacher shortages and workload pressures is a major focus. Investments in staff development, training, and pupil and staff well-being are deemed crucial to improving job satisfaction and educational outcomes.
Technology at the Forefront:
The report reveals a strong emphasis on technology, with key priorities including:
- Centralizing Technology Across the Trust: 39% are focused on implementing a single platform approach, aiming for enhanced efficiency and security.
- Capturing Actionable Analytics: 27% are prioritizing the use of data to inform decision-making and improve operational efficiency.
- Overhaul of Classroom Technologies: Smart displays, AV, and immersive technologies are also receiving significant attention.
Financial Outlook:
The report also provides insights into spending trends, revealing that most MATs anticipate an increase in spending across various areas. This underscores the sector’s commitment to investing in key priorities to drive positive outcomes.
Ativion Thoughts on Key Takeaways
- Technological Innovation: As an EdTech solution provider we are firmly in agreement with the movement to centralize technology across trusts providing efficiency and security from a single platform. Our StudentKeeper Powered by ContentKeeper solution delivers classroom management, web filtering, and student well-being in a single product.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: The availability of extensive data from individual students as well as groups of students allows educators to focus on student success, specifically by gathering accurate and reliable data analysis, facilitating personalized learning and effective resource allocation, and leveraging the potential of AI and automation for predictive analysis.
- Focus on Staff and Student Well-Being: The focus on staff and student well-being, including investment in training, supportive environments, and mental health, signals a crucial alignment with creating sustainable, high-performing educational institutions.
- Single Pane of Glass: With Ativion’s “single pane of glass” approach, teachers gain a centralized, customizable dashboard that simplifies data management. This promotes proactive engagement by providing clear, easily accessible insights into classroom and individual student performance.
- Artificial Intelligence: Ativion understands the importance and growth in AI in the classroom and provides the reporting dashboards showing AI usage from teachers and students allowing a direct view into how AI is impacting students.
