Proposed merger between Cathedral Schools Trust (CST) and Trust in Learning Academies (TiLA)
We are pleased to announce that the Department for Education (DfE) has now formally approved a proposed merger between Trust in Learning Academies (TiLA) and Cathedral Schools Trust (CST) following our engagement process with stakeholders over the last few months.
The DfE’s approval is a significant step forwards in our plans to merge our two successful trusts, allowing us to move into the next phase. During this next phase our Trusts and schools will continue to operate as they do now, with a clear focus on delivering excellent education for the children and young people we serve. We remain committed to taking things forward thoughtfully, with the best interests of our pupils, staff, and school communities at heart.
Following this phase both Boards will be able to make a final decision on the merger and we will communicate this with all stakeholders in due course.
The next stage of our plans will focus on establishing shared systems and developing a clear strategy. This will include agreeing on a new name for the Trust and defining our mission and values. We are committed to creating opportunities for teams across both Trusts to work closely together, strengthening relationships and ensuring that every child in our schools benefits from bringing together the very best of both Trusts.
Why are we considering a merger?
There is a united belief from Trustees and Leaders that bringing our two strong and successful trusts together will create a dynamic organisation that will provide even more exciting opportunities for our children, young people and their families, our staff and the local communities we serve.
Our overriding objective and motivation for this proposed merger is to create the best possible educational opportunities and we always seek to ensure that every decision that we make is in the best interest of our pupils and staff. By coming together within a single unified Trust structure, we will be much better able to share resources, and offer wider scope to recruit and retain staff which will better serve your children. With financial pressures on all schools, a larger Trust will secure better value for money so your children’s educational opportunities will be maximised.
Throughout our exploration and discussion phase, it has been clear that there is considerable synergy between our two Trusts, with both offering a wealth of areas of expertise and excellence.
Both Trusts have a passion to inspire learning and a commitment to educational excellence and have a well-aligned set of values, culture and ethos.
Our Schools
Under the proposal, the merged Trust would have responsibility for 16 primary schools, 1 all-through school and 4 secondary schools. Geographically, our schools will be closer together than in most Trusts, and all located in and around Bristol. The newly formed Trust will deliver exceptional educational opportunities to approximately 11000 pupils, while employing around 1700 dedicated teaching and support staff.
A list of our schools is shown below.
Trust in Learning Academies
| Charlton Wood Primary Academy | Primary School |
| Filton Avenue Primary | Primary School |
| Fonthill Primary Academy | Primary School |
| Henbury Court Primary Academy | Primary School |
| Little Mead Primary Academy | Primary School |
| Parson Street Primary | Primary School |
| Nova Primary School | Primary School |
| Orchard School Bristol | Secondary School |
| Bridge Learning Campus | All-through School |
Cathedral Schools Trust
| Ashton Gate Primary School | Primary School |
| Cathedral Primary School | Primary School |
| Victoria Park Primary School | Primary School |
| Headley Park Primary School | Primary School |
| Henleaze Infant School | Primary School |
| Henleaze Junior School | Primary School |
| Hotwells Primary School | Primary School |
| Stoke Park Primary School | Primary School |
| St Werburgh's Primary School | Primary School |
| Bristol Cathedral Choir School | Secondary School |
| St Katherine's School | Secondary School |
| Trinity Academy Bristol | Secondary School |
What does this mean for pupils at CST schools?
For the most part, this proposal will mean very little change for your child and their school. Individual school names, school uniforms, school staffing and day-to-day arrangements will remain the same as a result of this proposal. The main changes instead will be in the senior leadership and governance of the Trust, and we will be able to share more with you in due course if this proposal is approved by the Department for Education.
How can I ask a question or share my feedback on the potential merger?
We are currently working closely in partnership with the Department for Education and the Diocese of Bristol to discuss the plans and we remain keen to hear any feedback or questions you may have on this proposal.
Please see below to view our Frequently Asked Questions documents for parents and carers and wider stakeholders which we will continue to update throughout the process.
If you would like to submit any comments or additional questions regarding the potential merger please use the links below to email our independent project managers, Edwin People. Any questions received will be added to the Frequently Asked Questions document which will be updated regularly and published on this website.
Please note that staff at CST and TiLA can access the staff FAQ documents via their respective intranet sites.