An alternative provision and special school multi-academy trust will join a large trust in the South West of England next year if plans are approved.
Transforming Futures Multi Academy Trust has four academies in the South West - three special settings and one alternative provision.
Subject to ongoing due diligence and approval from the Department for Education, it will join Reach South Academy Trust from February 2026.
Reach South currently has 17 schools in the South West, including three special schools.
The merged trust will have 20 schools, as Parkfield School - a secondary free school situated next to Bournemouth Airport that is part of Reach South - will close at the end of August due to low pupil numbers.
The trusts said the merger will enable greater inclusion.
Reach South will have a new CEO, Tom Leverage, in post from September 2025.
Sharing expertise in inclusive education
Mr Leverage said: “We are thrilled that Transforming Futures Trust have decided to join our family of schools. Their expertise in alternative and special education aligns perfectly with our mission to provide truly inclusive education for all.”
Sandra Harris, interim CEO of Transforming Futures, said the consolidation of the trusts will demonstrate how special and alternative provision can be improved by working together.
Due diligence is currently underway. During July, the trusts were engaging with stakeholders to consider views on the proposals.
Chair of the board of trustees at Transforming Futures, Carole Burgoyne, said the trust is delighted to have chosen Reach South for a voluntary merger.
“We have identified many opportunities for our children and young people to thrive and reach their full potential through this partnership and look forward to our staff being able to share their expertise in special and alternative provision education,” she added.
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