Announcements

Statement for all Stakeholders

I would like to thank every member of staff for what they have achieved so far this academic year. We find ourselves in November and just five weeks before we start the festive break and welcome 2026. The process of education is never easy but it is made more enjoyable, and a joy to be part of, when we are able to see children given opportunities to discover and reach their personal best. Like you all, I feel a great sense of pride when given the opportunity to change young people’s lives.

Academic year 2024/2025 saw a period of considerable change for Tenterden Schools Trust (TST). A new Chair of the Trust Board (Fiona Coombe), a new Chief Finance and Operations Officer (Traysi Higgin) and my arrival as Chief Executive Officer in June 2025. In addition, we have recruited three new Trust Board Directors. These changes to key personnel have brought about a number of improvements as we move into 2026 with regards to the quality of governance, financial management and the support provided for TST Headteachers.

Unfortunately, this improved executive and governance oversight has also revealed that over recent years, the organisation has not taken sufficient measures to respond effectively and adjust to the financial and operational pressures which have been felt by all schools nationally. For this reason, the organisation will, in the years to come, find itself in an extremely difficult financial position with regards to the resources available. While a financial recovery plan is now in place, there is a need for more significant change to safeguard the long-term future of schools. The TST Board of Trustees considers that without the necessary capacity, financial resilience and school improvement resources, the changes required over the next 12 to 24 months will be too severe in such a short space of time and will quickly have a significant impact upon staff and the educational experience of the children in our care. Children only have one opportunity to attend an exceptional school to discover and then reach their personal best. It is therefore important that we do everything we can to surround them with the necessary resources as quickly as possible.

TST was originally set up to provide the local community with a seamless educational experience for children as they move from nursery to primary school and then onto the local secondary school. While this journey of transition and educational offer will not change, the legal entity or vehicle in which the schools are supported and challenged will.

Strategic Change

After considerable discussion and deliberation, the TST Board of Trustees has concluded that the best possible option for TST schools is to investigate external support. There are a number of options being considered:

1. All six TST schools to join a single alternative Multi Academy Trust (MAT).
2. Homewood School & Sixth Form to join an alternative MAT while the remaining five TST primary schools and two EYFS settings will continue as TST; or
3. Homewood School & Sixth Form to join a MAT while the primary schools and EYFS settings join another MAT.

All options are being investigated by the TST Board of Trustees with the support of the DfE. Those alternative MATs being considered will have the financial resilience and available resources to support the changes that need to be made. Consideration is being made for those TST schools which are Church Schools. Academies joining another Trust (a process known as “re-brokering”) is becoming more common in a climate when smaller organisations struggle to find the targeted support they require. The important thing is that whichever option is chosen, our schools and the children we care for will get the very best support to ensure their future aspirations.

While TST schools may cease to co-exist in one single MAT, the schools will continue to work together with regards to the transition of children from Year 6 to Year 7 therefore continuing to offer the local community a seamless education. Schools being part of two different legal entities does not prevent collaboration and transition with regards to admissions. The changes will, though, ensure schools receive more bespoke support relevant to the age group of the children in their care. While this significant change is disappointing, it does mean all schools will have the chance to thrive rather than just survive. It is in the best interests of all children and should be seen as an exciting solution to an emerging problem.

Following a period of due diligence and further stakeholder engagement, the TST Board of Trustees will identify alternative organisations which can offer schools greater financial resilience, an opportunity to share outstanding practice and safeguard the staffing and curriculum model required to meet the needs of every child.

Stakeholder Engagement and Due Diligence

A period of engagement with all stakeholders and deeper due diligence will run from Monday 17th November to Monday 8th December 2025. During this time the views of staff, parents, carers and members of the community will be considered and future strategic options for TST schools will be explored. Sustainable financial and school improvement models will be evaluated with a view to presenting final options to the full TST Board of Trustees, the Diocese of Canterbury and the Department for Education Regions Group before the end of the Autumn Term. Should these three stakeholder groups agree, then TST schools will re-broker as described above during the Spring/Summer Term 2026.

In the meantime, stakeholders must take comfort that the organisation, as it currently exists, is in safe hands. This decision is being made in a timely manner so as not to disrupt the education of young people. Expectations will remain high during this period of change and all parents and carers can be reassured that their child is in the best place to learn and be successful.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will accompany this statement and be updated at regular intervals during the stakeholder engagement to ensure that people are able to understand how the changes might affect them. The views of people will be shared with the TST Board of Trustees after Monday 8th December for further consideration.

Thank you for taking the time to read this important communication. If you have any questions please read the FAQs and consider sending any additional questions to the email address below. The FAQs will be updated at regular intervals. engagement@tenterden-schools-trust.com

Jonathan Wilden (TST Chief Executive Officer) 17.11.25

Parent\Carer Version of FAQs November 2025Statement for Stakeholders re-Re-brokering TST-Schools 17.11.25