Leading Successful School Trust Mergers—How Edwin People Makes the Difference

A merger with another trust is among the most significant decisions a trust board can make reshaping governance, leadership, and the experience of staff and pupils. When done well, a merger can create new opportunities for excellence, resilience, value for money and civic leadership.

The recent publication from the Confederation of School Trusts aligns fully with the work we do when supporting a Trust merger.  At Edwin People, we understand that the difference between a merger that transforms education and one that distracts from it, lies in finding the right trust partner, planning and preparing thoroughly, effective communications, and leading with expertise.

Strategic Leadership: Setting the Compass for Change

The Confederation of School Trusts’ guidance is clear: mergers must be purpose-led, with the advancement of education for public benefit as the compass point throughout the process. Our Edwin People support brings strategic clarity to every merger, helping trust boards and executive teams articulate a compelling rationale, align vision and values, and ensure the benefits to children and young people are at the heart of every decision.  

Our team of leadership and people advisers work closely with trust boards and executive teams to:

• Facilitate honest self-assessment and strategic planning
• Guide executive teams and boards through complex decision-making, ensuring alignment with charitable objects and long-term goals
• Support executive leaders in building relationships, communicating vision, and designing integration plans that enable unity and excellence
• Offer honest feedback and advice based on a depth and breadth of experience in the education sector. 
• Explain Department for Education processes and application requirements
• Build timeline, project plan and assess and manage risk
• Navigate Executive and Central Team staffing structures and processes

Project Management: Disciplined Execution from Start to Finish

A successful merger is a journey—from early exploration to post-merger integration and alignment. Our team of specialists work relentlessly to ensure every stage is meticulously planned and delivered. We help trusts navigate the merger journey by:  

• Planning timelines including engagement with the Department for Education and other key partners
• Coordinating due diligence across governance, finance, legal, HR and other operational domains
• Managing wider stakeholder engagement and statutory consultation, including TUPE processes
• Overseeing integration workstreams, risk registers, and reporting to boards

Our approach is rooted in evidence and best practice, drawing on lessons from both the education sector and wider corporate and charitable contexts. We understand that timelines and approaches will vary, so it’s important that we tailor our support to each trust’s unique needs and context. 

HR Expertise: Supporting People Through Change

Mergers are, at their heart, about people. Edwin People’s HR team excels in managing the human dimension of trust mergers, ensuring that staff are supported, engaged, and empowered throughout. We provide:

• Workforce reviews and capacity assessments to anticipate and manage change
• Expert guidance on TUPE, pay harmonisation, and cultural integration
• Strategies for talent retention, professional development and wellbeing

Our HR specialists facilitate two-way dialogue, visible leadership, and respect for local identity and context —key factors in building trust and confidence among staff and unions. We help trusts protect core talent, communicate consistently and effectively, and integrate cultures deliberately, avoiding the ‘us and them’ trap.

Why Edwin People?

Edwin People is renowned for our deep sector expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to educational excellence. We don’t just manage the technical aspects of mergers—we lead with purpose and honesty, empowering your people, and delivering lasting benefit for your pupils, staff, and communities.

If your trust is considering a merger, our team is ready to deliver the expertise and support needed to achieve a successful and timely merger.