Omega MAT & Wade Deacon Trust Potential Merger

Over the past few months, Trust stakeholders have been positively engaging in confidential discussions with colleagues at Wade Deacon Trust, regarding a potential Trust merger.

Wade Deacon Trust is a cross-phase group of ten schools located across the North West, with one all through school, three secondary schools and six primary schools.

Since its creation, Omega Multi-Academy Trust has grown at a steady and sustainable rate. We are financially well placed, with a strong track record and reputation. We are both strategically and geographically well-placed.

Our Values: Aspiration, Belonging and Care has always been about more than academic results. It is also about raising aspirations, building a culture of belonging, and ensuring every young person leaves us ready and equipped to make a difference.

Throughout our conversations with Wade Deacon Trust, both the Omega Multi-Academy Trust CEO and Trust Board have highlighted that our organisational values are a key part of what defines us and are important to maintain. However, there are several compelling reasons which explain why we are considering a merger. First and foremost, from a school improvement perspective, the opportunities for pooling of knowledge, and sharing of best practice and resources are clear. A larger organisation in the same localities with combined knowledge, skills and expertise would enable us to further improve the quality of provision across both Trusts.

As a sector, there are a growing number of initiatives similar to this potential merger, which the Department for Education has backed for further investigation. What is becoming clearer is that larger MATs are better equipped to withstand economic pressures and changes in government policy, ensuring long-term sustainability and continued improvement in standards.

It has become increasingly clear that this is a fantastic opportunity and is in the best interests of Omega Multi-Academy Trust and each of our schools. Wade Deacon Trust is a reputable, trusted partner with a strong, local footprint, committed to a set of values that align with our own. Together, we have already undertaken work in partnership to drive school improvements, and our co-operation continues to grow from strength to strength.

As part of these discussions, subject to approval, it is proposed that the merged organisation will be known as the Wade Deacon Omega Trust (WDOT), reflecting the strong identity and contributions of both trusts

During this period, we are continuing to proceed with due diligence processes with senior leaders from across both Trusts, with a view that this will be completed in the Autumn Term this year. We will keep you updated on all developments as soon as it is appropriate to do so.

We will soon be releasing further information regarding a formal consultation on the potential merger, and all stakeholders, including staff, will be encouraged to participate in that important stage of the process.

Any decision to proceed with the merger will be subject to consultation, due diligence, the approval of both Trust Boards, followed by approval from the DfE Regional Director.

We have compiled a FAQ document to provide more information on the potential merger below.