What this priority is about

We will grow TEAM MAT in a way that is sustainable, ethical and focused on improving education for children. Growth is not about becoming bigger for its own sake; it is about extending our impact, supporting schools in need and sustaining high-quality education in rural and coastal communities. Strategic partnerships – locally, regionally and nationally – are essential to this.

What this means for children and communities

You should see:

• New schools joining the Trust where this clearly benefits pupils and communities.
• Existing schools continuing to improve as the Trust grows, with no dilution of quality.
• Strong collaboration with the Diocese of Exeter, local authorities, the Regions Group and other trusts.
• TEAM MAT contributing to wider system improvement, not working in isolation.
• A particular focus on protecting and strengthening small rural schools where provision might otherwise be vulnerable.

How we will get there

We will:

• Maintain and annually review a clear Growth Strategy, including criteria for welcoming new schools and supporting schools in difficulty.
• Carry out robust due diligence and risk assessment before schools join the Trust.
• Provide structured onboarding, transition planning and post-conversion support to new schools.
• Build and sustain partnerships with dioceses, local authorities, the Regions Group and sector bodies.
• Include explicit commitments to small rural schools within our growth plans, in line with national expectations around rural provision.

How we will know it is working

Over time, we expect to see:

• Growth in the number of schools that is aligned with our Growth Strategy and moral purpose.
• New schools showing clear improvement in quality of education within a reasonable timeframe after joining.
• Existing schools maintaining or improving standards during and after periods of growth.
• Evidence of effective joint work with partners on school improvement and system leadership.
• TEAM MAT recognised as a collaborative, outward-facing trust.