MAT Merger Strengthens Inclusive Education

Expanding trusts to support special needs

Reach South Academy Trust, managing 16 schools, is merging with Transforming Futures Trust, a specialist provider running three special schools and one alternative provision setting. This reflects a wider organisational shift towards integrating SEND expertise within mainstream networks.

At a glance

• Reach South: 16 schools (3 special)

• Transforming Futures: 3 special and 1 alternative provision school

• Merger illustrates a growing national trend towards inclusive MAT structures

“Inclusion works best when it is built into a trust’s DNA, not applied as an afterthought,” says Findel Education.

Embedding inclusion as strategy

This integration trend strengthens mainstream capacity to support complex needs and allows specialist practice to influence the wider schooling ecosystem. Findel partners with MATs across England and has seen how alignment of practice, resource selection and training can accelerate improvement across varied school environments.

Supporting inclusive delivery

Through gls and Philip Harris, Findel supplies sensory, adaptive and accessible resources that turn inclusion from policy aspiration into daily classroom practice. Bundles and curated selection simplify purchasing and help academies achieve consistent inclusion standards across multiple sites.

Key takeaways

• MAT mergers increasingly unite mainstream and SEND expertise

• Inclusion succeeds when supported by consistent resourcing and capability

• Findel provides practical solutions that help trusts embed inclusion effectively across all schools