Three key strategies for growing your MAT

Refining Processes

Effective processes are the backbone of any successful MAT. As trusts expand from a few schools to larger networks, the complexity of operations increases exponentially. Here’s how to manage this growth:

Standardise and streamline operations: Establish clear, standardised procedures across all schools within the trust. This includes financial management, HR practices, and IT systems. Consistency ensures that all schools operate efficiently and reduces the risk of errors.

Continuous review and improvement: Regularly review all processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. This is particularly crucial in a landscape where funding is limited, and every penny counts. Engage with other trusts to share best practices and learn from their experiences.

Leverage technology: Implement robust management information systems (MIS) to streamline administrative tasks. These systems can automate routine processes, freeing up staff to focus on more strategic activities.

Capitalising on Economies of Scale

One of the primary advantages of growing a MAT is the potential for economies of scale. However, achieving these benefits requires careful planning and execution:

Centralised procurement: By centralising procurement processes, trusts can negotiate better deals with suppliers. This not only reduces costs but also ensures consistency in the quality of goods and services - and processing - across all schools.

Shared services: Consider implementing shared services for functions such as finance, HR, and IT. This approach can lead to significant cost savings and improve service delivery by pooling resources and expertise.

Bulk purchasing: Take advantage of bulk purchasing opportunities for supplies and services. This can lead to substantial discounts and reduce per-unit costs.

Maximising Specialist Roles 

As MATs grow, the need for specialised roles becomes more pronounced. Here’s how to maximise the impact of your specialists:

Specialisation over generalisation: Instead of having multiple staff members performing similar roles across different schools, consolidate these roles into specialised positions within the central team. This approach ensures that each function is handled by an expert, leading to higher efficiency and better outcomes.

Professional development: Invest in continuous professional development for your specialists. Keeping their skills up-to-date ensures that they can provide the best possible support to your schools.

Utilise expertise across schools: Encourage specialists to work across multiple schools within the trust. This not only maximises their impact but also fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Growing a multi-academy trust in today’s challenging environment requires strategic planning and a focus on efficiency. It's important to have everything in place before new schools join your trust. By refining processes, leveraging economies of scale, and maximising specialist roles, MATs can navigate these challenges successfully and continue to provide high-quality education.

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The Active Learning Trust, Greenwood Academies Trust and HISP Multi Academy Trust share their insights on the wider costs of outdated EdTech.