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AST and GEP Merger
20th August 2021
The Boards of Trustees for both Athena Schools Trust (AST) and the Guildford Education Partnership (GEP Academies) are to merge the two trusts to form a single organisation from September 1st 2021.
Athena Schools Trust and GEP academies have merged to form a single trust on 1st September 2021
AST and GEP Merger Consultation
The Boards of Trustees for both Athena Schools Trust (AST) and the Guildford Education Partnership (GEP Academies) are announcing their proposal to merge the two trusts to form a single organisation from September 2021.
The two trusts have worked closely together over the past 18 months, and since June 2020 have shared the same Chief Executive, Jack Mayhew.
During this time, the benefits of working as one larger group of schools have become clear. It has been concluded that a merger will provide a better service to schools, staff and pupils, offering better educational provision and greater financial efficiency.
“GEP and AST have a shared vision and values and the relationship we have built over the past two years has shown we are stronger working together. We are excited about this becoming a formal merger from September and are confident children and their families in Guildford and the wider area will feel the benefits.”
Fergal Roche, Chair of GEP Academies
“Recognising the potential in all children and creating the right conditions for learning are at the heart of AST and GEP’s ethos. We have already made a great deal of progress in delivering on this vision together, so a formal merger is the next natural step.”
Andi Scanlan, Chair of AST
A public consultation ran from 1st-31st March 2021, with parents, staff, governors and the wider community invited to share their views and raise any questions. Background information and FAQs were provided; the public feedback is summarised below.
Please refer to further information:
- AST and GEP Background Information
- Merger Frequently Asked Questions
- Merger Consultation letter to Parents
- Merger Consultation letter to Governors
- Merger Consultation letter to Staff
- Merger Consultation Feedback
The Regional Schools Commissioner has now approved our application to merge into one trust.
"This is a true merger of talents and organisations and I am very excited as to what the future holds."
Jack Mayhew, CEO
The Boards of Trustees for both Athena Schools Trust (AST) and the Guildford Education Partnership (GEP Academies) are to merge the two trusts to form a single organisation from September 1st 2021.
Athena Schools Trust and GEP academies have merged to form a single trust on 1st September 2021
AST and GEP Merger Consultation
The Boards of Trustees for both Athena Schools Trust (AST) and the Guildford Education Partnership (GEP Academies) are announcing their proposal to merge the two trusts to form a single organisation from September 2021.
The two trusts have worked closely together over the past 18 months, and since June 2020 have shared the same Chief Executive, Jack Mayhew.
During this time, the benefits of working as one larger group of schools have become clear. It has been concluded that a merger will provide a better service to schools, staff and pupils, offering better educational provision and greater financial efficiency.
“GEP and AST have a shared vision and values and the relationship we have built over the past two years has shown we are stronger working together. We are excited about this becoming a formal merger from September and are confident children and their families in Guildford and the wider area will feel the benefits.”
Fergal Roche, Chair of GEP Academies
“Recognising the potential in all children and creating the right conditions for learning are at the heart of AST and GEP’s ethos. We have already made a great deal of progress in delivering on this vision together, so a formal merger is the next natural step.”
Andi Scanlan, Chair of AST
A public consultation ran from 1st-31st March 2021, with parents, staff, governors and the wider community invited to share their views and raise any questions. Background information and FAQs were provided; the public feedback is summarised below.
Please refer to further information:
- AST and GEP Background Information
- Merger Frequently Asked Questions
- Merger Consultation letter to Parents
- Merger Consultation letter to Governors
- Merger Consultation letter to Staff
- Merger Consultation Feedback
The Regional Schools Commissioner has now approved our application to merge into one trust.
"This is a true merger of talents and organisations and I am very excited as to what the future holds."
Jack Mayhew, CEO
