W​ade Deacon Trust and Omega Multi-Academy Trust

Over the past few months, Wade Deacon Trust stakeholders have been positively engaging in confidential discussions with colleagues at Omega Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), regarding a potential Trust merger.

Omega MAT is a cross-phase group of seven schools located in Warrington and Liverpool, with two secondary schools and five primary schools.

Since its creation, the Wade Deacon Trust has grown at a steady and sustainable rate. Our Trust has a strong track-record of success and we are strategically and financially well-placed.

Last year, the Trust was nominated as Multi-Academy Trust of the Year: an achievement which is a testament to the dedication of its staff, the ambition of its pupils, and the strength of its communities.

Its vision: A Commitment to Excellence, has always been about more than academic results. It is also about raising aspirations, building resilience, and ensuring every young person leaves ready and equipped to make a difference.

Throughout conversations with Omega MAT, Trust stakeholders have highlighted that its organisational values are a key part of what defines it and are important to maintain.

However, there are several compelling reasons which explain why the Trust is 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 will enable the Trust 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.

Over the past few years, the Trust has been approached by other Trusts to discuss similar initiatives and on each occasion, the opportunity has not been right.

However, it is becoming increasingly clear that this opportunity is positive and in the best interests of the Wade Deacon Trust.

Omega MAT is a reputable, trusted partner with a strong, local footprint, committed to a set of values that align with our own.

Together, both organisations have already undertaken work in partnership to drive school improvements, and 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, the Trust is 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.

The Trust will soon be releasing further information regarding a formal consultation on the potential merger, and all stakeholders 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.

C​lick here to read more information on the potential merger in reply to some Frequently Asked Questions