Joining our Trust
At the Red Kite Learning Trust, we are proud of the journey we've taken since our establishment in 2015. With our central office based in Harrogate, we serve a thriving network of 14 schools across North and West Yorkshire, including 8 primary schools (4 nurseries), 1 junior school, 1 all-through school, and 4 secondary schools with 3 sixth forms. Together, we support the learning and growth of more than 9,750 young people while with a team of over 1,500 dedicated colleagues.
As the government continues its drive towards academisation within multi academy trusts, we welcome approaches from schools and MATs who share our vision of nurturing ambition, delivering excellence and enriching children’s lives.
Often described as ‘The Goldilocks Trust’, we offer just the right balance of size, culture, and opportunity. Here are just some of the reasons to choose Red Kite Learning Trust.
Just the right size
As a Trust we are "not too big, not too small" and provide the best of both worlds. Our schools benefit from the resources, security and opportunities of a larger trust, but with a close-knit, supportive culture of a smaller organisation. Our size allows us to innovate, collaborate, and deliver high-quality education while maintaining a personal connection with every school and team member.
Balanced and Diverse
Our schools span a diverse range of settings, from nurseries and primary schools to junior, secondary, and all-through schools, ensuring a breadth of experiences and a comprehensive approach to education. We champion equity, equality and diversity and treat everyone in our Trust and our communities with respect and kindness.
Strong Network of Collaboration
We work with professional generosity and openness for the common good. As part of the wider Red Kite Alliance, a membership of over 50 schools, we benefit from a collaborative environment that fosters shared learning, best practices, and innovation. Together, we create a supportive network that enriches everyone involved.
Richard Sheriff
Our CEO explains 5 key benefits arising from being in a MAT.
Growing and Thriving
Though well-established, Red Kite Learning Trust is still evolving, embracing innovation and collaboration to provide the best outcomes for our colleagues and the children and young people in our care. We continue to grow in a controlled and measured way to ensure all our schools benefit from any new partnerships.
A Centrally Located Trust
Situated in the heart of Yorkshire and centrally located in the UK, we are well-positioned for collaboration and accessibility, providing opportunities to connect with other educators and communities across the region.
Striving for Social Justice
We put ethical leadership and excellent governance at the heart of our Trust, serving our schools and communities with fairness, honesty and a hunger for social justice. As a Trust we are committed to nurturing ambition and enriching the lives of all children within our school communities and strive to bridge the gap for those who are socially or economically challenged. Our Red Kite Foundation is a fundraising initiative designed to enhance the life experiences and opportunities of children in our care facing challenging circumstances.
Steve Howell
Our CFO outlines further reasons to consider joining a MAT from a financial perspective.
Design by Collaboration
Our vision and strategic plans are developed and realised via collaboration across our Trust, consulting with our Trustees, Headteachers, colleagues and Youth Board representatives. We are very much ‘our Trust’, where everyone comes together to share good practice to ensure the best outcomes for every child in every school.
Developing Future Leaders
We are deeply committed to professional growth. Through Red Kite Education, we train and develop our own teachers with tailored programs offered by our Alliance, Teacher Training, and Teaching School Hub. This ensures that our colleagues not only thrive but also contribute significantly to shaping the future of education.
Our Trust Services
Get in Touch
If you would like to learn more about what it means to be part of Red Kite Learning Trust then please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you and have an initial conversation.
Julie Wellacott
Our Flexible Working Ambassitor and previous HR Director outlines some of the people benefits.
It’s vital when choosing a MAT to be comfortable with the values and the way of working – this short animation captures our approach at Red Kite Learning Trust.
Our Vision, Values and Goals
View our Prospectus
In Practical terms…
After a period of informal discussions, we commence a more formal, two-way, due diligence process covering curriculum, HR, governance, finance, legal, premises and other matters.
This allows each party to get a really deep understanding of the position. Once it is agreed that all sides wish to proceed, we will engage our legal advisors to undertake the formal process.
Once the transaction to join Red Kite Learning Trust is complete, a school will be asked to make a financial contribution, currently 5% of annual grant income, to the Trust which covers a long list of central functions including:
- Central HR support
- Payroll
- Central Finance support
- Central Estates support
- School Improvement
- Central systems licences
- Strategic ICT Support
- Procurement Support
- Legal advice
- Health and Safety advice
- Data Protection
- Red Kite Alliance membership
Red Kite Learning Trust qualifies for annual funding through the School Capital Allocation and this is allocated to projects across the Trust according to identified priorities to keep our schools “Safe, warm and dry”.
Devolved Formula Capital funds are pooled centrally and invested in our ICT infrastructure.
Whilst the financial aspects are important we really want to hear from potential partners with a desire to help us build our Trust into something even better than we already have for the benefits of our pupils and communities.
