About Us

Our journey – their future

Our story is about transformation. Our story is about people. Our story is about legacy and generosity.

“We do not build schools. We build leaders who build the future.”

Great Schools Trust began, not with buildings, but with belief. In 2012, 38 young people joined our pioneering first academy — King’s Leadership Academy Warrington — with a simple promise: to create a school as ambitious as any independent school, but accessible to all. From this spark, a national force for educational excellence and leadership was born.

In the years since, Great Schools Trust has grown — not just in size, but in influence, diversity and ambition.

• From 1 to 9 schools, serving 4,500+ students across all phases and communities.

• From local leadership to a national voice — a DfE Behaviour Hub, an EdTech innovator, and a partner of choice for rebrokered and growing schools alike.

• From traditional schooling to future shaping — with AI embedded in every classroom through CredimusAI and a multi-phase curriculum that starts with ‘Sleeping under the Stars’ King’s Adventure leadership pledges in Early Years and ends with confident, characterful young adults achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award.

Our Community

Great Schools Trust at a Glance

At Great Schools Trust, we believe that every child, regardless of background, deserves an outstanding education. We are a Trust that is built on high expectations, unwavering support, and a deep commitment to character, leadership and social mobility.

Since our founding in 2012, Great Schools Trust has grown from one academy to a thriving
family of 9 schools operating within of 4 Hubs across the North West of England. Through academic excellence, AI-powered learning, character education and world-class leadership development, we empower our students and staff to shape their futures.

Where We Operate

We build communities of practice in regional hubs, with shared CPD, shared values, and shared purpose—connecting primary and secondary leaders, improving transitions and aligning vision across every phase.

Our Faculty for Education delivers wraparound support in HR, Finance, IT, Estates, Compliance, Marketing, and Legal—freeing leaders to focus on the core mission: great teaching, great learning, and great outcomes.

We don’t just grow schools. We grow leaders. And we grow together.