We understand that it is a big step for any single academy trust to restructure to form a multi-academy trust (MAT). 

Our education solicitors guide you through the academy restructuring process, ensuring that the restructuring process runs smoothly and is completed to deadline.

At the start of the restructuring process, we will put together a team of specifically chosen education law solicitors who have the expertise you need.

A project leader will be appointed. They will oversee the restructuring project, be available at all times to answer any queries that you may have and keep you updated on progress. That project leader will be available via their direct dial and by email. You will also have access to the contact details of every member of the team so that you can get in touch with whoever you need to at any time.

Our education lawyers understand that legal costs are an important consideration. That is why we will provide fixed fees for advising and assisting you during the process of converting to a MAT. The service we will provide includes the key aspects of any restructure, including:

1. Changing the company name - this may or may not be required. You may need to reflect that there will be more than one school within the trust. Also, the potential need to distinguish between the original single academy trust and the new multi-academy trust.
2. Drafting the Articles of Association – the Articles of Association need to take into account your ambition, aims, requirements and envisaged ethos of the MAT. We will take the time to work with you to ensure that this is achieved.
3. Amending the existing Funding Agreement – the existing Funding Agreement of the single academy trust will need to be restated in a Master Funding Agreement (MFA). The MFA will set out the terms that all schools in the trust will operate in return for funding. It is the framework for the MAT and deals with issues such as exclusions, curriculum, funding, matters relating to school meals and report requirements.
4. Preparation of Supplemental Funding Agreement(s) – each school within the MAT will need a supplemental funding agreement. It includes information specific to the particular school, such as its name, capacity and age range. It also deals with how the land will be held by the multi-academy trust.

Once the restructuring process has completed, we want to support you in achieving your goals for the trust and the schools within it, along with meeting the challenges you will undoubtedly face. 

We believe such support should be delivered through cost-effective legal products that are transparent when it comes to fees. Such fees should be fixed whenever possible. 

This gives you budget certainty and leaves you with more capital to spend on those who matter, your students. That is why we provide various fixed fee services that are wide-ranging and all-encompassing.

For further details or for a no-obligation chat regarding the process for Converting to a multi-academy trust, please contact Thomas Emmett, solicitor and Head of Education Law at Birkett Long on 01245 453847 or thomas.emmett@birkettlong.co.uk