About Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT)

Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) is one of the largest not-for-profit multi-academy trusts in England. Our aim as a charity, alongside our schools, is to help provide local children with a great education. We educate over 30,000 pupils across five OAT regions in over 40 schools – currently 32 secondary schools, six primary schools, four alternative provision schools and one special school. We are one of the longest established trusts and have been sponsoring academies since 2009. Our mission is to become the Trust that makes the biggest difference, both inside and outside the classroom.

When we think about what kind of difference we want to make, this is defined by our three core purposes, which are to teach and develop our pupils, while we effect change so that we can create schools where no one is disadvantaged.

Our very first school was sponsored by Ormiston Trust, a national charity formed in 1969. Ormiston Trust was founded with a view to improving the life chances of young people. This philanthropic principle informs all our work and has been the foundation for the ongoing success achieved across our academy network. Ormiston Trust continues to invest grant-funding in our schools in many areas.

OAT Aims

In January 2019, our board of trustees agreed a five-year strategy for OAT. This strategy sets out our mission, values, core purposes and priorities for change.

Our mission is to become the Trust that makes the biggest difference, both inside and outside the classroom. We are a values-led organisation, and it is our aim that we continually challenge ourselves to adhere to the spirit of our values:

In our schools, we believe that:

Anyone can excel

you don’t have to be exceptionally bright or naturally gifted in order to excel at something. We know hard work, determination and perseverance pay off.

Enjoy the challenge

Just because something might be hard, it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. We know it’s okay to face setbacks too – they can make you stronger.

Share what is best

If you’ve done something or created something overs would benefit from seeing or having, you should share it. We know our schools keep getting better when we all share what is best.

Be inclusive

Every child and adult should respect and accept that difference is normal, that everyone should be welcomed and included.