Number of academy trusts in England shrinks again today – as controversial takeovers see demise of some smaller chains
The language of mergers and acquisitions has become a feature of England's education landscape, as larger academy trusts take over smaller ones. Image: iStock.
Ark Schools is big gainer among England’s largest chains, today officially taking on nine new schools to become the fifth largest.
The number of academy trusts in England has shrunk to a 10-year low, new figures reveal today, as chain mergers and takeovers have continued and some of England’s largest trusts get bigger still.
To continue reading this article…
You'll need to register with EDUCATION UNCOVERED. Registration is free and gives you access to one article per month. But please consider a subscription which will give you full access to all the news articles and analysis on the website. As a subscriber you'll also be able to comment on each news article. as well as support our journalism and extend the reach of the site.
By Warwick Mansell for EDUCATION UNCOVERED
Published: 1 September 2026
Comments
Submitting a comment is only available to subscribers.