Due Diligence for Multi Academy Trusts

From the recent Opportunity for All White Paper published in March 2022 it is understood that MATs are being encouraged to scale and grow into a minimum of 10 schools or 7,500 pupils. As a result, the process of due diligence to support these transitions is becoming increasingly more important.

Due diligence is a thorough risk management process undertaken by Multi Academy Trusts when looking to transition a new school or academy into their MAT. The process ensures that all stakeholders have a holistic insight into the suitability of the acquisition including the educational, financial and premises position, before deciding to proceed.

The due diligence process is intended to give stakeholders the confidence and assurance needed to proceed with the academy acquisition. Therefore, it is important to note that the process is more than just collecting data. Once the information has been gathered, this data needs to be interpreted in a way that ensures stakeholders are well informed and confident that the academy acquisition is the right fit for them. By considering all the findings including highlighted risks, benefits, trends, and associated costs to name a few, only then is the board able to make a fully informed decision on the suitability of the acquisition, and whether or not to proceed.

The process of due diligence usually takes upwards of three months, with some MATs allowing up to six months for completion. This is due to the complex nature of legalities, complications, and negotiations amongst others.

Key considerations for MATs undertaking due diligence include whether their trust has the correct capacity, resources, personnel, and expertise to compile the data and develop strategies based on the findings. MATs are increasingly turning to specialists to provide additional support, knowledge and expertise when completing their due diligence. To ease the burden, these specialists assist with the process, suggest recommendations, and advise on effective strategies for a successful transition based on key insights.

To support with the due diligence process, Strictly Education have developed a Due Diligence Checklist for Growing Multi Academy Trusts.

The FREE interactive checklist is designed to make due diligence easier by enabling MATs to track all areas that require reviewing.

Simply download the checklist and tick off the areas that have been completed.

Not only this, the due diligence team at Strictly Education are also experts in education and risk management and can provide support where needed or manage the entire process if required.

To find out more contact us on 0330 123 2549 or at duediligence@strictlyeducation.co.uk we are happy to answer your questions or arrange a discovery call. You can also find out more here.