Reach South Academy Trust moves closer to welcoming Transforming Futures ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Transforming Futures Trust is a well-respected multi-academy trust with four schools: one alternative provision and three special schools. This move marks a significant milestone in Reach South’s journey of growth and excellence in education across the Southwest and will bring the number of schools in the Reach South family to 20.  It will enable greater inclusion in all senses.

The news comes as the Trust enters a new and exciting stage of development. With Tom Leverage, the new chief executive officer, set to join in September 2025, Reach South is poised to embark on the next phase of its evolution – one focused on innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

Tom Leverage, CEO designate at Reach South Academy Trust, said:

“We are thrilled that Transforming Futures Trust have decided to join our family of schools. Their expertise in alternative and special education aligns perfectly with our mission to provide truly inclusive education for all.”

The Department for Education has recognised Reach South’s continued success in supporting schools across the Southwest. This further growth signals the Trust’s strong leadership, collaborative ethos, and proven track record of school improvement.  By bringing more special schools and the first alternative provision school into Reach South, the trust is building its capacity to deliver high-quality education across a broader range of needs.

Marcus Agius CBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Reach South Academy Trust, said:

“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or learning needs. This partnership enhances our ability to deliver on that promise. We very much look forward to schools in Transforming Futures Trust joining Reach South so that together we can build an even brighter future for more young people across the South West.”

Carole Burgoyne MBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Transforming Futures Trust, said:

We are delighted to have chosen Reach South Academy Trust to move forward with in a voluntary merger. Reach’s values were closely aligned to Transforming Futures and both Trusts want to deliver high quality inclusive education to the children and young people in our schools.

We have identified many opportunities for our children and young people to thrive and reach their full potential through this partnership and look forward to our staff being able to share their expertise in Special and Alternative Provision education.

We are excited about this partnership and look forward to seeing the benefits it will deliver. 

Sandra Harris, Interim CEO at Transforming Futures Trust, said:

“The consolidation of Transforming Futures Trust into Reach South Academy Trust represents an exciting opportunity primarily for the quality of education of the most deserving pupils in the Southwest and their communities.  Beyond that it provides a unique and positive demonstration of how, by working together, the wider system of Special and Alternative Provision education can be improved to best meet the needs of all of our children.”

Both trusts are now taking time to get to know one another, undertake appropriate due diligence, and begin building a strong and collaborative relationship.  An engagement exercise with all key stakeholders has been underway throughout July to ensure that Transforming Futures considers all views.

Subject to final process and approvals, Transforming Futures Trust is expected to formally join Reach South Academy Trust in February 2026.