As Arden Multi Academy Trust (AMAT) we truly value the success of every child and we place the sharing of excellent education practice at the core of this value. We are committed to improving the quality of education and life in Solihull and its immediate surroundings.
Our academies have common values and core operational systems, which are applied locally, adapted to individual context and needs. By this simple expedient each academy retains its own local governing body, identity and individuality. The young adults who leave our care are prepared for the next stage of their education and are ready and confident to move forward in life.
The Trust started with our belief in high quality and dynamic education for everyone, right in the heart of our community. Formed in April 2015 it has a clear vision to generate self-belief, self-worth, esteem and confidence in young people who can then display ambition and aspiration in achieving high educational outcomes.
The Trust started life when Arden, an outstandingly successful and innovative school was asked to support Park Hall Academy in the north of Solihull in 2009. This was a ‘light touch’ relationship and, following the academy moving into special measures in November 2013, Arden took over the governance, leadership and management of Park Hall. This new relationship saw the creation of Arden Multi-Academy Trust (AMAT). Joint working in a spirit of enthusiastic partnership has seen Park Hall develop into an Academy which is now an oversubscribed secondary school. In January 2018 Lode Heath School, a popular secondary school in Solihull, also became part of the Trust, followed quickly by Henley in Arden School in 2019.
In September 2023 the Trust was delighted to welcome two primary schools to establish the Trust primary division. Dorridge Primary School, a large three form entry community school, and Coppice Academy, a two form community junior school look forward to sharing are excited to be working with the Trust.
From September 2023 the Trust consists of four secondary schools and two primary schools providing education to approximately 6000 students with further plans to expand. The Trust is proud of its reputation for providing excellent education and proud of the fact that all schools within the Trust have achieved ‘Good’ Ofsted outcomes.
Arden Academy leads the increasingly popular Arden Teaching Alliance which currently consists of five Primary and five Secondary partner schools. This ensures that we help recruit, retain and develop our workforce across both teaching and support staff.
As a Trust we are committed to maintaining our core principles and focus as we grow; working with schools where we believe we can help and who, in turn, can enrich and provide real benefit for the existing Arden Multi Academy Trust family.
The Trust operates from its hub in Knowle, South Solihull.