Consultation

Dear Stakeholders,

Consultation for Balmoral Learning Trust to join Tyne and Wear Learning Trust

I am writing to inform you that the Directors of Balmoral Learning Trust are proposing that Balmoral Learning Trust joins Tyne and Wear Learning Trust, subject to a period of formal consultation. This letter marks the start of that consultation process, during which we welcome your views, questions and feedback before any final decision is made.

Why Are We Proposing This Change?

The Directors primary responsibility is to ensure the highest possible standards of education, wellbeing, and opportunity for all our pupils, now, and in the future. After careful consideration, we believe that joining Tyne and Wear Learning Trust would offer a number of potential benefits, including:

  • Access to a wider network of schools and shared expertise
  • Stronger school-to-school support and professional development for staff
  • Increased capacity for leadership, governance and financial resilience
  • Opportunities for collaboration to further improve outcomes for pupils
  • Opportunities for further growth

This proposal has not been reached lightly. The Directors of Balmoral Learning Trust have taken significant time to explore a range of options and have carefully considered the views and professional advice of our Headteachers throughout this process. Four different multi-academy trusts were considered in detail. Each was assessed against key criteria including values, capacity, support for schools and long-term sustainability. Following this thorough process, Tyne and Wear Learning Trust was selected as the preferred partner as it was felt to best align with our ethos, strategic priorities and to offer the strongest opportunities for our schools, staff and pupils.

Tyne and Wear Learning Trust has a strong track record of supporting schools while respecting their individual identity, ethos and community role. You can find out more about Tyne and Wear Learning Trust here: - www.tyneandwearlt.co.uk

What Would This Mean in Practice?

If the proposal goes ahead:

  • Balmoral Learning Trust schools would become part of Tyne and Wear Learning Trust from September 2026
  • There would be no change to school names
  • The day-to-day running of schools would continue to be led by existing leadership teams
  • There would be no changes to staffing, pupils’ education or uniform as a result of this proposal
  • Each school’s values, character and local identity would be preserved

Any changes would be carefully planned and communicated well in advance.

Consultation Process

The consultation period will run from Friday 19th December to Friday 16th January 2026.

During this time, we invite all stakeholders to share their views by:

All responses will be considered by the Trustees before a final decision is made.

Next Steps

At the end of the consultation period, the Directors of Balmoral Learning Trust will carefully review all feedback received. The feedback will form part of a formal process including gaining the support of the Department for Education Advisory Board. A final decision will then be made on whether to proceed with joining Tyne and Wear Learning Trust. The outcome of the consultation will be communicated to all stakeholders.

We value your engagement and encourage you to take part in this consultation. Your views are important and will help shape the future direction of the Trust.

 

Yours sincerely,

Susan Bell

CEO Balmoral Learning Trust