MERGER Consultation
We are pleased to have held a public consultation for the possible merger between our two, successful multi-academy trusts, Veritas Multi Academy Trust and Rainham Mark Education Trust (RMET).
A public consultation provides an opportunity for all stakeholders from each Trust, including pupils, parents/carers, staff and local communities, to feel fully informed of the merger process and have a voice within the process.
The Consultation is now closed, but was open from Monday 3rd February to Thursday 6th March 2025.
During this time, families, staff and stakeholders were invited to attend a range of consultation events, including the following:
Pilgrims' Way Primary School, Canterbury - Tuesday 11th February, 5-6pm
Warden House Primary School, Deal - Wednesday 12th February, 5.30-6.30pm
Mundella Primary School, Folkestone - Tuesday 4th March, 4.45 - 5.45pm
Now the Consultation has closed, Trust Boards of both RMET and Veritas will meet to discuss the outcomes of the public consultation, as well as reports on extensive due diligence work which has been conducted as part of the exploration of the merger for each Trust.
Whilst we can no longer include views within the reports, we do welcome you to share your voice and any questions you may have via our dedicated email address: [email protected].
How to respond and give your views
The Consultation is now closed. Additional information and some helpful FAQ's provide further information about the merger and the next steps.
All views provided will be reviewed to ensure the consultation process complies fully with the 2018 Cabinet Office principles for a fair and open consultation. Following the findings of both the due diligence process and feedback received from the consultation, both Trust boards will meet to determine next steps - including whether or not to proceed with the proposed merger.
Background
Rainham Mark Education Trust was first established in 2011 and Veritas Multi Academy Trust in 2015. Both were initially established as single standalone academies, and both have grown. Both multi-academy trusts serve diverse communities in Kent and Medway. All our schools are aspirational in their vision and mission to enhance the life chances of children and young people, through high quality education and enrichment. Both Trusts have proven their capacity and capability of school improvement. Our schools create communities through a sense of belonging. All our schools have proud histories and are locality based. Both Trusts value the importance of what each individual school brings to the collective family of schools within each Trust.
Why is a merger being considered?
Veritas Multi Academy Trust and Rainham Mark Education Trust have already been working successfully in close collaboration with one another, following Dr Kerry Jordan-Daus being appointed as the interim CEO of RMET; after the departure of the former CEO.
As Dr Jordan-Daus has a proven track record of transformational leadership across all phases in education, preliminary discussions had already taken place through both Trust Boards as to whether this could become a permanent arrangement, through the merger of both Trusts.
Following careful consideration, and in the best interests of the children and young people, staff and local communities that both Trusts serve, we are excited by the prospects and benefits that a potential merger will bring and feel that this is an opportune time for both Trusts to join and grow together.
What are the advantages of a merger?
There are many reasons why both Trust boards believe that a merger is in the interests of Veritas Multi Academy Trust and Rainham Mark Education Trust. This is explained within our Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
For full details of the merger, please find a link to our Frequently Asked Questions for more information, which we hope you find helpful, but please do let us know your feedback or any questions you may have, by getting in contact with us using the details above.
Copies of Letters regarding the Merger
Letter to Members, Trustees and Governors