The future of trust growth: insights from the 2026 CJK merger survey
CJK webinar
Tuesday 7th July 2026: 4pm - 5pm
Join Chris Kirk and John Murphy for a free one-hour webinar exploring the latest developments in school trust mergers and growth.
We'll share findings from our latest sector survey, examining trends in merger and transfer activity, the benefits and challenges trusts are experiencing, and how attitudes have changed since 2025. We'll also discuss the implications of the Government's White Paper and what current policy developments could mean for future trust growth.
Chris Kirk
Director, CJK
John Murphy
Education leadership mentor
Overview
Building on our 2025 research, we'll share the findings from our latest survey, examining how attitudes, activity and priorities have changed over the past year. We'll explore the key drivers behind school trust merger and transfer activity, the barriers trusts continue to face, and the benefits being realised through partnership and growth.
We'll also consider the implications of the Government's White Paper and wider policy developments, discussing what they may mean for trust growth strategies over the coming years.
Key topics
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The latest stats in school trust mergers and transfers
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How merger activity compares with 2025
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Key drivers, benefits and barriers identified by trust leaders
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What successful mergers have in common
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The implications of current government policy and reform
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What trust leaders should be considering as they plan for future growth
Who should attend
Whether your trust is actively exploring merger opportunities, considering future growth, or simply seeking to understand the evolving landscape, this webinar will provide practical insights and the latest sector intelligence. This webinar is suitable for trust and school senior leaders, along with trustees.
Register to attend
