One of the largest not-for-profit multi-academy trusts in England, Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) has been sponsoring academies since 2009. Educating over 30,000 pupils across five OAT regions in over 40 schools employing over 5000 staff — OAT currently comprises 32 secondary schools, six primary schools, four alternative provision schools and one special school.
OAT's very first school was sponsored by Ormiston Trust, a national charity formed in 1969 as a lasting memorial for Fiona Ormiston Murray and her husband who both tragically died the previous year on their honeymoon. It is a grant-making trust working strategically in its areas of interest which are mainly with schools and organisations supporting children, young people and families. Ormiston Trust established OAT to run its sponsored academies, and OAT remains accountable to it, as does its sister organisation, Ormiston Families.
A national education charity, OAT is underpinned by its founder, Peter Murray’s, belief that every child should be given a chance to thrive. It serves pupils from many communities, all with their unique character, strengths, and challenges. Its sole purpose is: to provide OAT pupils with excellent learning opportunities, inside and outside the classroom.