What is the most important factor when considering joining a MAT?

Heads and Chairs will work exceptionally hard to find the right MAT for their school. They will ask about finances, TUPE, costs and a range of other issues. For the vast majority of MATs, the answers to questions about these areas will be broadly similar, and therefore, although important, are secondary. I would therefore suggest that the most important factor, and the first one to consider when looking at a MAT, is its values. Values underpin how a MAT operates; the way in which the MAT works with its schools; how it engages with schools and organisations outside the MAT; whether it decides to pool schools' money or not; the way it listens to the views of stakeholders and why it believes these values are important to ensure the best outcomes for the pupils and students. The values of a MAT come directly from the Trust Board and therefore these values are consistent over time, giving schools the security of what the MAT stands for in the long term. There isn't a MAT, or indeed a school, in this country that does not want the best for its pupils so beware of statements such as 'wanting every pupil to achieve their full potential' or being 'inclusive'. The real values of a MAT are about what they believe this involves, and should be able to explain how this has been supported in their schools. Because values are at the heart of a MAT, it should be evident in all documents, information and interactions that these run through everything - like the words through a stick of rock. Check this by looking at key documents; by talking to the MAT leaders (CEO and Trustees) and by talking to some of the schools in the MAT. If these values link closely to your ethos for education and what your school needs, then you are ready to move forward by checking the other factors to make sure that this will work for you. If the values of the MAT don't closely match your school's ethos then it is probably not the best fit - do not worry, other MATs will have different values.

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