Chair

The Eastern Multi Academies Trust (EMAT) comprises twelve schools situated primarily in King’s Lynn, Downham Market, and Thetford in Norfolk, with an additional cluster of schools in the Wisbech area of Cambridgeshire and one in Suffolk. The trust includes eleven primary academies—most of which were judged ‘Good’ at their last Ofsted inspections—and one secondary academy. Two of the primary schools are awaiting their first inspection since joining the trust but are making significant progress. EMAT’s schools serve a blend of urban and rural communities, with several very small primary settings. Provision across the trust includes early years education from the age of three, and two of the primary academies operate as junior schools, focusing solely on Key Stage 2.

EMAT has established strong working partnerships to enhance educational outcomes, particularly in its secondary provision. The trust is an active strategic partner in both the local Department for Education (DfE) Maths Hub, which spans all key stages, and the Myland English Hub, which focuses on the English curriculum for children aged 3 to 11. For school improvement, EMAT collaborates closely with Enrich Academy Trust and Voyager Education Trust. Although the trust has ambitions to expand, it recognises that most secondary schools in Norfolk have already converted to academy status. Consequently, EMAT is exploring potential growth in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, both at primary and secondary levels. The possibility of merging with another smaller trust also remains under consideration.

A strong commitment to inclusion underpins EMAT’s ethos. The trust is especially proud of its work in special educational needs, mastery of foundational literacy and numeracy, phonics teaching, and the overall academic progress evident across its primary schools. Many academies joined the trust while facing challenges such as low Ofsted grades and poor performance, but under EMAT’s stewardship, they have seen marked improvements, with schools now receiving good and outstanding judgements. The secondary school has implemented an innovative provision called ‘Forward Step’, which caters to students with persistent absenteeism or significant pastoral and academic needs.

At the end of the 2024 academic year, the trust had a combined Published Admission Number (PAN) of 4,398 pupils, which forms the basis of its core income. King’s Lynn Academy is set to increase its intake significantly in coming years following substantial infrastructure investment, completed in Autumn 2025. EMAT has a current annual income of approximately £25 million. While the trust’s 2023/24 financial position is broadly in line with expectations, ongoing challenges in special educational needs funding remain. Nonetheless, most academies have remained within their budgets, with only a few requiring additional expenditure due to staff absence. EMAT’s most recent external audit confirmed strong financial management and compliance, and the trust maintains reserves in line with DfE guidelines.

Governance is a key strength of EMAT, but with significant turnover expected on the Board of Trustees in the coming year, the trust is seeking four new trustees. There are currently nine trustees and four trust members; however, three members are expected to step down, prompting recruitment for their replacements. EMAT’s vision—“Transforming Lives, Transforming Communities”—is central to its mission. The trust strives to prepare all its pupils for lifelong learning, empowering them to make informed life choices, achieve their full potential, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Its core values emphasise empowerment, motivation, achievement, and transformation.

EMAT is entering a period of governance transition and is keen to ensure continued board strength, strategic oversight, and continuity. To this end, the trust is looking to appoint a new chair with professional expertise to support and challenge the CEO and senior leadership team. The Board currently meets six times per year, typically once every half-term, with each meeting lasting approximately two and a half hours and held in King’s Lynn. Trustees are also expected to participate in annual strategy or away days and join at least one sub-committee, averaging around one full day of commitment per month.

The trust’s sub-committees include Finance & Operations, Audit & Risk, and HR & Wellbeing. Each committee meets three times annually for around two hours. Trustees are matched to the committees that align with their professional background, experience, and interests. Beyond these core responsibilities, trustees may be invited to attend occasional ad-hoc meetings or represent EMAT at key events. Meetings operate on a hybrid basis, with a minimum expectation of two in-person board meetings and two school visits each academic year.

To support its governance function, EMAT employs a Lead Governance Professional and a Director of People, who work alongside the CEO to maintain strong governance structures and ensure appropriate expertise at the board level. Safeguarding is considered a core priority, and trustees are required to complete essential safeguarding training and to be familiar with the DfE’s statutory guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). A Safeguarding Leadership Group, led by a member of the Executive Team, works with school-based safeguarding leads to ensure robust practice, and safeguarding data and incidents are regularly reviewed by the Board. A trustee is nominated each year to take on a specific safeguarding oversight role.

In terms of skills, EMAT is seeking individuals with particular strengths in four key areas. First, strategic financial expertise is needed to ensure compliance and adherence to regulatory standards. Second, experience in human resources and employment law is essential, with an understanding of professional development frameworks and large-scale organisational development. Third, the trust is seeking an individual with a strong interest in safeguarding who can help scrutinise operational practices, though specialist knowledge is not required. Finally, expertise in interpreting audit outcomes, evaluating risk, and analysing data will be invaluable.

New trustees undergo a comprehensive induction programme that includes both face-to-face and online components. This process will involve engagement with the Treasurer, CEO, executive team, and school leaders. EMAT also supports trustee development through its professional memberships with the National Governance Association (NGA) and Confederation of School Trusts (CST). In addition, the trust is committed to removing barriers to participation and reimburses reasonable expenses such as travel or care costs in accordance with its Expenses Policy.

Looking ahead, EMAT anticipates undertaking a full governance review during the 2026/27 academic year to enhance its strategic direction and improve engagement between the trust board and local school governance committees. While the Board currently has strong educational expertise and meets all governance compliance standards, EMAT is committed to evolving and strengthening its leadership in line with its ambitions for the future. In tandem with recruiting trustees, EMAT is also working with Governors for Schools to appoint three new trust members, with a focus on board experience, professional skill sets, and a strong understanding of the geographic context that shapes the trust’s diverse student intake across three local authority areas.

Establishment Information

• Address: Eastern Multi Academy Trust, Queen Mary Road, Kings Lynn Norfolk, PE30 4QG
• Website: https://www.eastern-mat.co.uk/
• Type of establishment: Multi Academy Trust
• Phase(s) of education: Primary & Secondary