Transforming Futures Trust to join Reach South    

Reach South Academy Trust has announced Transforming Futures Trust has taken the voluntary decision to amalgamate with Reach South.

The move will be subject to ongoing due diligence processes and approval by the Department for Education (DfE), and subject to final process and approvals, is expected to formally join in February 2026.

Transforming Futures Trust is a multi-academy trust with four schools: one alternative provision and three special schools. 

Reach South said the move marks a “significant milestone” in its growth in education across the Southwest and will bring the number of schools in the Reach South family to 20. 

The news comes as the trust enters a new stage of development, with Tom Leverage, the new chief executive officer, set to join in September 2025.

Leverage, CEO designate at Reach South Academy Trust, said: “We are thrilled that Transforming Futures Trust have decided to join our family of schools. Their expertise in alternative and special education aligns perfectly with our mission to provide truly inclusive education for all.”

Marcus Agius CBE, chair of the board of trustees at Reach South Academy Trust, added: “We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or learning needs. This partnership enhances our ability to deliver on that promise. We very much look forward to schools in Transforming Futures Trust joining Reach South so that together we can build an even brighter future for more young people across the South West.”

Carole Burgoyne MBE, chair of the board of trustees at Transforming Futures Trust, said: “We are delighted to have chosen Reach South Academy Trust to move forward with in a voluntary merger. Reach’s values were closely aligned to Transforming Futures and both Trusts want to deliver high quality inclusive education to the children and young people in our schools.”

Sandra Harris, interim CEO at Transforming Futures Trust, concluded: “The consolidation of Transforming Futures Trust into Reach South Academy Trust represents an exciting opportunity primarily for the quality of education of the most deserving pupils in the Southwest and their communities.  

“Beyond that it provides a unique and positive demonstration of how, by working together, the wider system of Special and Alternative Provision education can be improved to best meet the needs of all of our children.”

An engagement exercise with all key stakeholders has been underway throughout July to ensure that Transforming Futures considers all views.