Group of Five Schools in Kirklees Granted Approval to Form a New Multi-Academy Trust

26 February 2025


Ashbrow School, Birkby Junior School, Dalton School, Mill Lane Primary School, and Moldgreen Community Primary School are proud to announce that the Department of Education (DfE) has officially approved their formation of a new Multi Academy Trust (MAT).


The new Multi Academy Trust will be called Industrious Education Trust and will serve children and families in the Kirklees area.

This exciting collaboration marks the beginning of a new chapter for the schools and their communities as they come together with a shared vision to create a brighter future for every child.


The newly formed Multi Academy Trust will focus on high expectations, inclusivity, and a commitment to providing every pupil with the support and encouragement needed to flourish, no matter their background. The collaboration between the five schools is set to provide a strong foundation for educational excellence, rooted in the belief that all children deserve the very best opportunities to succeed.


With this new partnership, the Trust will work across all schools to ensure that resources, professional development, and enrichment opportunities are equally accessible to all pupils and staff. Central to the Trust’s mission is the drive to elevate learning standards and broaden the horizons of every child, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in the modern world.


The Trust’s leadership is focused on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is supported to achieve their full potential. By collaborating across schools, they aim to set ambitious goals for academic achievement while fostering a sense of belonging and community for every pupil.


Susan Davis, Headteacher of Birkby Junior School and the proposed Chief Executive Officer of Industrious Education Trust, said, “We are all absolutely thrilled to receive approval from the Department for Education to officially establish this new Multi Academy Trust. 


“This is more than just a partnership – it’s a shared commitment to creating a learning environment where every child is encouraged, challenged, and supported to reach their very best. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide high expectations and equal opportunities for all, ensuring that no child is left behind. Together, we are stronger, and we are excited about the future and the positive impact this Trust will have on our children and communities.”


For more information, please contact:
Mrs Susan Davis (CEO)
Industrious Education Trust


Contact: 01484 223975

Email Address: susan.davis@industriouseducation.org.uk
Website: www.industriouseducation.org.uk


IET Consultation report IET Collective feedback and questions

Key information and supporting documents

Letters issued to stakeholders* on 9 April 2024

*Stakeholders refer to, nurseries, local secondaries/primaries / Kirklees LA / Businesses


Stakeholder consultation


Trade Union consultation


Sign up to our stakeholder event


Frequently asked questions (FAQs) - stakeholders

Governance and non-executive director recruitment

Industrious Education Trustee recruitment information


Who are Industrious Education Trust? 

The Industrious Education Trust are a group of 6 Kirklees schools who are currently exploring the creation of a new multi academy trust to serve the schools and the wider communities in which they serve.

 

How can you be involved?

We are looking to establish a shadow Board of Trustees and Members to support our application to establish our new Trust. 


We would like to recruit a diverse non-executive Board with the right skills and experiences that will support us on our journey. 


Our new Trustees and Members will have a diverse range of skills, experiences, qualifications, characteristics and perspectives. They will be from different backgrounds and settings and will have a positive impact on setting the strategic direction for the organisation with children, learning and communities at its heart. 


With this in mind, we have established an open and transparent recruitment process that is communicated to all stakeholders from the schools and beyond. This will ensure a successful recruitment process that results in the right appointments made based on skills and experience, as opposed to geography or prior involvement.


Click here for a copy of the application pack


IET Member and Trustee application form