What is a trust school?

The aim of trust schools is to use the experience, energy and expertise from other schools and professions as a lever to raise standards in schools.

A trust schools is a foundation school with a charitable foundation (or trust) to support the school. Schools can set up a trust in a collaborative group with other schools, businesses or education providers.

To acquire trust status:

• Existing foundation schools can set up a charitable trust
• Community schools can take on foundation status and set up a trust within a single process

Both foundation and trust schools remain local authority maintained schools.

Read the 'At a glance' for more information about what a trust school is and what it isn't.