An investigation of the motives and initial collaboration in the formation of a university-sponsored multi-academy trust: A case of altruism and/or survival

The academisation of schools in England has been fashioned by the policies of different governments resulting in the formation of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) which are now prolific and a common model of provision. MATs continue to be created, grow, and merge in some cases. Academisation typically involves some form of public or private sponsorship. The reasons why some universities choose to sponsor MATs are unclear and the motives of the individuals involved are under-researched. Eight participants who were involved in the creation of a university-sponsored MAT were interviewed. These were people within the school, the MAT and the university, where their different roles influenced perceptions of the advantages of sponsorship. Participants’ accounts expose complex and intertwined individual and organisational drivers which are conceptualised as economic, social and political motives. This framework provides a lens to explore the apparent tensions between participants’ perspectives reconciling motives as being altruistic and/or about survival. This research contributes to a better understanding of the implications for universities considering MAT sponsorship.