How joining Horsham Learning Alliance works

A steady, supported process - shaped around your institution.

We understand that joining a multi-academy trust is a significant decision. Our approach is thoughtful and transparent, giving leaders the time, clarity and support they need at every stage of the journey.

Every context is different - so joining Horsham Learning Alliance isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s a series of conversations, decisions and practical steps, taken at a pace that feels right for your setting.

For most leaders, it starts simply with an informal chat.

No commitment.

No pressure.

Just a chance to see whether HLA feels like the right fit.

Timeline for academisation

Step 1: Start the conversation

The process begins with an informal conversation with school leaders and governors.

It’s an opportunity to talk openly about your setting, your priorities, what you’re looking for from joining a Trust and what pace and timelines will feel right for your setting.

These early conversations help bring HLA to life beyond the practical details - giving everyone the chance to explore shared values, ways of working and whether there’s a natural fit.

There’s no pressure and no commitment - just the opportunity to see whether HLA feels right for your setting.

Step 2: Explore what partnership would mean for you

If you decide to take the next step, we’ll begin working through what joining HLA would mean in practice for your setting.

That might include:

The areas where additional support would make the biggest difference
How Trust-wide services and systems would work in practice
Governance structures and local decision-making
Transition planning, timelines and key milestones
Legal processes and due diligence
Questions from staff, governors and the wider community

These conversations are designed to help leaders and governors build a clear understanding of what joining HLA would mean in practice.

Throughout the process, we aim to keep communication clear, open and consistent.

Step 3: Plan carefully and move steadily

If you choose to join, we plan the transition collaboratively.

Our central team can support with much of the legwork - including communication materials, legal processes and project management.

The aim is simple: to make the process calm and manageable, not disruptive. We know your focus needs to be on running your school or college.

What stays the same

This is often the biggest concern, so we’re always explicit. Joining HLA does not mean losing your identity.

You keep your:

School name, logo and uniform
Ethos and culture
Headteacher and leadership team
Local governing body
Place in the community

What makes each setting distinctive is something we want to protect.

What you gain

What changes is the support around you.

You gain:

Trusted peers to share decisions with
Central expertise in HR, finance, marketing and digital
Shared professional development and collaboration opportunities
Reduced risk and greater resilience
The capacity to focus more time on education

In short, more backing and fewer things to carry alone.

Built with you

Because HLA is still growing deliberately, new partners genuinely help shape what we become.

You’re not joining a fixed system with everything already decided - you’re helping to create something that reflects the needs of Horsham schools.

We want this to feel like a genuine partnership - one that remains true to our collegiate ethos.

Ready for a conversation?

If what you've read sounds familiar and you think working with Horsham Learning Alliance would benefit you, your staff and ultimately your students, we would welcome a conversation.

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