We are pleased to formally open a public consultation for the possible merger between our two successful multi-academy trusts, Rainham Mark Education Trust (RMET) and Veritas Multi Academy Trust.

A public consultation provides an opportunity for all stakeholders from each Trust, including pupils, parents/carers, staff and local communities, to feel fully informed of the merger process and have a voice within the process.

The Consultation is open from Monday 3rd February to Thursday 6th March 2025.

This is an exciting time and opportunity for us as we continue our drive to provide the very best education provision for everyone in our family of schools. However, both Trust Boards recognise that change has the potential to cause uncertainty. We understand that you will have lots of views and questions, and we would like to invite you to attend one of our Consultation events, being held across the Trust during the Consultation period:

Rainham Mark Grammar School, Rainham - Monday 10th February, 7.00pm - 8.00pm

Riverside Primary School, Rainham - Monday 24th February, 5.00pm - 6.00pm

Twydall Primary School, Gillingham - Monday 3rd March, 2.00pm – 3.00pm

We look forward to listening to your views and hearing your thoughts to help shape our future.

How to respond and give your views

We appreciate it may not be possible for you to attend your chosen event. Below we have provided additional information and some helpful FAQ's to give you further information about the merger and the next steps.

There are a number of ways to provide feedback:

• Merger Consultation Feedback Form
• By emailing us: mergerconsultation@rmet.org.

All views will be reviewed to ensure the consultation process complies fully with the 2018 Cabinet Office principles for a fair and open consultation. At the end of the consultation period, subject to the outcome of the consultation, we will publish a decision regarding whether or not to proceed with our proposals.

Background

Rainham Mark Education Trust was first established in 2011 and Veritas Multi Academy Trust in 2015. Both were initially established as single standalone academies, and both have grown. Both multi-academy trusts serve diverse communities in Kent and Medway. All our schools are aspirational in their vision and mission to enhance the life chances of children and young people, through high quality education and enrichment. Both Trusts have proven their capacity and capability of school improvement. Our schools create communities through a sense of belonging. All our schools have proud histories and are locality based. Both Trusts value the importance of what each individual school brings to the collective family of schools within each Trust.

Why is a merger being considered?

Rainham Mark Education Trust and Veritas Multi Academy Trust have already been working successfully in close collaboration with one another, following Dr Kerry Jordan-Daus being appointed as the interim CEO of RMET, after the departure of the former CEO.

As Dr Jordan-Daus has a proven track record of transformational leadership across all phases in education, preliminary discussions had already taken place through both Trust Boards as to whether this could become a permanent arrangement, through the merger of both Trusts.

Following careful consideration, and in the best interests of the children and young people, staff and local communities that both Trusts serve, we are excited by the prospects and benefits that a potential merger will bring and feel that this is an opportune time for both Trusts to join and grow together.

What are the advantages of a merger?

There are many reasons why both Trust Boards believe that a merger is in the interests of Rainham Mark Education Trust and Veritas Multi Academy Trust. This is explained within our Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please view our Frequently Asked Questions for more information, which we hope you find helpful, but please do let us know your feedback or any questions you may have, by getting in contact with us using the details above.

Responses via post

You can also write to us at the following address:

RMET, Trust Central Offices, c/o Twydall Primary School, Twydall Lane, Gillingham, Kent ME8 6JS.