Our History
The Trust is one of the most experienced Multi-Academy Trusts in the country, with a strong track record of supporting schools gained over many years. We were also one of the first sponsored by a university and continue to see positive results from the University of Brighton's involvement
The University of Brighton began supporting academies in 2008, as part of its commitment to improving educational opportunities. After being involved in the formation of two secondary academies – The Hastings Academy and The St Leonards Academy – from three under performing schools, the university took the role of lead sponsor in the Hastings Academies Trust (established in 2010). Subsequently seven infant and primary schools joined the Hastings Academies Trust.
The University of Brighton Academies Trust was established in 2014 to build on the university’s success in Hastings and broaden the work of the Trust to Sussex and the surrounding areas. This created another network of one secondary and five infant and primary academies.
After working closely together for several years, the University of Brighton Academies Trust and the Hastings Academies Trust merged in September 2017.