Mulberry Schools Trust

What Mulberry Schools Trust does

Mulberry Schools Trust is a UK charitable multi-academy trust (MAT) registered in England and Wales, operating as a single legal entity managing more than 10 state-funded schools across East London (Tower Hamlets and Hackney) and East Sussex. Founded in 2016 from three East London schools (Mulberry Academy Shoreditch, Mulberry School for Girls, and Mulberry UTC), the Trust has expanded materially through school transfers, including a wave of East Sussex additions in March-May 2026. The Trust serves children and young people aged 7-18 via primary, secondary, sixth-form, and University Technical College (UTC) phases, with a non-selective admissions model anchored in local catchment areas; the majority of students come from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Trust's core offer combines mainstream state education with a proprietary stack of enrichment programmes co-developed with industrial and cultural partners: the Mulberry STEM Academy (developed with Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd, including Greenpower electric racing), the Mulberry Production Arts Academy (delivered with the National Theatre and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama), the Global Girl Leading Summit and Programme, the LitUp Reading Programme (with the National Literacy Trust and Bloomsbury), and the Gensler Belonging Project. Infrastructure includes one of the UK's first Passivhaus-certified school buildings (Mulberry Academy London Dock) and a hospital-grade Health Suite, professional theatre, and TV studio at Mulberry UTC. The East London Teaching School Hub, led by Mulberry School for Girls, extends the Trust's reach to all 173-176 schools across Hackney and Tower Hamlets for teacher development.

Revenue is concentrated in UK Government Education and Skills Funding Agency grants distributed via the General Annual Grant (GAG) mechanism, supplemented by Pupil Premium and targeted cohorts. A secondary stream comes from charitable donations and corporate philanthropy via the Mulberry Schools Foundation, 'Friends of Mulberry' community, and direct partner contributions (notably from Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix for the STEM Academy and Tesco for pupil wellbeing). Pricing is immaterial because education is delivered free at the point of use; growth occurs through school additions and partner-funded programmes rather than commercial pricing. The Trust is governed by a board of trustees and operates without a parent company. As of April 2026, founding CEO Dr Vanessa Ogden CBE has stepped down after 20 years and Alice Ward serves as Interim CEO.

Name

Mulberry Schools Trust

Legal name

Mulberry Schools Trust

Website

https://mulberryschoolstrust.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Mulberry Schools Trust is a UK multi-academy trust operating 10+ state-funded schools across East London and East Sussex, delivering free education and enrichment programmes in STEM, production arts, and girls' leadership to children aged 7-18.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Primary and Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public K–12 Combined Schools (EDAJAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Public Elementary Schools (EDAJAAAB)

Keywords

• Multi-academy trust
• State-funded education
• Primary and secondary schools
• Teacher professional development
• STEM enrichment programmes

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. UK Government Education Funding (GAG): As a multi-academy trust, Mulberry Schools Trust receives recurrent grant funding from the UK government's Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), distributed via the General Annual Grant (GAG) mechanism. Schools receive per-pupil funding based on student numbers. Additional Pupil Premium and other targeted grants support specific student cohorts.
2. Charitable Donations and Philanthropy: The Trust receives charitable support from partners and donors including the Mulberry Schools Foundation, 'Friends of Mulberry', and corporate partners (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd contributes to STEM Academy, Tesco supports pupil wellbeing initiatives). Donations and gifts fund supplementary programmes, student scholarships (worth over £450 per scholarship), and enrichment activities.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Mulberry Schools Trust is a charitable multi-academy trust operating a network of state-funded primary, secondary, and university technical college (UTC) schools across East London (Tower Hamlets and Hackney) and East Sussex. It delivers free education, enrichment programmes (STEM, arts, leadership, literacy), and teacher professional development services through the East London Teaching School Hub serving 173–176 schools.

Product overview

Mulberry Schools Trust operates as a multi-academy trust comprising multiple schools across London and East Sussex. The organization offers a diverse portfolio of educational programmes and services organized under several core brands and sub-brands. The main offerings include the Mulberry STEM Academy (in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd), Global Girl Leading Programme/Summit, Mulberry Changemaker Programmes, East London Teaching School Hub, Mulberry Production Arts Academy, and the LitUp Reading Programme. Supporting publications include the annual Going Places destinations report and Connect newsletter. These programmes work together to fulfill the Trust's mission of ensuring every child and young person can achieve their full potential through access, opportunity and excellence.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mulberry STEM Academy: Saturday and holiday provision offering inspirational STEM education program for students aged 7-18, delivered in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
• Global Girl Leading
• East London Teaching School Hub
• Mulberry Production Arts Academy
• Mulberry Scholars Academy
• Mulberry Changemaker Programmes
• Mulberry Bigland Green Centre

Quantifiable outcome

• Students secured places at top universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, UCL, Harvard (first-ever for the Trust), and prestigious apprenticeships
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core, flagship and minor.

• GenslerkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026In June 2026, Mulberry Academy London Dock launched the Gensler Belonging Project — a flagship 2026 design initiative in which students design and create lampshades inspired by belonging. Students visited Gensler's offices to explore the professional design environment and engage with architects and designers. The project provides meaningful industry engagement while developing students' creative design skills.
• National Literacy TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026The National Literacy Trust partnered with Bloomsbury Publishing to develop the LitUp reading programme for primary-aged children in East Sussex. The programme operates across Mulberry Baird Primary and Mulberry Silverdale Primary in Hastings and St Leonards. It includes author visits, family reading activities, gifted books, and school support to improve literacy and encourage reading for pleasure. Early results have been positive with coverage in The Argus and Sussex World.
• UNESCOflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 March 2025Dr Vanessa Ogden CBE, CEO of the Trust, shared reflections on school leadership in a special blog published by UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report on 6 March 2025. Her entry focused on the Global Girl Leading conference, bringing together young women and leaders to share insight, inspire change, and empower girls worldwide. The blog will be published globally by UNESCO over 12 months, providing significant international recognition for the Trust.
• Creative Media Skills Institute (CMS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025CMS, based at Pinewood Studios, partners with Mulberry UTC to create pathways into film and television for students. CMS has delivered a cinematography workshop on lighting and storytelling, and welcomed its first Mulberry UTC student onto one of its programmes. The partnership supports the Genesis Theatre Design Programme and provides industry mentorship and hands-on training.
• Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd (Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 November 2020In November 2020, the Trust announced a flagship partnership with Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd to launch the Mulberry STEM Academy — a Saturday/holiday supplementary provision in science, technology, engineering and maths for students aged 7-18. The partnership provides vocational training, masterclasses, industry visits, and hands-on engineering projects including Greenpower racing cars. The programme was launched virtually by Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff (CEO). Key team figures including Technical Director James Allison, Head of Car Design Giacomo Tortora, and Chief People Officer Anca Raines have participated. In 2026, a STEM Lab was opened at Mulberry UTC. The partnership supports pathways into engineering and motorsport for underrepresented students.
• Bloomsbury PublishingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBloomsbury Publishing is the publishing partner for the LitUp reading programme alongside the National Literacy Trust, providing books and resources for the literacy initiative targeting primary school children in East Sussex.
• National TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe National Theatre is a key delivery partner for the Mulberry Production Arts Academy at Mulberry Academy London Dock, providing technical and production arts training and pathways into the creative industries for students.
• The Royal Central School of Speech and DramacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Mulberry Production Arts Academy alongside the National Theatre, delivering theatre design, production arts, and performance pathways for students at Mulberry UTC and Mulberry Academy London Dock.
• The Obama FoundationflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Obama Foundation is a partner in the Global Girl Leading Summit. Tina Tchen, Executive Vice President (Programmes) at the Obama Foundation, delivered a keynote at the 2025 Global Girl Leading Summit. Michelle Obama has previously met Mulberry students (December 2018 and March 2021 via Zoom), making the Obama Foundation relationship significant for the Trust's international profile.
• TescominorGTM or Marketing PartnerTesco visited Mulberry Baird Primary in June 2026 to celebrate the Free Fruit & Veg programme, which supports children to access healthy food throughout the school day. JB Gill from JLS accompanied the visit. Tesco's wider campaign celebrates schools making a positive difference to children's wellbeing, with national coverage across print and social media.
• Department for EducationcoreOthersThe Department for Education selected Mulberry School for Girls to become one of 87 Teaching School Hubs nationally in 2021, and has partnered with the Trust on new school development (e.g., Mulberry Academy London Dock). The DfE is a key government partner for school opening and MAT operations.
• Greenpower Education TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreenpower Education Trust runs the Greenpower Formula Goblin and Greenpower IET F24/F24+ racing car programmes. Mulberry STEM Academy students design, build, and race electric cars, with teams from multiple Trust schools competing nationally and internationally. Mulberry Stepney Green achieved 4th place at the Greenpower International Finals 2025.
• Goldsmiths, University of LondonkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn March 2026, Mulberry Schools Trust Key Stage 5 students concluded a Goldsmiths University Certificate Programme — a two-day programme introduced to provide experience of higher education and support students in preparing for university study.
• East London Teaching School Hub (Network of 173-176 Schools)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed by Mulberry School for Girls on behalf of the Trust, the East London Teaching School Hub serves all schools in Hackney and Tower Hamlets. It offers teacher training, professional development for NQTs, early career teachers, and leaders across Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post-16, Alternative Provision, and SEND.
• Kier ConstructioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKier Construction was the main contractor for the construction of Mulberry Academy London Dock — one of the first Passivhaus schools in the UK. Kier worked with the Trust, Department for Education, and other delivery partners to deliver the state-of-the-art facility. Kier also partnered with Titan Interior Solutions for the award-winning interior fit-out.
• St George PLC (part of Berkeley Group)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSt George PLC, part of the Berkeley Group, was the developer partner that contributed to the Mulberry Academy London Dock project. The company secured the land with the local authority and provided financial support, and continues to provide career sessions inspiring students in the construction and development sector.
• Barts Health NHS TrustkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarts Health NHS Trust is an industry partner of Mulberry UTC, participating in visits and career pathway discussions. The UTC's hospital-grade Health Suite provides facilities for health and care-related technical education programmes.
• London Borough of Tower HamletscoreOthersThe London Borough of Tower Hamlets is the local education authority and a key strategic partner. The Executive Mayor, Lutfur Rahman, secured the land for Mulberry Academy London Dock and provided financial investment. The council works with the Trust on school development and community engagement.
• Baker Dearing Educational TrustkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Baker Dearing Educational Trust supports University Technical Colleges (UTCs) in the UK. Mulberry UTC is a national model of high-quality technical education, and the Trust participated in a Baker Dearing press release celebrating the Minister for Skills' visit in November 2025.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Cognita Schools: International K-12 school operator running a global portfolio of independent and state-partnered schools. Comparable as a scaled education operator with brand-driven positioning and premium enrichment partnerships.
• GEMS Education: One of the world's largest K-12 operators, running premium private schools globally with strong partnerships and enrichment programmes. Comparable as a scaled, brand-led education group with corporate partnership strategy.

Direct peers

• Greenwood Academies Trust: Multi-academy trust operating primary and secondary schools across the East Midlands and surrounding regions. Comparable as a growing MAT with a focus on school improvement and outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
• United Learning: One of the largest UK MATs, operating both state-funded academies and independent schools. Comparable as a large multi-phase (primary and secondary) trust with strong emphasis on professional development and partnerships.
• E-ACT: National multi-academy trust operating academies across multiple regions of England. Comparable in scale and structure as a MAT serving diverse communities with significant central infrastructure.
• Reach Academy Feltham: Smaller London-based multi-academy trust operating all-through schools in Hounslow. Comparable as a values-driven, community-focused MAT serving disadvantaged cohorts with strong enrichment programmes.
• Wellspring Academy Trust: Multi-academy trust operating primary and secondary schools in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, focused on inclusion and social-emotional support. Comparable as a regional MAT serving disadvantaged communities.
• Oasis Community Learning: National multi-academy trust operating primary, secondary, and all-through academies across England, with a strong emphasis on community hubs and inclusion. Comparable as a large MAT with social mission and broad geographic footprint.
• Harris Federation: One of the largest UK multi-academy trusts, operating over 50 primary and secondary academies primarily in and around London. Comparable as a major London-based MAT serving diverse communities with a focus on high academic outcomes and system leadership.
• ARK (Absolute Return for Kids): UK multi-academy trust operating numerous academies across London and other regions, focused on improving outcomes for pupils from disadvantaged communities. Comparable in operating model, social mission, and enrichment-driven approach to education.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MulberrySchoolsTrust
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mulberry-schools-trust
• Instagraminstagram.com/mulberry_schools_trust

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mulberry Schools Trust