Mulberry Schools Trust
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
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.
Mulberry Schools Trust firmographics
Firmographics- 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
Mulberry Schools Trust industry classification
Industry- 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
Where Mulberry Schools Trust is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Mulberry Schools Trust business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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
Mulberry Schools Trust product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use Mulberry Schools Trust
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Mulberry Schools Trust technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Mulberry Schools Trust partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core, flagship and minor.
- GenslerkeyIn 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 TrustcoreThe 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.
- UNESCOflagshipDr 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)coreCMS, 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)flagshipIn 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 PublishingcoreBloomsbury 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 TheatrecoreThe 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 DramacorePartner 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 FoundationflagshipThe 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.
- TescominorTesco 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 EducationcoreThe 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 TrustcoreGreenpower 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 LondonkeyIn 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)flagshipLed 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 ConstructioncoreKier 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)coreSt 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 TrustkeyBarts 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 HamletscoreThe 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 TrustkeyThe 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
Mulberry Schools Trust competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad 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
Mulberry Schools Trust social profiles
Digital presenceMulberry Schools Trust compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Mulberry Schools Trust financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mulberry Schools Trust leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Mulberry Schools Trust subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries11 records
Mulberry Schools Trust funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Mulberry Schools Trust M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Mulberry Schools Trust
What does Mulberry Schools Trust do?
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.
Is Mulberry Schools Trust a public or private company?
Mulberry Schools Trust is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Mulberry Schools Trust founded?
Mulberry Schools Trust was founded in 2016. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Mulberry Schools Trust based?
Mulberry Schools Trust is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Mulberry Schools Trust make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. UK Government Education Funding (GAG) is the primary driver. The others are charitable Donations and Philanthropy.
Who are Mulberry Schools Trust's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Cognita Schools and GEMS Education. Direct peers are Greenwood Academies Trust, United Learning, E-ACT, Reach Academy Feltham, Wellspring Academy Trust, Oasis Community Learning, Harris Federation and ARK (Absolute Return for Kids).
Does Mulberry Schools Trust have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mulberry Schools Trust.
What industry is Mulberry Schools Trust in?
Mulberry Schools Trust's product category is Primary and Secondary Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJAAAE, Public K–12 Combined Schools, with a secondary code of EDAJAAAB, Public Elementary Schools. Its NAICS code is 611110 and its SIC code is 8200.