Minster Trust for Education

What Minster Trust for Education does

Minster Trust for Education (MITRE) is a Church of England Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) and company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. It operates 14 wholly owned member schools across Nottinghamshire spanning infant, junior, primary, and secondary phases, with The Minster School (Southwell, 1,600 students) and the National Church of England Academy (Hucknall, 11-19) as the principal secondary members and the balance comprised of small rural and suburban Church of England primaries. The trust's stated operating model is collaborative: schools retain individual identities while drawing on shared central services in finance, operations, governance, and school improvement, underpinned by Christian ideals but operationally inclusive.

The Minster Learning Alliance (MLA), formed in September 2021, is MITRE's professional learning and teacher-training arm and a primary secondary revenue stream. It delivers Initial Teacher Training (PGCE) in strategic partnership with Nottingham Trent University, placing up to 100 trainees per year across more than 60 partner schools, and sells annual membership to schools (tiered by pupil numbers and phase) for access to leadership, SEND, safeguarding, and teaching networks. The MLA catalogue has expanded to include Aspire to Lead, Elevate, AI Champions Network, AI Hot Topics, and a Teaching Internships programme paying £1,365 tax-free over three weeks.

MITRE also delivers the Nottinghamshire Music Education Hub (funded by the DfE and Arts Council England via Inspire Culture), operates the Flourish Enhanced Provision Unit at Lowe's Wong Junior School for KS1/KS2 SEND pupils (8-pupil capacity), and runs cross-trust community programmes such as the I Wish Music Project and the Flourish art competition (~1,500 entries). Core revenue mechanics are: (i) DfE per-pupil funding channelled from member schools centrally, (ii) MLA membership subscriptions tiered by school size, (iii) ITT delivery fees via the NTU partnership, and (iv) grant funding for the Music Hub. Distribution relies on direct CEO outreach for MAT membership, Diocesan referrals, and trust-wide events; marketing channels are primarily the MITRE website, Instagram, the MITRE News email newsletter, and the TES careers portal. Technology is operational rather than proprietary: cloud-based learning platform Pebble Pad for trainee portfolios, Vimeo/YouTube for content delivery, and third-party AI tooling (Chalkie) for lesson planning, alongside Canvas, Charanga Musical School, and BookWhen for booking.

Name

Minster Trust for Education

Legal name

Minster Trust for Education

Website

https://mitretrust.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Minster Trust for Education is a Church of England Multi-Academy Trust operating 14 primary and secondary schools across Nottinghamshire, UK, alongside the Minster Learning Alliance, which delivers Initial Teacher Training with Nottingham Trent University, professional development membership, and the Nottinghamshire Music Hub.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Multi-Academy Trust Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education Alternative / Nonpublic Schools (NPS) & Placements (EDAKAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Transition & School-Readiness Support for Special Needs Children (HSAAAIAO)

Keywords

• Multi-academy trust
• Teacher training programmes
• Professional learning networks
• Church school education
• School improvement services

Headquarters

HQ city

Newark

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Academy Trust Funding (DfE): As a Multi-Academy Trust, MITRE receives funding from the Department for Education based on pupil numbers across its member schools. Schools contribute to the trust from this funding.
2. MLA Membership Fees: The Minster Learning Alliance charges annual membership fees based on school size (pupil numbers from October census). Fees support leadership capacity, administration, and professional learning activities. Schools can also pay as they go for individual activities.
3. Teacher Training Fees: Revenue from Initial Teacher Training in partnership with Nottingham Trent University. Trainees pay course fees to NTU, with MITRE facilitating placements and training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Minster Trust for Education (MITRE) operates a Church of England Multi-Academy Trust comprising 14 primary and secondary schools across Nottinghamshire, delivering teaching, learning and school improvement. Through the Minster Learning Alliance it provides Initial Teacher Training (PGCE), continuing professional development programmes (Aspire to Lead, Elevate, Hot Topics), specialist teaching networks, the Nottinghamshire Music Education Hub, Teaching Internships, and central business services (finance, operations, governance) to member schools.

Product overview

Minster Trust for Education (MITRE) is a Church of England Multi-Academy Trust operating as a platform of educational services with multiple interconnected offerings. The core is the Minster Learning Alliance (MLA), formed in September 2021, which provides Initial Teacher Training (PGCE in partnership with Nottingham Trent University) and professional development programmes including Aspire to Lead, Elevate, and MITRE Hot Topics. The trust also runs 14 member schools across Nottinghamshire, provides the Flourish enhanced provision unit for SEND support, coordinates the Notts Music Hub, offers Teaching Internships, and provides Business Services to member schools. Professional learning includes various networks (AI Champions, SENCO, DSL, Teaching Assistant, etc.) and AI-focused Hot Topics sessions. The organization uses Pebble Pad as its cloud-based learning platform and integrates third-party tools including Chalkie (AI lesson planning), Canva, and Charanga Musical School.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Minster Learning Alliance: A partnership of schools providing professional learning, teacher training (PGCE), and Initial Teacher Training in partnership with Nottingham Trent University. Also facilitates the Nottinghamshire Music Hub.

Products and services

• MITRE Schools Network (Multi-Academy Trust) Church of England-affiliated Multi-Academy Trust comprising 14 member primary and secondary schools across Nottinghamshire (including The Minster School Southwell, Farnsfield St Michael's C of E Primary, Holy Trinity C of E Infant, Bleasby C of E Primary, Halam C of E Primary, Lowe's Wong Infant, National Church of England Academy, Kingsway Primary, Coddington C of E Primary & Nursery, Lowe's Wong Junior, Kirklington Primary, St Matthew's C of E Primary, Norwell C of E Primary, and St Anne's C of E Primary). For schools and pupils through shared leadership and central services.
• Minster Learning Alliance (MLA) A partnership of schools sharing best practice and supporting improvement, providing professional learning, initial teacher training, and coordinated specialist networks for member schools and external attendees. For schools, school staff and aspiring teachers.
• Initial Teacher Training (PGCE) PGCE teacher training programme delivered in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, providing school placements, in-school mentors, Lead Mentor support and Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks across Primary and Secondary phases at over 60 partner schools. For graduates, career-changers and aspiring teachers, with capacity for up to 100 trainees per year and a 95% qualification and full-time employment rate within six months.
• Aspire to Lead Programme Two-term leadership development programme with six face-to-face sessions for mixed cross-phase groups, including personal reflection, a school-improvement-linked project, and in-school coach access. For aspiring and existing school leaders.
• Elevate Programme (MITRE Teaching Programme) Long-term classroom practice development programme facilitated by staff with expertise in science and craft of teaching, engaging participants with evidence and research on effective teaching. For teachers and teaching staff.
• MITRE Hot Topics Series of one-hour online professional development sessions developed in response to colleague feedback, including AI Hot Topics, Professional Skills Hot Topics and Teaching & Learning Hot Topics covering topics from AI tools to SEND, pupil behaviour and curriculum development. For teachers, teaching assistants and school leaders.
• AI Champions Network Network of staff from across the trust exploring the use of AI in education, sharing best practice, celebrating successes and trialling new AI tools, open to all staff in any role. For school staff in member schools.
• SEND Impact Programme Teaching Assistant programme developing knowledge, understanding and skills in supporting children with SEND, covering the four areas of need and key ways to support pupils to make progress and flourish. For teaching assistants and SEND-focused staff.
• Professional Learning Networks Suite of specialist networks including Business/Office Manager Network, Designated Safeguarding Lead Network, SENCO Network, Senior Mental Health Lead Network, Teaching Assistant Network, Primary Leaders Network, and Moderation Groups (EYFS, KS1, KS2). For member school staff and external participants on a pay-as-you-go basis.
• Notts Music Hub (Nottinghamshire Music Education Hub delivery) Music education hub delivery by MITRE on behalf of the Nottinghamshire Music Education Hub, including the Primary Music CPD Network, Secondary Music Network, free music consultations and collaboration with Inspire Culture. Funded by DfE and Arts Council England. For schools, pupils and music educators across Nottinghamshire from KS1 to KS5.
• Teaching Internships 3-week paid internship programme in June-July for undergraduates in their second, third or final year and Masters students, offering observation, joint planning and teaching in secondary school specialist departments, with a £1,365 (£455/week) tax-free stipend. For aspiring teachers exploring a career in teaching.
• Flourish Enhanced Provision Unit (EPU) Enhanced Provision Unit at Lowe's Wong Junior School supporting children with social, emotional and mental health needs (KS1 and KS2) with capacity for 8 pupils, staffed by a specialist teacher and two specialist TAs and delivering 2-hour morning and afternoon sessions with bespoke timetables. For pupils with SEMH needs referred via the Flourish Hub.
• Central Business Services Comprehensive package of business and support services for member schools covering finance, operations, governance and administration, staffed by experienced and qualified professionals. For member schools of the multi-academy trust.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% of teacher trainees successfully qualified and secured full-time teaching posts within 6 months
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability2 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Nottingham Trent University (NTU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for Initial Teacher Training delivery. NTU provides the university qualification (PGCE) component while MITRE/MLA provides school-based training and placements. The partnership enables trainees to gain 'the best of both worlds' with specialized university lecturers and bespoke in-school training across 60+ schools.
• University of NottinghamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic collaborator in the Minster Learning Alliance providing professional learning. Draws upon university expertise and research in education to support teacher development programmes.
• Diocese of Southwell and NottinghamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChurch of England Diocese partnership supporting the MAT's foundation in Christian ideals. Enables delivery of church school education while respecting individual school identities and denominations.
• East Midlands East Maths HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Maths Hub collaboration within the MLA strategic partner network, contributing to maths education development across member schools.
• Redhill Teaching HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Teaching Hub partnership within MLA strategic network, supporting teacher development and sharing best practices across educational institutions.
• Nottinghamshire Music Hub (Inspire Culture)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMITRE delivers Primary Music CPD Network, Secondary Music Network, and free music consultations on behalf of the Nottinghamshire Music Education Hub. Funded by DfE and Arts Council England to provide music-making opportunities across KS1 to KS5.
• Save the ChildrenminorOthersCharity beneficiary of the I Wish music project. Students recorded a charity single written by a Minster School student in aid of Save the Children.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Spencer Academies Trust: Multi-Academy Trust operating primary and secondary schools across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Closely comparable in regional footprint, scale, academy conversion model and central services offering.
• Delta Academies Trust: Regional Multi-Academy Trust operating schools across Yorkshire and the Humber. Comparable in MAT structure, academy conversion model, and central services offering to member schools.
• Unity Schools Partnership: Multi-Academy Trust operating a comparable number of Church of England and community schools in the East of England. Directly comparable in scale, faith-based foundation, and combination of school operations with teacher training and school-improvement services.
• Nova Education Trust: Nottinghamshire-based Multi-Academy Trust operating primary and secondary schools. Directly competes for academy conversions and member-school recruitment in the same East Midlands geography as MITRE.
• Greenwood Academies Trust: East Midlands-based Multi-Academy Trust operating multiple primary and secondary academies. Comparable in geographic footprint, scale, and school-improvement focus within the same regional market as MITRE.

Broad incumbents

• Pearson: Global education services company offering K-12 curricula, assessment, teacher training, and professional development. Comparable in educational services and teacher training segments but at vastly greater scale and with a for-profit, publicly-listed structure.
• Nord Anglia Education: International schools group operating premium K-12 schools globally. Comparable in K-12 school operations and teacher training but at much larger scale and with a for-profit, asset-light model versus MITRE's non-profit MAT structure.
• United Learning: Large national Multi-Academy Trust operating independent schools and state-funded academies. Comparable in educational services and teacher training but with a much broader portfolio and national brand recognition.
• Harris Federation: Large London-based Multi-Academy Trust with primary and secondary academies. Comparable in MAT structure and school-improvement focus but operates at significantly greater scale and different geography.
• Ormiston Academies Trust: One of the largest UK Multi-Academy Trusts operating academies nationally. Comparable in offering (school operations, teacher training, school improvement) but at materially greater scale and geographic reach than MITRE.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/mitre_trust

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries15 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 Minster Trust for Education