Location:
Website:
Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) is one of the largest multi-academy trusts in England and has played a significant role in the development of the academy school system in the United Kingdom. The organisation was established in 2008 to manage and support a network of academies—state-funded schools that operate independently of local authority control while still receiving public funding from the Department for Education. Multi-academy trusts such as AET oversee multiple schools, providing strategic leadership, governance, and shared services across their network.
AET oversees a diverse group of primary, secondary, and special schools located across England. The trust was created with the aim of improving educational standards and providing high-quality learning opportunities for students in different regions. By bringing schools together under one organisation, the trust seeks to share expertise, leadership, and resources, allowing schools to collaborate and adopt consistent educational practices. This model is designed to improve student outcomes by supporting teachers and school leaders with training, data systems, and administrative support.
The trust has also focused on the use of technology and data to improve educational performance and efficiency. For example, AET introduced a cloud-based management information system across its schools to centralise administration and provide staff with real-time data on student progress. Such systems allow teachers and school leaders to monitor learning outcomes more effectively and make informed decisions about interventions that support student achievement.
Over time, the organisation has evolved and expanded its ambitions. In 2024, Academies Enterprise Trust announced a rebranding and became Lift Schools, reflecting its goal of raising standards and improving opportunities for students across its network of schools. The trust now operates dozens of schools across England and aims to ensure that a high percentage of pupils meet key educational benchmarks such as reading proficiency, SATs results, and GCSE achievements.
Overall, Academies Enterprise Trust (now Lift Schools) represents a significant example of the multi-academy trust model within the UK education system. By overseeing a large group of schools and focusing on leadership development, collaboration, and data-driven improvement, the organisation aims to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education regardless of their background or location.