Consultation on the Proposed Transfer of Sutton House Academy to Fortis Trust

Introduction

Sutton House Academy is formally consulting on the proposed transfer of the academy from Parallel Learning Trust (PLT) to Fortis Trust.

Parallel Learning Trust is closing and has been in the process of finding suitable new Multi-Academy Trusts for each of its academies.

Fortis Trust has been engaging in discussions with PLT since May 2025 to consider the transfer of Sutton House Academy to Fortis Trust. This follows a lengthy period of due diligence in which both parties undertook a range of activities to ensure that this would be a strong partnership and bring benefits to both the academy and Fortis Trust.

No final decision has been made. This consultation provides parents, carers, staff and members of the local community with an opportunity to ask questions, share views, raise concerns and provide feedback on the proposal.

Why are we proposing this transfer?

The priority is to ensure that Sutton House Academy has the best possible support to deliver an exceptional education for our students.

The Governing Body has carefully considered our next steps and believes that joining Fortis Trust will offer significant benefits, including:

  • Enhanced collaboration and peer-to-peer support for our teaching staff
  • Aligned educational ethos and a strong focus on student wellbeing
  • Greater resources and shared best practice across a network of academies and provisions
  • An enhanced offer for students
  • An opportunity to widen the Post-16 destinations for our students

About Fortis Trust

Fortis Trust is a family of academies and provisions committed to **"Strength in Partnership"**, raising aspirations and enabling growth for all young people.

Fortis Trust exists to work together to make a positive global difference for all through collaboration and innovation. The Trust supports all members at all levels, including students, interns, staff, parents/carers and stakeholders, to be their best. It focuses on raising aspirations and enabling growth to prepare everybody successfully for their next stage in life.

The Trust includes:

  • Bradfields Academy, a specialist all-through SEND academy
  • Forward2Employment, which supports young people into meaningful work
  • A Specialist Free School currently being established in Whitstable, Kent
  • Outreach support to local schools to support inclusion and SEND

What does this mean for your child?

If the transfer goes ahead, it is our intention that day-to-day life at the academy remains consistent and stable.

There are currently no plans to change:

  • The academy name
  • School uniform
  • The daily routine

Our dedicated staff and leadership team will continue to teach and support students as usual, with the added benefit of being backed by the expertise of Fortis Trust.

How can you share your views?

Your views are extremely important to us.

We are holding a period of consultation so that parents, carers, staff and the local community can ask questions, share views, raise concerns and provide feedback.

Consultation Period

22 June 2026 to 17 July 2026

Following the consultation period, academy leaders and governing bodies will review all feedback received before proceeding with the transfer process.

Submit Your Feedback

Comments, questions and feedback can be submitted by completing the consultation survey:

Sutton House Academy Parent Consultation

Sutton House Academy Parent Consultation

Attend a Consultation Meeting

A consultation meeting for parents will be held during the consultation period.

If you would like to be invited to attend, please indicate this through the consultation survey. Further details about the event will then be provided.

Read the FAQs

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section below for more information about the proposed transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why would an academy or school wish to join Fortis Trust?
To secure an academy's or school's long-term future, protect their ethos and benefit from the additional support and collaboration a trust can offer. Fortis Trust has a strong track record in inclusive education and partnership.
What is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT)?
A MAT is a charitable company that runs a group of academies. The Trust Board is legally responsible for the academies, while Local Governing Committees focus on each academy's community, safeguarding and standards.
Do you have to consult?
Yes. Under Section 5 of the Academies Act 2010, the governing body of a joining school or academy must consult "such persons as they think appropriate" on whether the school should convert. Consultation must finish before any funding agreement is signed.
How will admissions be handled if a school or academy converts?
Academies must comply with the School Admissions Code, including fair access and coordinated admissions. Any change to admissions arrangements must follow the statutory timetable and process.
Will the Academy's name change?
No. Sutton House Academy will retain its name. Any name change decision would be made by the Headteacher and leadership team in consultation with the community.
What happens to teachers and support staff?
Staff transfer to Fortis Trust under TUPE, which protects existing terms and conditions. Teachers remain in the Teachers' Pension Scheme and eligible support staff stay in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
What will happen to our Headteacher and Senior Team?
In short, nothing. Headteachers and Senior Teams will join Fortis Trust with their academies. The aim is to support all staff to TUPE across and become employees of Fortis Trust.
How will governance work?
Joining academies or schools will have a Local Governing Committee (LGC) under Fortis Trust's Scheme of Delegation, focusing on school improvement, safeguarding, SEND and stakeholder engagement, while the Trust Board remains accountable for compliance and performance across the Trust.
What will happen to our governing board?
Governors will be given the opportunity to join the new Local Governing Committee (LGC), working with Fortis Trustees on academy governance. Processes will become aligned with Fortis Trust's Scheme of Delegation and existing Local Governing Committees.
Our academy belongs to local area networks. Do we need to give these up?
No. Fortis Trust values partnerships and strongly believes that local community partnerships bring real strength and value to academies and the wider Trust. New and existing connections will be encouraged and maintained.
Will Sutton House Academy's uniform, school day or term dates change?
There are no plans to change names or uniform. If any practical changes were proposed in the future, they would be consulted on locally and agreed through Trust governance.
How is an academy funded?
Academies receive their revenue funding directly from the Department for Education via a General Annual Grant (GAG).
What will Ofsted do after conversion?
When a maintained school becomes an academy, it gets a new URN and is treated as a new school for inspection purposes. Ofsted usually carries out the first routine inspection within three years of opening. When an existing academy transfers to a new Trust, it will maintain its current URN and inspection grades.
What due diligence takes place?
The Department for Education requires schools, academies and Fortis Trust to undertake a full structured process covering finance, land, operations, educational standards, contracts and HR (including TUPE) before agreeing any conversion date.
How can I share my views?
Please complete the parent/carer consultation form to give your opinions and register your interest to attend a Parent/Carer Q&A Meeting.

Sutton House Academy Parent Consultation