Character Education Trust Announces Associate Membership with London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT)

We are pleased to formally announce that from September 2025, Character Education Trust (CET) will become an Associate Member of London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT).

This marks an important strategic step in the continued development of our Trust and reflects our commitment to collaboration, school improvement and delivering the very best outcomes for our pupils.

Why Associate Membership?

Associate membership allows CET to retain its identity and governance structure, whilst gaining access to the strength, expertise and networks of a larger, high-performing multi-academy trust.

LSEAT is widely recognised for its work across mainstream and specialist provision, particularly in the areas of inclusion and SEND. Their values-led approach and commitment to improving life chances strongly align with our own ethos of character education and high aspiration.

This partnership is built on alignment — not absorption.

Benefits for Our Schools

Through this collaboration, our schools will benefit from:

School Improvement & Quality Assurance

• Access to wider system leadership and peer review.

• Moderation and quality assurance opportunities across multiple settings.

• Enhanced professional challenge and support.

Networking & Professional Development

• Subject networks and leadership forums.

• Cross-trust collaboration and shared practice.

• Broader CPD pathways for staff at all levels.

Strengthened SEND & Inclusion Practice

• Opportunities to work alongside specialist colleagues.

• Shared approaches to inclusive practice.

• Development of expertise across both mainstream and alternative provision.

Shared Values & Strategic Alignment

• A strong moral purpose centred on young people.

• A commitment to aspiration, inclusion and community.

• Long-term sustainability through partnership.

What This Means for Our Community

There will be no immediate operational changes for families. Our schools remain part of Character Education Trust, governed by our existing Board, with the same leadership teams and local identity.

What will change is the strength of the professional network around us.

This partnership ensures that we continue to grow thoughtfully and sustainably, whilst retaining the distinctive character and culture that define our schools.

Looking Ahead

We believe that strong schools collaborate.

By joining LSEAT as an Associate Member, we are investing in long-term school improvement, leadership development and enhanced opportunities for pupils and staff.

We look forward to working closely with colleagues across the partnership from September 2025 and sharing further updates as this collaboration develops.