At TransforMATive, we believe digital transformation is no longer a future ambition—it’s a present necessity. Our latest analysis, grounded in data from our MAT Digital Maturity Survey, explores the shifting landscape of digital innovation across Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) in England.

This blog shares key insights into the evolving priorities, strategic initiatives, and persistent challenges MATs face as they embrace technology to improve both educational and operational outcomes.

What We’re Seeing Across the Sector

1. Cloud-first Thinking is Becoming the Norm
Trusts are continuing their shift to cloud-based Management Information Systems (MIS), with a significant number already streamlining HR, finance, and compliance through paperless processes. Centralised procurement and standardised tenancy platforms (e.g. Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) are also rising as Trusts seek efficiency and consistency.

2. AI is Moving from Hype to Pilot
Interest in AI has surged, particularly for lesson planning, marking, and back-office automation. Around a third of Trusts report piloting AI tools—marking a critical transition from curiosity to experimentation.

3. Devices Matter, But So Does Infrastructure
1:1 device strategies (e.g. Chromebooks and iPads) are widespread, with some Trusts rolling out provision to over 90% of pupils. But infrastructure readiness remains a barrier for many, highlighting a continued need for investment.

What’s Driving Change?

The 2024/25 data points to efficiency, workload reduction, and curriculum innovation as leading motivators for MATs. With strategic growth and teacher retention also in focus, digital transformation is no longer siloed in IT—it’s a Trust-wide imperative.

Meanwhile, sustainability is gaining prominence, with MATs beginning to factor in carbon impact when making technology decisions.

Challenges in the Way

Despite progress, MATs are not without hurdles:

• Limited time and funding remain the top barriers.
• Staff engagement varies, often slowed by competing pressures and data protection concerns.
• Digital leadership capacity is lacking in many Trusts—40% report needing external expertise to drive change effectively.

Opportunities on the Horizon

• AI Integration: Early pilot projects provide a platform for scale—if supported by strategy, training, and governance.
• Data-driven Decision-making: Platforms like Power BI are helping Trusts link performance data with interventions.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: As regulation tightens, there’s renewed urgency around GDPR training and governance frameworks.
• Sustainability: Cloud infrastructure and digital workflows present a tangible way to reduce paper use and emissions.
• Peer Collaboration: Trusts that network and share best practice show stronger digital adoption and higher staff morale.

Our Recommendations for MATs

To capitalise on momentum and navigate complexity, MATs should:

Develop a Clear, Shared Roadmap
Set measurable goals, aligned to Trust priorities, and communicate them widely.

Invest in People, Not Just Platforms
Provide staff with the time and training they need to engage confidently with digital tools.

Engage All Stakeholders
Involve educators, leaders, pupils, and parents in shaping how technology is used across the Trust.

Lean on Trusted Partners
Specialist support can help MATs unlock AI’s potential and reduce the risk of implementation missteps.

Embed Cybersecurity and Governance
Make compliance and risk management part of daily digital practice, not an afterthought.

Start Small, Learn Fast, Scale What Works
Pilot new tools, gather feedback, and scale successful approaches—sharing learnings with the wider sector.

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Conclusion: A Sector in Motion

Digital transformation across MATs is happening—but at different speeds, with varying levels of resource and capacity. The opportunity is clear: when done well, digital strategies can drive meaningful improvements for pupils, reduce burden for staff, and unlock innovation across the system.

But realising this vision takes more than tools—it requires clarity, collaboration, and long-term commitment.

Let’s walk the path from vision to value, together.

At TransforMATive, we believe that moving from good to great isn’t just a slogan—it’s a deliberate strategy. As Jim Collins reminds us, “greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice.” And for us, that choice is shaped by disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action.

For Multi-Academy Trusts, this journey isn’t a solo venture. It’s fuelled by long-term vision, robust governance, and the thoughtful enablement of technology—including the emerging power of AI. When these elements align, we see more than organisational growth; we see communities thrive and children flourish.

It was a privilege to join Samira Sadeghi from the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) for her keynote on this very theme. Her reflections brought clarity to the leadership required for transformation—and reinforced the importance of bold, strategic decision-making in education. A heartfelt thank you to Samira for her insight, and to Lorrayne Hughes OBE and the Cumbria Education Trust team for the generous invitation and warm hospitality.

And most importantly, thank you to the pupils whose performances brought such energy and inspiration to the day. Their passion reminds us exactly why this work matters.

From vision to action, from systems to culture, the path from good to great is not a straight line. But it is a shared journey—and one we’re proud to walk with courage, clarity, and care.

Fresh from CYBERUK2025 in Manchester, we’re still absorbing a truly thought-provoking agenda. A huge thank you to the NCSC and all involved in curating such a rich and engaging event. It was great to connect with new voices, reconnect with sector leaders like James Garnett and Adam Holt (BlueVoyant), and immerse ourselves in the latest thinking on cyber strategy and resilience.

As we reflect on the experience, several powerful themes continue to resonate — all of which are deeply relevant to the challenges and opportunities we face across the education sector:

1. The Cost of Inaction
We were reminded that cyber resilience isn’t just about systems — it’s about consequences. Failures to implement basic controls like multi-factor authentication (MFA) have already resulted in regulatory fines. Often, the barrier is cultural, not technical — and outdated systems are exposing organisations to avoidable risk.

2. Cyber Governance is Evolving
The forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill signals a step change in expectations, requiring organisations to report material risks and controls in their annual reports. This shift will push cyber resilience up to board level, where it belongs — but we must also focus on moving beyond awareness to genuine engagement.

3. Privacy and Security by Design
Throughout the event, the message was clear: we must design for risk, resilience, and effectiveness from the outset. This is as much about organisational mindset as it is about frameworks — embedding cyber thinking into every transformation journey.

4. Procurement, Standards and Accountability
From Cyber Essentials to third-party risk, supply chains and procurement emerged as critical pressure points. Simply mandating standards isn’t enough — we need clear accountability, robust monitoring, and a commitment to building resilience across all layers of delivery. Check out the latest DfE Technology Standards for Cyber Security.

5. People are the Frontline
From team shift patterns to simulated crisis scenarios (including a superb crisis simulation by Google Cloud and Mandiant), it’s evident that strategy will only succeed if our people are equipped, supported, and empowered to act. Human resilience is just as vital as technical controls. Has your organisations leadership team exercised its Cyber Security and/or Business Continuity Plans recently?

These reflections will undoubtedly shape our continued work with Trusts and partners. As digital transformation accelerates, the importance of secure, resilient foundations has never been clearer.

Let’s keep the conversation going — and ensure we’re not just cyber-aware, but cyber-prepared.

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