Welcome to

The MATAA Mission:

To champion school apprenticeships, drive high-quality MAT-led training, and foster collaboration across the education sector

Who We Are

MATAA is a national alliance committed to delivering and strengthening the quality, visibility, and impact of school apprenticeships across the entire education sector.

We bring together leading Multi‑Academy Trusts (MATs) and specialist providers to create a unified, high‑quality infrastructure for training everyone who contributes to a thriving school community.

Lead by Multi-Academy Trusts

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Educators

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for Schools & MATS

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Our Mission:

To champion school apprenticeships, drive high‑quality MAT‑led training, and foster collaboration across the education sector.

We work to:

Raise the profile and value of apprenticeships in schools
Support MATs to deliver consistent, high‑quality programmes
Strengthen the workforce across all roles - from teaching assistants to estates, IT, HR, and leadership
Build a national community of practice that shares expertise and innovation

How MATAA Was Formed

MATAA was created in response to a shared belief: that apprenticeships in schools deserve a stronger voice, clearer standards, and a collaborative approach that raises quality for all.

What began as conversations between MAT leaders has grown into a coordinated, sector‑wide alliance focused on improving training pathways and ensuring every apprentice receives the support, expertise, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Our formation was guided by three core principles:

Collaboration - MATs working together, not in isolation
Consistency - shared expectations and high‑quality delivery
Capacity building - strengthening the workforce across all roles

Behind MATAA

Our steering group is made up of respected MATs and specialist schools who bring deep expertise, strong governance, and a commitment to sector‑wide improvement. Together, they shape the strategic direction of the alliance and ensure our work reflects the real needs of schools.

MATAA Partnership

Our founding steering group includes:

Lift Schools
Spencer Academies Trust
United Learning
Shaw Education Trust
The Priory Federation of Academies Trusts
Manor Green School
Harris Federation
The Leigh Institute
Elliot Foundation
Academy Transformation Trust

These organisations not only deliver high‑quality programmes but also model the collaborative spirit that defines MATAA.

Our Purpose & Governance

MATAA exists to provide a clear, robust infrastructure for MAT‑led apprenticeship training.

Our governance model ensures:

Strategic oversight from experienced MAT leaders
Transparent decision‑making
Shared accountability for quality
A unified approach to programme development

This structure allows us to champion apprenticeships at a national level while staying grounded in the day‑to‑day realities of school life.

Our Commitment

To ensure that apprenticeships are not just a route into education, but a powerful driver of professional growth, school improvement, and long‑term career development.

By working together, we are building a stronger, more skilled, and more confident school workforce - one learner at a time.

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About Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Programmes

At MATAA, we offer a diverse range of apprenticeship programmes tailored to meet the needs of aspiring apprentices, staff and employers alike. Explore the options available to you.

AI, IT & Digital

HR & Management

TA & SEND

Business Professionals

Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

Science Technician & Maintenance

Pastoral & Safeguarding

Early Years (0-5)

Career Development

is Designed by Schools, for Schools...

Built by educators, not commercial providers. Our programmes ensure high standards of delivery aligned with real school practice, stronger mentorship, access to expertise across multiple schools and trusts to support an immediate, positive impact on pupils, schools and career outcomes.

Partnership with...

Child’s Hands in the air during a school lesson in England.jpg

News & Updates

Navigating Ofsted’s New Framework: How Apprenticeships Can Boost Your School or Trust

Ofsted rolled out their updated inspection framework in November 2025, completely replacing single-word headline grades with detailed, multi-category school report cards. Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) are now evaluated across six distinct areas using a new five-point grading scale. Embracing staff apprenticeships has emerged as a powerful, cost-effective strategy to hit these updated standards while developing a highly skilled workforce. What’s New in the Updated Of

Apprenticeships: Students Want Them, But Need More Opportunities

Recent data shows that school students are now highly aware of apprenticeships, but a lack of available positions is stopping them from pursuing these career paths. According to Skills Minister Jacqui Smith, getting an apprenticeship has become more competitive than securing a place at the University of Oxford or Cambridge. This trend comes as apprenticeship starts for young people have dropped by 40% over the last ten years, leaving nearly one million young people out of bot

Support for Schools & MATs

At MATAA, we simplify apprenticeship funding and support for schools and Multi‑Academy Trusts — covering funding, introductions to your chosen MAT provider, discussing our apprenticeship offering, pathway planning, levy transfers, enrolment and more.

We’re here to answer every question. Explore our FAQs and MATAA Apprenticeship Guide for full details.

Whatever your goal, we’re with you all the way.

Need Funding

FAQ

MATAA Guide

"Priory Apprenticeships is proud to be a member of the Association of MAT Apprenticeship Providers. This membership strengthens our apprenticeship offer through collaboration with sector-leading organisations and enables us to play an active role in ensuring the voice of the MAT sector helps shape the future skills agenda."

Nicola Hayward

Deputy Head of Apprenticeships,

The Priory Federation of Academies Trusts