Why are we exploring our future as a school trust? 

We want to ensure the best opportunities, sustainability, and support for our pupils, staff, and community.

What are the options being considered?

• Remaining as a Single Academy Trust (SAT)
• Forming a new Multi-Academy Trust (MAT)
• Joining an existing MAT

What is a MAT?
A MAT is a group of schools/academies working together under one trust, sharing resources and expertise.

Who is involved in this process?
A working group made up of Trust Board members and senior leaders, with regular input from staff, parents, and stakeholders.

How long will the process take?
We expect the investigation to run throughout the 2025/26 academic year. No decisions will be made without thorough research and consultation.

How can I ask questions or give feedback?
You can submit questions via the ‘Submit Question’ functionality below. We will update this page regularly with answers.

How will staff, parents and stakeholders be kept informed?
Regular updates will be provided via newsletters, this FAQ page, and consultation events.

May 2026 Update

The HCFS Trust Board and Senior Leadership Team after much deliberation have agreed to identify Ambition Education Trust (AET) as the preferred supporting Multi Academy Trust to best support the long term success of HCFS.

Why Ambition Education Trust?

AET is a local, firmly established Trust which covers both primary and secondary schools across St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Hemel Hempstead who closely align with HCFS values, ambition and approach to education.

Ambition Education Trust - Home

What is the impact of this decision?

At this stage, there is no immediate impact on staff, pupils and their families.

What happens next?

HCFS and AET will now look at how well they can work together in the best interests of the school and whether a partnership between the two will benefit pupils.  Areas that will be discussed between HCFS and AET will include but not be limited to, education, staffing, governance, finance and culture.

When will a final decision be made?

No final decision has been made about whether HCFS will join AET.  Any future decisions that are made will involve communication and engagement with all parties as well as following statutory processes as per DfE guidelines.

This page will continue to be updated as and when further information becomes available.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us using the form below.