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A multi-academy trust will dissolve and transfer all of its schools to other organisations following backlash over its behaviour policies.

Athena Learning Trust, which operates three primary schools and six secondaries in Cornwall and Devon, announced yesterday that it will be disbanded.

The trust said it will work with the Department for Education to identify alternative trusts for its nine schools, although no other MATs have yet been announced and there is no timetable for the transfers.

The decision to dissolve the trust follows engagement with families, which demonstrated a “clear need for change”, Athena said.

A spokesperson said trustees believed transferring the schools offered the best way to provide “long-term stability and the strongest possible future” for pupils and their communities.

“There will be no immediate changes for students, staff or families, and the day-to-day operation of schools will continue alongside our change agenda,” the trust spokesperson added.

Any transfers will be subject to due diligence and an assessment of what is in the best interests of pupils, the trust said.

Community and political pressure

The decision follows months of pressure from parents and local politicians over Athena’s approach to behaviour, and concerns about support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Families at several of the trust’s secondary schools previously raised concerns with the media about restrictions on students’ toilet use, children being removed from lessons for having the wrong stationery, and additional needs not being properly supported.

Joe Kirby, Athena’s director of education, previously helped to establish Michaela Community School in north-west London, which has become known for its strict behaviour and discipline policies.

Camborne mayor James Ball arranged a public meeting for families in February after being contacted by dozens of parents with concerns about two of the trust’s schools - Camborne Science and International Academy and Pool Academy.

Camborne Science and International Academy recorded 2,967 suspensions during 2023-24, the second-highest total of any school in England, according to DfE figures.

North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire welcomed the decision and said he had previously raised problems at Launceston College directly with the education secretary and DfE officials.

Mr Maguire said parents, pupils and staff had given “deeply concerning” accounts about SEND provision, school culture and pupil welfare.

He described the proposed transfer as an “important step forward” and said he would work with families, Athena and the DfE to ensure pupils were supported during the process.

CEO departure

Athena chief executive Ben Parnell announced in May that he would stand down this summer.

Following Mr Parnell’s announcement, Mark Blackman, director of MAT consultancy Leadership Together, took over as leader of the trust to oversee its dissolution.

Mr Parnell, who has led the trust since 2022, was paid between £190,000 and £200,000 in 2024-25, according to its financial accounts.

He previously worked as director of education at Greenshaw Learning Trust before moving to Athena.

Athena said it will continue working with the DfE, staff and local communities while new trusts are identified for its schools.

The trust had an in-year operational surplus of £596,819, and £4.3 million in unrestricted reserves, in 2024-25, according to its latest financial accounts.

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