​Oasis Community Learning and Big Education Trust have today confirmed that the Department for Education has approved plans for the two academy trusts to merge, with effect from 1 September 2026.

This significant partnership brings together two nationally recognised organisations with a shared, long-standing commitment to a holistic model of education – one that places equal value on academic achievement, character development and the strength of the communities they serve.

Both Oasis and Big Education are united by the belief that children and young people can build confidence as individuals, experience a strong sense of belonging, and leave school equipped not only with the knowledge, but with the character and capabilities needed to lead fulfilled lives.

Big Education has developed a distinctive, evidence-informed approach across its three schools, including widely recognised work on oracy, assessment, and the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence, alongside a wider focus on pupils' personal and social development. It has also built a suite of professional programmes that support schools beyond the trust.

Oasis is one of England's largest and most respected multi-academy trusts, nationally recognised for transforming communities through an ambitious, holistic model of education and wrap-around support – earning awards for mental health provision, inclusion, and community engagement. Its 56 academies sit within a community hub model that connects families, neighbourhoods and local partners to wider initiatives that promote stability and opportunity in their communities.

Together, the organisations will combine these complementary strengths – embedding proven practice across a larger network, extending professional development for staff, and creating the conditions to scale approaches that are already delivering positive impact. Their shared purpose of nurturing the whole child, alongside their community, will amplify the contribution Oasis has made for more than four decades across education, housing, health and community development.

Big Education's three schools — School 21, School 360, and Surrey Square Primary — will retain their strong identities, leadership, and ethos. The partnership will nonetheless strengthen collective capacity and capability, enabling greater support for pupils, families and staff across both organisations' communities.

John Barneby, Chief Executive of Oasis Community Learning: "Oasis has always been clear that education sits within a wider set of relationships — with families, communities and the bright futures young people go on to lead. Big Education brings an exceptional, evidence-informed approach to that work, built over many years through their schools and programmes. Bringing our organisations together strengthens what we can offer to every student, in every community we serve."

Liz Robinson, Chief Executive of Big Education Trust: "This merger enables us to grow an approach to education that we know makes a real difference – one that goes beyond academic outcomes and focuses on the whole child. Our model has been developed and tested through our schools and professional programmes, and the evidence of its impact is clear. Joining with Oasis gives us the opportunity to scale that work, while protecting what makes it distinctive."

The decision follows a period of consultation with staff and stakeholders, whose valued feedback has informed the approach and will continue to play an important role as the two trusts prepare for the next phase of their shared journey.