Choosing to join a Trust now puts the decision-making power in your hands. You can investigate a range of organisations and ensure that their approach, ethos and values match yours.

Some schools may be able to operate without partnering with others, but with financial pressures and the demise of support from Local Authorities, many are seeking to join a like-minded trust. Some schools may not wish to run the risk of one year's set of results leading to them being told which trust to join, with little or no choice in selecting the right partner.

However, most of us need the collective strength and resilience that comes from working together. And we can all benefit from sharing our expertise and learning.