Merger between Cathedral Schools Trust (CST) and Trust in Learning Academies (TiLA)

Following formal approval from the Department for Education (DfE), and after a  period of thorough due diligence, both the Cathedral Schools Trust (CST) and Trust in Learning Academies (TiLA) Boards have carefully reviewed a detailed merger business case. We are delighted to confirm that both Boards have unanimously agreed to proceed with the merger and create a new Trust named Amplify Education, marking an exciting new chapter for our schools and communities.

Amplify Education: A Bold New Voice for Bristol

Amplify Education is the result of the merger between two highly respected organisations—Trust in Learning Academies (TiLA) and Cathedral Schools Trust (CST). This new Trust will bring together the complementary strengths, expertise, and shared values of both organisations, forming a collaborative force committed to excellence, inclusion, and innovation in education.

Our Vision

Amplify Education will be committed to transforming education in Bristol through four guiding principles:

• A Bold Voice for Bristol: Speaking with ambition and channelling the city’s spirit into a shared journey of belief, opportunity, and citizenship.
• Building Belief: Ensuring every young person’s voice is heard, every story matters, and every learner moves forward with confidence.
• Expanding Opportunities: Nurturing potential and enriching each learner’s journey with a passport of inclusive, academic, creative, and musical experiences.
• Strengthening Citizenship: Connecting communities and educating to build unity and pride—this is Bristol, represented.

About the Trust

• Amplify Education will be the largest Bristol-based multi-academy trust, serving approximately 12,000 pupils across 22 schools and covering diverse communities and geographies.
• The Trust will be deeply rooted in Bristol and dedicated to serving its communities, with a focus on addressing educational challenges, promoting social mobility, and fostering unity and pride.
• Amplify will work closely with local partners, families, and schools to ensure every child has access to high-quality education, creative, musical, and academic opportunities, and a strong sense of belonging.

Leadership Voices

• Neil Blundell, CEO of Cathedral Schools Trust and future CEO of Amplify Education, says:
  “Amplify is an important new Trust serving the children and families of the wider Bristol area. Our aim is to take the best aspects of the two former Trusts, expanding opportunities and improving education for staff and children.”
• Sue Elliott, CEO of Trust in Learning Academies and future Deputy CEO / COO of Amplify Education, adds:
  “This is an exciting moment for both Trusts. By joining forces, we can amplify our impact, share best practice, and create even greater opportunities for the communities we serve.”

Our Roots

• TiLA is known for its expertise in working with disadvantaged pupils and families, and with children with special educational needs (SEN). Its values centre on inclusivity, social cohesion, and empowering communities through education.
• CST is recognised for its school improvement record, passion for music and the creative arts, and a strong focus on empowering every child and staff member to realise their full potential. CST’s reach is broad, including schools in both affluent and more challenging areas, dedicated to breaking barriers and expanding opportunities for all learners.

A list of our schools is shown below.