The consultation is being led by Weald of Kent and will run from 9-23 March 2026. It provides an opportunity for Weald’s staff, students, parents and carers, and wider community to learn more about the proposal and to share their views before any decision is made.

No decision has been taken by either organisation.

Why is the Girls’ Learning Trust involved?

The Girls’ Learning Trust has been in detailed exploratory discussions with Weald of Kent Grammar School to consider whether a partnership between our two organisations could be beneficial over the long term.

Weald’s Trustees have undertaken a careful and wide-ranging review of potential trust partners, considering a number of trusts with different sizes, structures, and educational approaches. Through this process, they have been clear that any partnership must align strongly with their values, protect what makes Weald distinctive, and strengthen opportunities for students.

In that context, the Trustees have chosen to consult on a potential partnership with a trust that is focused on girls’ education and that places strong emphasis on school autonomy within a shared framework. This approach aligns closely with the Girls’ Learning Trust’s values and way of working.

Our Education Mission

The Girls’ Learning Trust exists to empower girls to thrive through a holistic, rigorous, and transformative education. Across our schools, this means:

• High academic ambition alongside strong focus on wellbeing and character
• Education that develops intellectual curiosity, confidence, and resilience
• Leadership opportunities rooted in integrity, empathy, and responsibility
• A clear commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Any discussion about growth is grounded firmly in this mission. We only explore partnerships where there is strong alignment of educational purpose and a shared belief in the transformative power of girls’ education.

How does the Trust approach growth?

The Girls’ Learning Trust takes a cautious, values-led approach to growth. Expansion is never about size for its own sake.

When considering any potential partnership, we apply a clear set of tests:

• Can the Trust add genuine educational value to the school joining?
• Does the school bring additional strength, expertise, and perspective to the Trust?
• Can this be done sustainably, without diluting quality, capacity, or focus?

Above all, we ask one overriding question: on a long-term and sustained basis, are students better off as a result?

If we cannot answer that question with confidence and integrity, we do not proceed.

What happens next?

Weald’s consultation feedback will form an important part of its Trustees’ decision-making process. Any future decision will also be subject to:

• The outcome of a comprehensive due diligence process
• Formal consideration and approval by both Trust Boards
• Ratification by the Department for Education

Both Trust Boards are aiming to reach a decision before the end April. Subject to agreement and external approval, the anticipated date for Weald to join the Girls’ Learning Trust would be November 2026.

You can read a full set of FAQs in PDF format below.