World Class Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) Accreditation

Our Vision for Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)

While Ofsted currently conducts summary evaluations of MATs, there is growing political momentum towards full MAT inspections. The World Class Education Network (WCEN) aims to stay ahead of this change. Many WCEN member schools already sit within MATs, and we believe the exceptional work these trusts are doing should be recognised and celebrated.

A Network of World Class MATs

WCEN is developing a national network of accredited World Class MATs. These trusts demonstrate excellence not only at the individual school level but through the collective impact of their collaboration. World Class MATs attract families, staff, and prospective schools by offering a proven culture of high aspiration and character development.
At WCEN, our focus remains firmly on the student—not the institution.

What Is a World Class Accredited MAT?

Our assessment still begins and ends with the student.

• Students are assessed using the WCEN framework, focusing on the key characteristics required to thrive through transition, beyond school, and in a fast-changing global environment.
• We look for consistency across the trust—students across different schools demonstrating and developing World Class attributes.

A MAT is World Class when:

• The outcomes for students are improved because of the MAT’s collaborative approach.
• In all-through MATs, students grow through every phase of education, with their character development tracked and nurtured over time.
• Character-related challenges during transitions are proactively addressed across the trust.
• Students have meaningful opportunities to collaborate and lead across schools, strengthening their character and leadership skills.

We do not require all schools within a MAT to be rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. A World Class MAT may include schools at varying stages of development, including those undergoing significant transformation. What defines a World Class MAT is its commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity and capacity to develop into a World Class young person.

See MATs working towards World Class Accreditation

To Become a World Class Accredited MAT

• At least one school within the MAT must be a re-accredited World Class school, showing a proven track record of developing World Class students.
• The remaining schools must be Candidate Members, accredited, or actively working toward accreditation.
• There must be clear evidence, drawn from the Candidate Membership, accreditation, and re-accreditation stages, that students are developing their characteristics through inter-school collaboration.
• The MAT must be actively involved in ongoing assessment cycles—demonstrating that student development is sustained over time to a World Class standard.
• A staff member from the MAT must be part of the WCEN Associate Programme.
• The MAT champions World Class practice and innovation across its schools.

Accrediting MATs can refer to our termly assessment dates for reflection and evidence submission. Please note, WCEN is not currently accepting new MAT accreditation applications.