A major change to Swindon’s education landscape is set to take place next academic year after approval was given for ten primary schools to join The White Horse Federation.
The move will see the nine schools currently part of Grove Learning Trust, alongside Goddard Park Community Primary School, become part of The White Horse Federation following approval from the Department for Education.
Education leaders say the merger will bring together expertise, resources and experience from across the schools, creating greater capacity to support pupils, families and communities throughout Swindon.
All ten schools joining the federation are currently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with leaders highlighting a shared commitment to high standards and community-focused education.
The expansion will further strengthen The White Horse Federation’s presence across the town and comes as the trust continues to receive national recognition for its work. Earlier this year, the federation was shortlisted for Trust of the Year at the prestigious TES Awards, having won Inclusive Trust of the Year in 2025.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Dan Nicholls said the decision would allow schools to build on their shared understanding of Swindon’s communities and challenges.
He said: “We are delighted with this decision, which means that the collective expertise offered by colleagues at Grove Learning Trust and Goddard Park Primary School in collaboration with colleagues at The White Horse Federation will improve the lives of more children and families in Swindon.
“All the schools and colleagues share a passion for Swindon as well as a deep understanding of our local communities and context.
“We believe this mutual understanding of our town, shared expertise, collaboration and our strong track record for improving schools will help us achieve our shared priority: to inspire the lives of all children with greater opportunity and choice.”
The move follows a formal partnership agreement established between Grove Learning Trust and The White Horse Federation earlier this year. Leaders from both organisations say the closer relationship has already demonstrated the benefits of collaboration and shared resources.
At Goddard Park Primary School, staff have welcomed the opportunity to become part of a larger local trust while maintaining their focus on pupils and community values.
Jo Harding said: “Goddard Park Primary School is excited to be joining The White Horse Federation. This represents an important step in our journey, giving us the opportunity to work closely with like-minded schools and strengthen what we already do.
“TWHF is a strong local MAT with values which align with ours. Our priority is always the children, and we believe this will help us provide even greater opportunities for them to thrive.”
Trustees at Grove Learning Trust have also described the move as a positive step that will help secure long-term benefits for pupils and staff.
Anne-Marie Howroyd said the trust’s existing partnership with The White Horse Federation had already shown the value of working together.
She said: “Both trusts share a passion for and understanding of Swindon and this is an exciting continuation of our collective journey and ambition to better serve our families and communities across Swindon.
“Partnering with a larger, well-established multi-academy trust has provided more capacity and broader opportunities to serve pupils and communities.
“We have no doubt that this is a positive step for the future, helping us to strengthen partnerships and increase the impact we can have on children’s lives.”
The expansion reflects a growing trend across the education sector, with schools joining larger trusts to access additional expertise, support services and professional development opportunities while continuing to serve their local communities.
For families across Swindon, education leaders say the merger is intended to strengthen school improvement efforts and create greater opportunities for pupils while maintaining the local identity of each school.
