After nearly 15 years of sustained improvement and strategic leadership, New College Durham is marking a significant milestone as the Multi-Academy Trust it has led since 2010 moves forward independently under a new name: Connect Multi Academy Trust.
In 2010, New College Durham was appointed by the Department for Education as lead sponsor, working alongside Durham County Council as co-sponsor, to support schools facing significant performance challenges. At that time, strong intervention and long-term strategic oversight were required to improve outcomes, attendance and financial stability.
Operating as New College Durham Academies Trust (NCDAT), the Trust began with two secondary academies — North Durham Academy and Consett Academy — both of which required decisive improvement and sustained leadership.
From the outset, New College Durham provided strategic direction, governance oversight and financial stewardship through its Board structures, with senior College leaders and governors serving as trustees and directors of the Trust. This ensured robust accountability, disciplined financial management and a clear long-term improvement strategy.
Over time, the Trust has developed and grown to include eight schools across County Durham. Under New College Durham’s leadership as sponsor — and through the dedicated work of NCDAT’s executive team, headteachers, governors and staff — the Trust has achieved sustained and measurable progress.
Today, all eight schools hold ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings. Attendance and outcomes have improved significantly, governance structures have matured, and the Trust is in a strong and financially secure position. Thousands of young people have benefited from improved life chances as a result of this combined effort.
Karl Fairley, Deputy Chief Executive of New College Durham and a founding trustee of NCDAT, said:
“Being appointed by the Department for Education as lead sponsor in 2010 carried significant responsibility. Through our Board and governance structures, and in partnership with Durham County Council, we have provided the strategic oversight required to secure long-term improvement.
Working alongside the executive leadership of NCDAT, we have built a strong and resilient Trust that has delivered real impact for young people across County Durham. Connect MAT can move forward independently because of the firm foundations that have been established over many years.”
The transition to Connect Multi Academy Trust represents a natural and positive evolution. Having progressed from sponsored intervention to demonstrable sustained performance and financial strength, the Trust is now well-positioned to stand independently with its own established governance and leadership identity.
Paul Bradley, Chief Finance Officer of New College Durham and current Chair of Trustees of NCDAT, added:
“The journey from initial sponsorship to a confident, standalone Trust reflects years of focused strategic leadership and collaborative working. The consistent Ofsted outcomes and financial stability across all of our schools demonstrate the strength of that partnership.
Connect MAT begins its next chapter from a position of real strength, with clear priorities and a strong foundation for continued improvement.”
For New College Durham, the milestone reflects its broader civic commitment to educational leadership across the region. As one of County Durham’s leading further and higher education institutions, the College has long recognised the importance of strengthening outcomes across all phases of education — not only within its own campus, but across the wider community.
The success of NCDAT demonstrates how strong sponsor leadership, underpinned by effective governance and high-quality executive delivery, can deliver long-term, sustainable improvement. The academies now move forward as Connect MAT with a mature structure, experienced leadership and a shared commitment to continued excellence.
New College Durham remains proud of the role it has played in building the foundations that have enabled this transition — foundations that ensure Connect MAT enters its next chapter with confidence, stability and ambition.
Notes for Editors
Schools involved:
North Durham Academy, Stanley joined 1 September 2011
Consett Academy Consett, joined 1 January 2012
Wellfield School, Wingate, Joined 1 June 2023
Beamish Primary School, Beamish, joined1 February 2024
Castleside Primary School, Consett, joined1 February 2024
Pelton Community Primary School, Pelton, joined1 February 2024
Catchgate Primary School, Stanley, joined 1 February 2024
Wingate Primary School, Wingate, joined 1 October 2025