As we bid farewell and good luck to outgoing CEO, Lorraine Greco, the trustees have carefully considered the best way to ensure strong and sustainable leadership for the future.

After detailed discussions and independent advice, the trustees of OWN Trust have decided to work towards a merger with Meridian Trust. This proposal will be reviewed by the Department for Education Advisory Board in July 2025.

Meridian Trust is a well-established local multi-academy trust committed to people and communities, with a strong record of supporting schools. They currently oversee 30 academies, including 14 primary, 12 secondary, and special schools across the region. In Peterborough, their schools include West Town Primary Academy, Nene Park Academy, Greater Peterborough UTC, and NeneGate School.

Meridian's CEO, Mark Woods, was an OWN trustee until September 2024, and a governor of Woodston and Nene Valley for many years before the creation of OWN. He therefore understands the schools and our community and looks forward to building on all the great work we have done so far. A number of Meridian Trust schools are rated outstanding by Ofsted and secure very strong outcomes for young people.

Meridian and OWN Trust have a strong alignment of values, beliefs about education, and a shared focus on improving children’s lives. We hope that working with Meridian will further strengthen our OWN family of schools, and we look forward to an exciting and secure future together.