Introducing Meridian Trust 

For more than a decade, Meridian Trust has grown into one of the country’s most respected and admired academy trusts. It is recognised as a national leader in education and a source of pride to the families, staff and communities it serves. 

The values of Meridian Trust are at the heart of everything it does: 

• Every child is known, equally valued, and supported to achieve their full potential across all its academies. 

• Every community benefits from the facilities and services Meridian provides. 

• Every member of staff is part of strong networks, offered excellent career opportunities, and supported in a human and respectful way where they are equally valued. 

• Every school retains and continues to develop its unique identity, while actively sharing and contributing to the Trust’s values, curriculum approaches, and operational systems. 

While its schools share Meridian Trust’s values, curriculum principles and support structures, the Trust ensures that well-run schools retain and build on their individual ethos and place in the community. 

 

A Growing and Experienced Trust 

Today, Meridian Trust includes: 

• 1 all-through school (ages 4–19) 

• 14 primary schools 

• 12 secondary schools 

• 3 special schools 

The Trust is continuing to grow carefully and purposefully. Crosshall Infant and Junior Schools are expected to join in September 2025. In addition, three new schools are currently in development: Saltbrook Primary (Sawtry), Greensands SEMH (Gamlingay), and Darwin Green Secondary (Cambridge). Due diligence has also recently begun with Manor School in Raunds. 

Meridian Trust supports schools across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, working in close partnership with the communities it serves. 

 

Meet the CEO: A Familiar Face 

Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust, has led the organisation since 2013, overseeing its growth from a trust of two schools to more than thirty. 

Mark began his teaching career in Peterborough at Deacon’s School, later moving into leadership roles at Jack Hunt School and Sawtry Village Academy. He became Vice Principal at Swavesey Village College, and subsequently Headteacher of Nene Park Academy, now a key Meridian Trust school. 

Mark is highly familiar with the OWN Trust community. He previously served as a Governor at Nene Valley and Woodston Primary Schools and was a Trustee of OWN Trust from 2019 to 2024. He now returns as Interim CEO of OWN Trust, while continuing to lead Meridian Trust. 

With a strong understanding of the local context, families and school communities in Peterborough, Mark is committed to ensuring that any transition is well-informed, well-managed, and focused on the best outcomes for children. 

Beyond his educational work, Mark is a lifelong Peterborough United (Posh) fan, a Trustee of University Centre Peterborough, and a long-time supporter of strong local partnerships. 

 

How Meridian Trust Supports Schools 

Schools that join Meridian Trust benefit from: 

• Strong educational networks and curriculum support 

• Robust operational services including finance, estates, HR, IT and health & safety.

• Access to SEND expertise and professional networks.

• A powerful recruitment and retention offer, including the Meridian Teaching School Hub and ITT programmes, which train over 150 new teachers annually. 

• Local partnerships, practical support, and the capacity of a national leader in education.

Meridian Trust provides challenge, support and opportunity for every pupil, every member of staff, and every school. 

 

Stronger Together 

By joining Meridian Trust, OWN Trust schools would become part of a wider family of schools working together for the benefit of children, staff and the community. Each school would retain its own identity and ethos while gaining the stability and opportunities that come with being part of a strong and experienced trust. 

Meridian Trust has a deep understanding of Peterborough and is firmly committed to it. From primary through to secondary, the Trust is already rooted in the city and looks forward to extending its work in partnership with schools, families and communities. 

For more details about Meridian Trust, please visit its website: https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/