Become an LST School

Why Schools Choose LST

At LST, we believe strong partnerships create the conditions for every child, every colleague and every community to thrive. Schools join us because they want to be part of a values-led Trust with a proven track record of school improvement, long-term investment and ambitious innovation.

We combine strong educational outcomes with deep operational support, helping schools retain their identity while benefiting from the strength of a wider Trust community.

A Proven Track Record

LST has a strong history of improving schools and delivering excellent outcomes for children and young people. Our approach is built on high-quality teaching, a clear curriculum vision and strong leadership at every level.

Schools within LST benefit from the expertise of our central Shared Services Team, providing support across education, inclusion, finance, operations, safeguarding and people development. This allows school leaders to focus on what matters most - delivering an exceptional education for pupils.

Long-Term Investment Through the Laidlaw Foundation

What makes LST different is the additional investment and strategic backing provided through the Laidlaw Foundation. This enables us to offer opportunities and initiatives that go beyond the traditional multi-academy trust model.

Our Trust-wide programmes are designed to improve outcomes, remove barriers and create life-changing opportunities for children and families.

Our Distinctive Trust-Wide Offer

Best Possible Start

We are committed to giving every child the strongest possible foundation for learning. Through our fully funded 30-hour nursery offer and ambitious early years strategy, children begin school ready to thrive.

One Child, One Device

Every pupil benefits from access to their own digital device, ensuring equity of access to learning and future-ready digital skills. This is supported through high-quality staff development delivered by the Apple Regional Training Centre.

Inclusion Without Limits

Our Skylight model provides high-quality, scalable SEND provision within mainstream education, helping more children succeed in their local school and community.

Beyond the Classroom

Through Laidlaw Plus, we invest in character development, enrichment and wellbeing. Pupils benefit from wider experiences, enhanced pastoral support and opportunities that extend far beyond the curriculum.

Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Purpose

We invest heavily in professional development, leadership progression and collaboration, creating a skilled, stable and ambitious workforce across the Trust.

Place-Based Civic Leadership

Through the Fellowship of Education, we bring together schools, employers and civic organisations to strengthen opportunities for children and communities. We are proud to play an active civic leadership role within the places we serve.

A Partnership Approach

We know that joining a Trust is one of the most important decisions a school will make. That’s why we prioritise relationships, collaboration and trust.

We work alongside school leaders to understand their context, strengths and ambitions, building partnerships that are supportive, sustainable and focused on long-term success.

Schools considering joining LST often first engage with us through:

• School improvement partnerships
• Leadership networks and collaboration
• SEND and inclusion support
• Professional development and CPD
• Digital innovation and training
• Transition and curriculum collaboration
• Place-based community partnerships

Our aim is simple: to create a Trust where schools, staff and pupils can achieve more together than they ever could alone.

Would like to know more? Simply fill out the form below and one of our senior team will be happy to get in touch with you.