Falcons Primary School MAT Consultation
Proposal for Falcons Primary School to join Lionheart Educational Trust
Falcons Primary School has been exploring the opportunity to join a multi-academy trust (MAT). Following extensive research and due diligence by Trustees, Governors and School Leaders, Falcons have selected Lionheart Educational Trust as the MAT we wish to join.
As a school rooted in our communities, we are committed to enabling stakeholders to learn more, ask questions and offer feedback.
Below, you will find:
- A series of frequently asked questions and answers
- An invitation to attend our consultation event where you can ask questions and feedback
- A form where you can give feedback online
PARENTS/STAFF CONSULTATION EVENT
Date/Time: Monday 8th December 2025, 3:30pm
Location: Falcons Primary School, Gipsy Lane, Leicester
Book your place: Click here to reserve your space
FEEDBACK FORM
You can feedback online using this form: Falcons Primary Consultations Feedback Form
Paper forms can be collected from and returned to Falcons Primary School Office.
MAT Consultation Meeting - 8th Dec 2025
MAT Consultation Letter - Punjabi
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION EVENT
Date/Time: Monday 8th December 2025, 5:30pm
Location: Falcons Primary School, Gipsy Lane, Leicester
Book your place: Click here to reserve your space
FEEDBACK FORM
You can feedback online using this form: Falcons Primary Consultations Feedback Form
Paper forms can be collected from and returned to Falcons Primary School Office.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a multi-academy trust (MAT)?
It is a co-operative group of schools, often a mix of both Primary and Secondary schools, who each operate with their own staff and pupils. Each MAT also has a central organisation which supports every school within their trust. This can include specialist support for children with special needs, professional development opportunities for staff, and a multitude of other services where the schools collaborate.
What MATs have been explored?
In our search for the right fit, we have explored various MATs, both within the Sikh community and beyond. We have considered MATs that respect and celebrate our Sikh faith, ensuring that our pupils’ spiritual and cultural needs are not only met but enhanced. These include non-Sikh MATs, such as Lionheart Educational Trust, that are committed to inclusivity and diversity, where our Sikh values can enrich the overall ethos and culture of the Trust.
Who is Lionheart Educational Trust?
Lionheart is a MAT with 17 schools in Leicester, Leicestershire and South Derbyshire. A mix of Primary, Junior, Secondary and Sixth Forms make up the Trust and include Beauchamp College and Brocks Hill Primary in Oadby, Judgemeadow Community College in Evington, and several primary schools in nearby Birstall, Leicester. The Trust educates around 13,000 pupils and employs around 1,700 staff across their schools and central trust. Many Falcons pupils go on to Lionheart secondary schools; around 700 current Lionheart pupils are of the Sikh faith, giving our pupils a wider network of other young people with whom to connect.
Lionheart has strong values and high academic expectations, that align with Falcons’. Their mission is to ensure that every person, from every background and starting point, is provided with the best academic and holistic opportunities to fulfil their ambitions. Equity and inclusivity are at their core and woven throughout their school communities.
Joining a MAT, particularly one that shares or embraces our values, offers us a unique opportunity to extend our Sikh ethos beyond our school. By collaborating with other schools that align with our values, we can make a significant impact on a larger scale. This is an opportunity for Falcons to contribute, learn and inspire, which we are excited about.
Why has a local MAT been selected over a Sikh MAT?
A local network of support, where we can meet, collaborate and share best practice, will bring greater benefits to Falcons’ pupils and staff. We believe a strong local Trust like Lionheart that can provide support, while also ensuring the continuation of our Sikh identity, offers us the greatest benefits.
What assurances are there that Falcons will not lose its Sikh faith status?
Lionheart wholeheartedly support our Sikh faith school status and wish to help us grow the number of Sikh families who choose Falcons for their children. To provide long-term assurance, Lionheart will add to their ‘Articles of Association’ (a legal contract) to protect Falcons’ Sikh identity and ensure that this cannot be changed.
Lionheart are also committed to exploring how they can work with Sikh educators and communities, to ensure Sikh pupils are supported in their faith and personal growth, through educational opportunities.
Do Lionheart support Falcons’ ambition to open a Sikh Secondary School?
Lionheart fully support the retention of our school’s Sikh values and will work with Falcons to forge pathways aligned to the Sikh faith, for pupils at secondary age. The provision of a Sikh faith secondary school in Leicestershire, however, is not determined by Lionheart. Influencing factors include its viability (ensuring there are enough pupils who wish to apply for a place) and an opportunity from the Department for Education (Government) to apply to open a new free school. It is worth noting, however, that Lionheart has considerable experience and success at making free school bids.
How will joining Lionheart affect Falcons financially?
Lionheart is extremely well managed in every aspect, including financially, and they have a long record of robust financial accounts. By Falcons joining Lionheart, it will provide us with the support we need, particularly as we face ongoing budget constraints. Pooling resources and sharing services across the MAT will put Falcons in a stronger position to continue offering high-quality education, invest in teaching resources, and support the development of our school community.
A further advantage of being part of a larger Trust is that we will be able to explore new funding opportunities and more sustainable ways to ensure the long-term financial health of our school. This will not only benefit our current pupils but will allow us to continue to grow, adapt, and thrive in a challenging educational landscape.
Are there other advantages to joining Lionheart?
We believe the strength and reputation of Lionheart will help us to attract more families to our school, ensuring that Falcons Primary School continues to grow and thrive. The ability to share our outstanding Sikh ethos with a wider community of schools will raise our profile and further strengthen our standing as a beacon of high-quality education rooted in strong values.
Will there be further educational opportunities for pupils?
Pupils will enjoy a wealth of opportunities to enhance their educational experiences. Collaboration between Falcons and other Lionheart schools across the East Midlands will allow us to share best practices, access new teaching resources, and provide a broader curriculum, all of which will benefit our pupils.
Will anything change for staff at Falcons Primary?
Staff will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to collaborate with colleagues from other schools within the Trust. This will enhance their skills, support their career development, and ultimately benefit the learning experiences they provide for our pupils.
