Aspire Multi-Academy Trust Together in Achievement
About Us
I am delighted to welcome you to Aspire and Shine Education Trust (ASET), a family of 15 primary schools across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Aspire and Shine brings together Church of England and non-church primary schools within an exclusively primary-focused Trust. Our schools serve wonderfully diverse communities and each has its own character, history and relationship with its local community. We value and celebrate that individuality while recognising the strength and opportunities that come from working together.
Our number one priority will always be the education, wellbeing and future of every child in our schools. By bringing our schools together, we can share expertise, support one another and create greater opportunities for our children and staff.
Our Trust vision:
Be Courageous. Be Caring. Become…
captures the values that will guide us. It is about doing the right thing for children, caring for one another and creating the conditions in which children and adults can flourish and become the very best versions of themselves.
I hope these pages give you a sense of who we are, what matters to us and how we work together. If you would like to find out more about Aspire and Shine Education Trust, please do get in touch.
Kate Watson
Chief Executive Officer
Our Development
Aspire and Shine Education Trust was formed on 1st June 2026, bringing together Aspire Multi-Academy Trust and SHINE Multi-Academy Trust and building on the history, experience and achievements of both Trusts.
Today, ASET is a family of 15 primary schools across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Our new name and identity reflect the shared heritage of Aspire and SHINE and the next stage of our work together.
As an exclusively primary-focused Trust, we have the opportunity to build a strong network of school leaders and staff who can share expertise, develop opportunities and support one another, while ensuring that every school retains its own distinctive identity.
Our Offer
Being part of Aspire and Shine means being part of a connected and supportive family of primary schools, united by a shared commitment to helping every child flourish and fulfil their potential.
Our approach is built around:
- An exclusively primary focus, with expertise and support centred on the needs of primary schools.
- Respect for the individual character and identity of every school, including our Church of England and non-church schools.
- Strong collaboration between schools, leaders, staff, governors and the central Trust team.
- Opportunities to share expertise, experience and good practice across our schools.
- Wider professional expertise and opportunities for both children and staff.
- Welcoming, nurturing and inclusive school communities where children are known, valued and supported.
- The strength and support of the wider Trust while maintaining each school's history, character and relationship with its local community.
At the heart of Aspire and Shine is a clear purpose: putting children at the heart of everything we do.