Following a period of constructive partnership working between Atomix Educational Trust, River Tees Multi-Academy Trust (RTMAT), and the Department for Education, a proposal has been put forward for Bishopton to join RTMAT, a Trust with extensive expertise in specialist and alternative provision. RTMAT runs five academies across Teesside and Gateshead, including primary and secondary alternative provision, a hospital school and a special school.
The proposal reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that Bishopton flourishes and that children and young people benefit from the strongest possible specialist support, opportunities and expertise. Both Trusts believe that specialist settings are best placed within organisations whose primary focus is meeting the needs of children and young people with complex needs. This reflects the national direction. The government’s schools white paper, Every child achieving and thriving, published in February 2026, sets out a future in which every school is part of a Trust, with high-quality specialist provision for children with complex needs. Alongside it, the Department for Education describes alternative provision as part of the specialist sector, with a key role in supporting children and young people with the most complex needs.
In a joint statement, Dr Nichole Munro, Chief Executive Officer of Atomix Educational Trust, and Christina Jones, Chief Executive Officer of RTMAT, describe the proposal as a positive and strategic step which aligns Bishopton with a Trust whose specialist knowledge, networks and experience are closely matched to the needs of the school and its community.
Atomix has been proud to support Bishopton and remains committed to ensuring its smooth and successful transition, expected in the spring term. Atomix has also been working hard to make significant improvements around safeguarding and the curriculum at Bishopton in recent months, with an inspection by Ofsted which took place in October highlighting clear improvement in both areas. Throughout this process, the focus has remained firmly on what is right for pupils, families and staff, with all partners working together openly and collaboratively to secure the strongest long-term future for the provision. Atomix Educational Trust is home to two sixth form colleges, adult education, a primary school, a day nursery, executive education and Bishopton. RTMAT focuses entirely on specialist and alternative provision, which is why both Trusts believe it is the right home for Bishopton.
Importantly, day-to-day education and support for pupils will continue as normal throughout the process, with safeguarding, wellbeing and educational outcomes remaining the highest priority. The proposal is subject to approval by the Department for Education. Families with questions can contact Bishopton on 01642 566369. This proposal demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together in the best interests of children and communities. By bringing together the strengths of both Trusts, it creates a strong foundation for Bishopton to deliver high-quality specialist education and support for many years to come.