The Trustees of DEMAT have been considering the longer-term ambitions of the Trust and how it can further support both our existing schools and those further afield who would benefit from closer working. We are in the midst of the pre-opening phase for our new secondary school, Alconbury Weald Church Academy, and want to build on the momentum this is generating to increase our capacity as a Trust.
DEMAT was originally established in March 2013 by the Diocese of Ely to provide a home for the church schools within the diocese whom needed to become an academy. As the education sector has matured so has the Trust and we are now much more proactive in supporting developments across the sector both within and beyond our diocesan boundaries. To support this expanded remit and potential growth beyond the Ely boundary Trustees and Members have agreed to change the name of DEMAT in order to better represent how the Trust and its schools have evolved since 2013.
From September 2026, we will be known as Grace Schools, and you will start to see the revised branding and name being used both internally and externally. Grace Schools represents our commitment to the founding principles established by the Diocese of Ely and the unique position we have supporting church schools. It also provides clarity between the distinctly different roles and responsibilities that the Trust has compared to the role of the Diocese, particularly as we look to support schools beyond our existing geographical boundaries.
Our website will be updating to www.graceschools.org.uk in August and our revised branding will be phased in throughout the Summer term.
Creating the foundations to build successful futures
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
Welcome to DEMAT (Soon to be Grace Schools)
The DEMAT family exists to create the foundations for our pupils to build successful futures. Our pupils deserve educational excellence and we are committed to delivering that entitlement to ensure all DEMAT pupils secure the knowledge, confidence and expertise to succeed in their later lives.
We recognise the importance of continually improving the quality of education across our academies. As a result, we will invest in developing our curriculum, teaching and wider provision to ensure these improvements are realised. Our academies will give children the chance to learn, know and lead in a happy and inclusive environment. Most importantly, we will provide them with a firm foundation for the future and the opportunity to succeed.
We will equip children with the skills and knowledge to fulfil their potential, to build their confidence and aspirations. So, our aim is to help them understand the positive role they can play in their local communities. Above all, we seek to instil a lifelong love of learning and to expand each child’s horizons, giving them the tools to succeed in whatever they set their minds to.
The Church of England has been providing high quality education in England for more than 200 years. The DEMAT family continues this legacy providing the best education and life chances through our values of Love, Community, Trust, Respect and Ambition.
To learn. To know. To lead out.
