Our story so far

In 2013, Bury College Education Trust, sponsored by further education provider Bury College, opened with the aim of supporting young learners to fulfil their academic potential and becoming successful lifelong learners.

Quickly growing from one to three schools, we worked in close partnership with our school communities, helping them to thrive and grow, not to mention navigate some of the most difficult times for schools in recent memory.

After supporting our schools to find their feet again post-pandemic, we began looking to the future and the continued development of our Trust.

2024 was a very significant year for us. We celebrated strong academic results, positive Ofsted outcomes and strengthened our pastoral and enrichment support for our pupils. We were also proud to welcome two more schools into our Trust family.

That is why we felt it was important to stop and reflect on our journey so far and look at how we prepared for the next chapter of our progress. Reviewing our vision, values and identity, in 2025 we became The Keep Learning Trust.

The reference to a castle’s keep is not only a nod to our proud Bury roots (the name of our town is based on the Old English word for castle) but it reflects the fact that we want to be a place of sanctuary and support for our schools and young people.

We also evolved our vision statement:

By working together, we create lifelong chances and choices for all our pupils

For us, this encapsulates that through collaboration and partnership, we create not just opportunities for our brilliant young people – but also help instil the aspiration that will ensure they grasp the chances that come their way throughout their education and careers.

We are very excited to write the next chapter of our Trust’s history, and look forward to welcoming more schools and partners to join us on our journey.