Academy Conversions

 

Our team includes professionals who all sit on Trust Boards and governing bodies. It means that we look at things differently. We see conversion from the perspective of the school, not just from a business point of view.

Now that the Academy Conversion Grant has been discontinued, it is more important than ever to seek quality advice and support at a cost-effective price. The key motivation when J & G Marshall was established was finding a way carry out conversions more effectively and efficiently so that more of the school’s monies could be directed to the classroom where possible. Our fixed price conversion package has always given peace of mind to a school and Trust that no nasty surprises crop up financially down the line.

Our single fee structure ensures that conversion grants can support education outcomes, rather than being swallowed up by legal fees and administration.

For £11,500 + VAT, our service includes everything you need.

 

  • Help with your application
  • Company set up – Articles and Memorandum
  • Commercial Transfer Agreement, plus schedules
  • Funding Agreement and Annexes
  • Land Transfer/Lease
  • TUPE guidance
  • Support sourcing finance system
  • Support sourcing HR/Employment Lawyers and Accountants
  • Full project management
  • Guidance on insurance, banking facilities and pensions
  • Where applicable, full liaison with the LA, DfE and Diocese

J&G Marshall offers a full and comprehensive transfer solution, so governors, senior leaders and the wider school community can focus on education.

Read the testimonials page to see exactly what our clients say about us and then contact us to discuss how we can support your journey.

When we started on our MAT journey Jeff’s company came up in our research. They had testimonials from other trusts in our area and from people I knew and respected. After making contact with Jeff, back in November 2019, and up until the present day, I cannot speak highly enough of the service he and his team have provided. Jeff has supported us, challenged the DfE on our behalf, assisted us in jumping through numerous hoops, used his nationwide contacts to ensure we were best placed for conversion and has become a personal friend and guide to me and our chair of trustees. Jeff and his team worked with us for over two years before we paid anything to his company for the services provided. That spoke volumes! Jeff went out of his way to find out whether our Trust was eligible for TCaF funding, and when we were, provided support and guidance leading to the Trust receiving a significant sum to develop central functions. This was beyond the remit of the conversion contract and there was no charge for this. We have been so impressed by his team’s work that we have commissioned Trust and LGB audits from him, along with a growth audit and CEO training course. All of these have been of high quality and helped the Trust develop further. I would be happy to speak to anyone considering using J&G Marshall to tell them of our experience which was first class and definitely value for money.

Steve Campbell, CEO, LET Education Trust

 

The successful launch of Four Hills Education Trust in September 2025 is a direct result of the outstanding support and guidance provided by Jeff Marshall and his team at J&G Marshall. From the earliest stages of planning through to the official opening, their expertise in academy conversion and trust establishment has been invaluable. Quite simply, without Jeff and his team, we would not have been able to launch the trust as smoothly or as successfully as we did. J&G Marshall’s philosophy of seeing the process from the perspective of schools rather than policy makers was evident throughout our journey. Their ability to handle the complexities of conversion, while allowing us to remain focused on educational outcomes, meant that we could concentrate on our pupils and staff, confident that the technical and regulatory aspects were in safe hands. Jeff’s insights and practical advice ensured that we completed our first DfE audit within the very first term with ease, a milestone that speaks volumes about the thorough preparation and strategic guidance we received. Alongside this, I undertook the Becoming the CEO professional development programme through Marshall Professional Development. This accredited, modular programme provided me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to step into the CEO role effectively. Its focus on practical rather than theoretical learning, designed in collaboration with experienced CEOs, gave me the tools I needed to lead our trust with assurance from day one. Now that the trust is established, Jeff’s ongoing support continues to be instrumental. His team’s experience in governance reviews, MAT growth audits, and strategic planning is helping us strengthen our governance structures and shape our growth strategy for the future. Jeff himself is personable, approachable, and fully invested in the success of those he works with. His commitment goes far beyond consultancy, it feels like a genuine partnership, with our trust’s success as his priority.

Kirsty Osman, CEO of Four HIlls Education Trust