Sussex Learning Trust aims to play an integral part in providing the highest possible educational opportunities for children and young people via a network of academies committed to partnership working for the benefit of pupils and students.
Jonathan Morris, CEO
Introducing Sussex Learning Trust
We are proud of who we are, and what we stand for. At Sussex Learning Trust (SLT), everything we do is driven by a simple, powerful focus: children come first.
Too often, decisions in education are made without truly considering the needs and experiences of young people. We work hard to keep children at the centre of every conversation, every plan, and every improvement we make. While our methods continue to evolve, our vision and values remain constant and grounded in care, integrity, and a belief that education changes lives.
A Trust is only as strong as its people. That’s why we are uncompromising in our approach to leadership and recruitment. Our senior executive team brings deep expertise and a proven track record across education. More importantly, every member of our team is united by a shared moral purpose and a determination to always do better today than we did yesterday.
2011
Warden Park Academy Trust FOUNDING
The Trust began life following the conversion of Warden Park Secondary in Cuckfield to academy status – one of the first schools in the country to do so. Since then, Warden Park Secondary Academy (WPSA) has continued to go from strength to strength.
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2012
Warden Park Primary Academy PRIMARY
Heyworth Primary School in Haywards Heath joined the Trust and was renamed Warden Park Primary Academy (WPPA). Its transformation from ‘special measures’ to the brink of ‘outstanding’ is a powerful example of how strong leadership and collaboration across the Trust can deliver exceptional outcomes.
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2014
Sussex Learning Trust REBRAND
The Trust appointed Jonathan Morris as CEO and rebranded as Sussex Learning Trust to reflect its broader ambition to support and develop schools across the region.
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2017
Northlands Wood Primary Academy PRIMARY
Northlands Wood Primary Academy (NWPA) joined SLT. Thanks to excellent leadership and a culture of collaboration, NWPA is now a thriving, popular school where both pupils and staff flourish.
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2023
Woodgate Primary Academy PRIMARY
Following the closure of a local village school and its subsequent reopening in a new building, Woodgate Primary Academy (WGPA) joined the Trust. The school is rapidly growing and enjoys a strong reputation within the community.
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2023
Chichester Free School ALL-THROUGH
Chichester Free School (CFS) – an established all-through school which was originally a standalone academy trust – chose to join SLT. The partnership between CFS and the Trust has already proven to be highly productive and supportive.
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2024
Billingshurst Primary Academy PRIMARY
Billingshurst Primary Academy (BHPA) selected Sussex Learning Trust as its sponsor in June 2024. We are now working closely with its leadership and governing body to strengthen outcomes and opportunities for all pupils.
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Looking to the Future
The Trust has been approved to open a brand new school in Burgess Hill as part of the Northern Arc development, and is in discussions with another local secondary school about joining the Trust.
A defining feature of Sussex Learning Trust is the outstanding relationship between our primary and secondary academies. Through shared learning projects, joint professional development, and strong pedagogical links, our schools benefit from a culture of collaboration and mutual support, enriching the experience of staff and students alike.
The Power of Collaboration
At Sussex Learning Trust, we believe the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When professionals come together – whether it’s two Headteachers sharing ideas or subject leads refining a curriculum – everyone benefits. Collaboration brings fresh insight, sharper strategy, and stronger outcomes.
This principle applies across all areas of school life. From capital projects to commissioned services, drawing on the collective experience of multiple schools leads to smarter decisions, greater efficiency, and better value. It’s not just common sense. It’s a proven driver of school improvement.
Our role as a Trust is to create the conditions where meaningful collaboration can thrive. But we’re clear: joint working must ultimately benefit pupils. If it doesn’t lead to a better experience, opportunity, or outcome for at least one child in one school, it hasn’t achieved its purpose.
At the same time, every act of collaboration fuels professional growth. Each conversation, shared challenge, and co-designed solution builds confidence, strengthens capability, and increases our collective impact.
