LEO Academy Trust: A Leading Force in Learning, Excellence and Opportunity Across Sutton
LEO Academy Trust has emerged as one of the most forward-thinking and impactful multi-academy trusts in Sutton, England. Known for its commitment to high educational standards and a child-centred philosophy, the Trust has grown into a respected educational organisation that serves thousands of pupils across the London Borough of Sutton and parts of Surrey. With a strong focus on collaboration, inclusion, digital innovation, and academic excellence, LEO Academy Trust stands as a distinguished model of modern British schooling.
The Trust’s name reflects its core mission — Learning, Excellence, Opportunity — and its daily operations are firmly aligned with these values. From its visionary leadership to its high-performing academies, LEO Academy Trust represents a collective aspiration to develop confident, capable, and globally aware young learners.
Founding, Evolution and Growth of LEO Academy Trust
How LEO Academy Trust Began
Though the legal entity originates from earlier years, LEO Academy Trust in its current form was formally shaped in 2015, marking the beginning of a new chapter in collaborative education. The Trust expanded from a single school environment into a thriving multi-academy system dedicated to ensuring excellence across all its member schools.
The Vision of Phillip Hedger
A key figure in the establishment and growth of LEO Academy Trust is Phillip Hedger, the Chief Executive Officer. Recognised as an award-winning leader in UK education, Phillip Hedger played an instrumental role in developing the Trust’s identity, strategic direction, and educational standards. Under his leadership, LEO Academy Trust has grown significantly, gaining recognition for innovation, digital transformation, and system-wide improvement across its academies.
His experience in educational leadership, combined with his commitment to learner development, has positioned the Trust as a benchmark for quality in primary education. His involvement in national educational networks and professional bodies further reinforces his influence in shaping modern teaching practices.
Headquarters, Location and Administrative Structure
Head Office and Geographic Presence
The Headquarters of LEO Academy Trust is located at:
314 Malden Road, Cheam, Sutton, England SM3 8EP
This centralised office provides governance, strategic leadership, administration, staff development and support to all academies under the Trust’s umbrella.
Phone and Contact Information
For general enquiries, the Trust can be reached through its official phone number:
Phone: +44 20 8066 7130
Official Website
The Trust maintains a comprehensive official website where parents and stakeholders may access essential information, updates, and resources:
Website: www.leoacademytrust.co.uk
Scale, Capacity and Community Reach
LEO Academy Trust currently serves more than 4,500 pupils and employs over 600 staff members across multiple primary academies. This places the Trust among the significant educational bodies in the region, with a strong community presence and influence.
Its academies are located primarily in Sutton and parts of Surrey, making the Trust a central contributor to local education, family support, staff training, and academic development.
Academies Under LEO Academy Trust
A Family of Collaborative Primary Schools
While exact numbers may evolve with expansion, the Trust is widely known for operating a family of nine primary academies, each aligned with the Trust’s core values. These academies collaborate closely to share expertise, improve standards, support teachers, and maintain consistent quality across all learning environments.
The Trust emphasises a unified educational framework while allowing individual schools to retain their identity and cater to the needs of their local communities.
Core Principles and Educational Philosophy
Learning – Placing the Child at the Centre
At the heart of the Trust’s mission is the belief that every child deserves access to exceptional learning opportunities. This is reflected in:
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High expectations for all learners
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A broad, enriched curriculum
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Development of independence and confidence
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Continuous support for individual needs
Excellence – Setting Standards for Quality
To guarantee excellence across all schools, LEO Academy Trust:
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Maintains rigorous academic standards
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Supports staff through training and professional development
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Applies evidence-based teaching practices
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Conducts regular evaluations and improvement planning
The Trust’s emphasis on excellence ensures that pupils receive the highest level of education in a safe and nurturing environment.
Opportunity – Preparing Children for the Future
The Trust champions equal access to opportunity by:
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Encouraging leadership and creative thinking
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Creating digital-rich learning environments
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Embracing inclusive education
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Promoting global citizenship and social responsibility
By empowering children to be active and resilient learners, LEO Academy Trust prepares them not only for academic success but also for life beyond school.
Specialties of LEO Academy Trust
LEO Academy Trust is known for several key specialties that distinguish it from other educational organisations:
Primary Education Expertise
As a specialist provider of primary education, the Trust focuses on early learning development, foundational skills, literacy, numeracy, and personal growth.
Digital Learning and Innovation
The Trust is recognised for embracing digital transformation, including:
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Enhanced classroom technology
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One-to-one device programmes
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Modern learning platforms
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Digitally-skilled teachers
Strong Leadership and Governance
Through visionary leadership and a collaborative governance model, the Trust ensures stability, clarity and long-term sustainability for all its academies.
Community and Family Engagement
Engaging families and local communities remains a priority, ensuring wholesome development and greater support for pupils.
Why LEO Academy Trust Stands Out
LEO Academy Trust stands out due to its commitment to inclusive education, innovative teaching, strong leadership and consistent academic outcomes. Its structured approach combines traditional values with modern educational practices, creating a balanced and future-focused learning culture.
The Trust’s collaborative approach allows staff to share knowledge and enhance teaching quality across all schools. Its dedication to professional development ensures that teachers are well-equipped to deliver exceptional learning experiences.
Conclusion
LEO Academy Trust has become a major educational force in Sutton and the surrounding regions. With its strong principles of Learning, Excellence and Opportunity, forward-thinking leadership under Phillip Hedger, and commitment to providing outstanding primary education, the Trust continues to grow and positively influence the lives of thousands of children.
Through innovation, collaboration, and a clear focus on educational quality, LEO Academy Trust remains a shining example of what modern schooling can achieve in the United Kingdom.
