Everton Education Trust Rebrands as Multi-Academy Trust

Everton's education trust has been renamed Everton Multi-Academy Trust (EMAT), formalising a deepened association between the club and its network of six schools across Merseyside, Wirral and Cheshire.

The trust, previously known as The People's Learning Trust, traces its roots to the launch of Everton Free School in 2012 — the first institution of its kind to be opened by a Premier League football club.

Labour MP and Minister of State for School Standards Georgia Gould visited Goodison Park ahead of the announcement to view EMAT's provision, including newly redeveloped classrooms for Everton Football College housed in the stadium's former hospitality and broadcast spaces in the Park End stand.

Steven Baker OBE, CEO of Everton Multi-Academy Trust, said: "This is a proud day for our Trust, and an exciting day for our future. Our association with Everton goes back to the opening of Everton Free School and Football College 14 years ago."

Baker added that the trust has "combined the power of football and the Everton crest with our award-winning approach to education, helping all children to thrive, while having a particularly positive impact on those from disadvantaged backgrounds, those who have previously disengaged from education, and SEND pupils."

In 2024, Everton Free School and Everton Football College were jointly awarded an 'Outstanding' rating by Ofsted. Inspectors described the transformation in pupils' behaviour as "remarkable" and the Football College curriculum delivery as "exceptional". The trust was also named the country's leading trust of nine schools or fewer at the TES Schools Awards in June.

The new Goodison Park facilities will allow Everton Football College to offer up to 250 students access to sport-based learning and qualifications, including a full honours degree programme.

Alison Haynes, Everton's Chief Tax and Sustainability Officer and Chair of the EMAT Trustees, said: "The Everton name has the power to inspire, to promote change and to bring people together."

Goodison Park has served as the dedicated home of Everton Women since hosting its final Premier League fixture in May 2025. Expansion plans are expected to bring additional schools into the EMAT network, which currently includes Everton Free School, Everton Football College, Oldfield Primary School, Bidston Avenue Primary School, Meadow Community Primary School and Waterside Academy.