There are a number of reasons why a single (sometimes called a ‘standalone’) academy may want to join an existing multi academy trust (MAT), for example: to comply with the Government’s clearly stated intention for all schools to be in strong multi academy trusts by 2030 being part of a MAT may give the academy school access to better resources or support the academy school may already work very closely with other schools in the MAT and joining the MAT would be the natural next step the single academy may not feel it has the capacity to continue as a single academy the single academy may be required to become a sponsored academy school.