BTCT Stakeholder Engagement

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust and Quantock Education Trust: Exploration of a Merger

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is committed to ensuring that Every Child Achieves. As education continues to evolve, we are exploring opportunities that strengthen our schools, support our staff, and improve outcomes for young people.

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust (BTC Trust) and Quantock Education Trust (QET) have agreed to begin a joint exploration into the possibility of merging. Working together could help us create a stronger, more resilient Somerset based Trust that better supports our schools, develops our staff, and delivers excellent education for all pupils.  This comes alongside a proposal for West Somerset College, currently part of our Trust, to join another Trust as part of a strategy to develop education in the area to best meet the needs of young people.

These proposals are at an early exploratory stage, and no decisions have been made by the Department for Education.  However, we are committed to working closely in partnership with other Trusts in the Somerset area to look at how our shared values, expertise and resources can benefit the communities we serve.

Why explore a merger with QET?

A merger could help us to:

  • Create a stronger, more ambitious education offer across Somerset
  • Strengthen teaching and learning in all schools
  • Enhance state boarding provision
  • Build clear pathways from early years to post 16
  • Share expertise across a wider network
  • Use resources more effectively
  • Expand professional development and career opportunities for staff
  • Build a more resilient and future focused Trust

Our schools

Together, BTCT and QET Trust would bring together 15 primary, secondary and all through schools across Bridgwater, Crewkerne, Street, Bruton and surrounding areas. This would support around 7,500 pupils and more than 1,000 staff.

Trust Primary Secondary
Quantock Education Trust
  • Spaxton CofE Primary School
  • Stogursey Church of England Primary School
  • Merriott Primary School
  • Ashlands Church of England Primary School
  • St Bartholomew's Church of England Primary School
  • Haselbury Plucknett Church of England Primary School
  • Haygrove School
  • Sexey's School
Trust Primary Secondary
Bridgwater and Taunton College Trust
  • Brookside Community Primary School
  • Maiden Beech Academy
  • Hamp Academy
  • Otterhampton Primary Scho
  • Stanchester Academy
  • Brymore Academy
Bridgwater College Academy (All-through)

Our vision

Our shared ambition is to create a high quality, Somerset focused Trust offering a seamless education pathway—from early years through to degree level study. This cradle to career approach aims to strengthen transitions, raise aspirations and help every young person reach their full potential. We are equally committed to supporting our staff through excellent training, leadership development and a collaborative, evidence informed culture.

Questions or feedback?

We know families and staff will have questions at this stage. Our Frequently Asked Questions documents are available below.

You can also share comments or questions using our:

Stakeholder Engagement Form

Document Title Date Download
BTCT Parent Letter Final 03rd Feb 2026 Download
FAQs for Parents BTCT February 2026 03rd Feb 2026 Download
WSC Parents Final 03rd Feb 2026 Download
WSC Parents FAQ 03rd Feb 2026 Download