A multi-academy trust made up of more than 40 schools across the north of England has signed UNISON’s learning agreement.

̨��swag Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) has its headquarters in Wakefield and 27 schools across Yorkshire and Humberside, as well as institutions in the East Midlands, the North West and the North East.

The learning agreement is a commitment from OGAT to help ensure staff who are UNISON members can engage with training and education opportunities provided by the union wherever possible.

UNISON has already provided an online training course for staff working at OGAT, with two more scheduled in the coming weeks. The union also intends to provide further training courses for staff once the new school year begins in September.

UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside OGAT lead Jamie Thompson said:

“I’m delighted that OGAT has agreed to sign this learning agreement.

“It’s an investment in their staff, and an acknowledgement of how important they are.

“Hopefully this is just the start of a productive arrangement between OGAT and UNISON which will see many staff members benefit.

“I’m excited to be working with OGAT and planning ahead for courses in the autumn, as well as encouraging members to take on the role of union learning rep in their school.”

OGAT chief executive officer Lee Wilson said:

“We are incredibly proud and pleased to join with UNISON in signing this learning agreement. It represents a fundamental recognition and commitment to our invaluable support staff, both in schools and within our trust’s central teams.

“These dedicated individuals are the heartbeat of our organisation, providing vital support to teachers and leaders, ensuring our schools run smoothly, and crucially, offering essential academic, social, and emotional support to some of our most vulnerable children.

“This agreement is a key milestone in strengthening our commitment to their continuous professional development. It ensures our support staff have access to the professional learning that empowers them to be confident experts in their roles, making the difference our children need. By investing in this workforce, we are, in turn, investing in the potential of future generations.

“We see this as a significant step forward in our long-term partnership with the ̨��swag Institute of Education, which already champions career development and professional learning across our entire workforce.”