Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Trust leaders have pulled the plug on proposals for an influential academy trust to hand a founding school over to another national chain. Ormiston Academies Trust had applied to the Department for Education to transfer its only academy in Thurrock to the Unity Schools Partnership (USP). It believed the move would allow Ormiston Park Academy, one of the first schools it took on, “to join a trust with strong local presence and capacity…creating opportunities for staff to collaborate, share ideas and best practice”. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.