About CSET

CSET is a charitable trust, constituted and governed under charity law. Our charitable object is ‘to advance education for the public benefit’. The Trust is accountable to the UK government, with whose agreement we are funded by the taxpayer to run schools for local children. However, we have a responsibility that is much broader than this – to all those with a stake in our schools, including parents, staff, the wider community, and of course most importantly children and young people themselves.

CSET was formed in March 2013 by The Castle School in Thornbury. Over the following years, a number of sponsored schools joined the trust: Charfield Primary in September 2013, Severn Beach Primary in September 2014, Marlwood School in November 2014, and Mangotsfield School in September 2015. Lyde Green Primary opened as a new school in September 2015. Downend School became a single academy trust in 2013 under an umbrella partnership with CSET, and integrated formally into the CSET group in May 2016. Tortworth Primary joined the trust in September 2023, and Cherry Garden Primary in April 2024. 

Each of the schools in the trust has its own unique identity and ethos. Being part of a family of schools brings robust challenge and support as well as opportunities to share expertise, provision and costs across our schools.