Place Group has developed an ongoing relationship with Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) which was formed in response to the national academy and free school programmes. Place Group provided a comprehensive pre-opening service to the Trust, including principal designate recruitment, governance, finance, marketing, education policy development and section 10 consultation. Derby Cathedral school opened successfully in 2018 with 180 Year 7 students and was oversubscribed for the first year of operation. Place Group has continued to work with DDAT on a number of additional projects.