In March 2015, Wimborne Academy Trust was established, initially comprising 5 first and 2 middle schools in the Wimborne area of East Dorset. This grew to 13 schools by September 2019.

In February 2016, The Minerva Learning Trust was established, comprising 3 primary schools and 1 secondary school in the west Dorset town of Bridport.

In February 2023, The Minerva Learning Trust and Wimborne Academy Trust formed a new partnership and a new Trust: Initio Learning Trust.

Both founding trusts had strength in providing a high standard of education for their pupils and were confident that pupils could achieve more by joining forces. Both also had a common set of values based upon the importance of their communities and the ambition to do the very best for the young people in their care.

Senior leaders and those in governance worked closely together to agree a new name, vision, values and strategy for the future.